MOVEMENT OFF THE BALL
Movement off the ball (similar to earlier drills, but the coach here is working on movement while not in possession).
Players should be encouraged to look for space and not to stand still and wait until the ball comes to them.
This alertness, and general movement can become a habit that begins on a training area.
Here are some early practices: -
Practice 1
2 players, 1 ball, in an area 10 metres square. (A) in possession of the ball to start
Diagram 1
The practice is (A) passes to (B) and then has to reach position (A2) to receive B's first time pass.
(A) can pass with the side of the foot or lob the ball to (B) who would then have to volley it back towards (A) at (A2)
Practice 2 (Third man running)
Similar to practice (1), only now 3 players
Diagram 2
(A) in possession of the ball in the 10 metre square
The practice is (A) serves to (B) who passes 1st time to (C) who moves across to (C2)
C then becomes the server, to A and it is up to B to move to a new position to receive A's pass.
Practice 3 (Continual movement) (1st time passing)
Again 10 metre square, (A) in possession to start the practice
Diagram 3
(A) passes to (B) who 1st time lays off to (C) who has moved to position (C2).
(C2) now passes 1st time to either (B), who has moved to (B2) OR to (A) who is at (A2).
So the practice continues with continual movement by all 3 players, and first time passing.
