Players learning to make decisions
It is important for all players to be able to evaluate the play, have real vision and see what options are open.
This requires some experience, but the earlier (in age) players start the better. All the skills and techniques described in earlier practices have to be used in the context of the game, and there are practices that help develop players to take in the whole picture and make decisions.
Practice (1)
The players (P’s) line up approximately 20 meters around the area as in diagram (1), two footballs
The practice is for players to run with their ball across the area and then pass to a free player
On receiving the ball the free player, runs round the outside of one of the players next to him before running across the circle. In diagram (1) (P1) runs across and replaces (P6), who collects the ball runs round the back of (P7) before running across to deliver to (P4).
While this is going on (P5) runs across to (P2), who runs round (P3) then goes across to (P7).
COACHES SHOULD INSIST ON: -
Quality of running with the ball
A good collect and first touch
Good quality of delivery when passing the ball on
Correct body position when receiving
Players looking up and around to see available options
