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RUNNING WITH THE BALL (CHANGING PACE)

Players, during any game, need to change pace and direction whilst in possession of the ball, and in the initial stages particularly the technique of this needs practice and repetition.

Practice 1

Diagram 1

4 players line up A, B, C, D, outside an area 15 metres in length
The area is divided into 3 sections of 5 metres as in diagram (1)
5 cones are placed in the middle section (spaced 1 metre apart)
1 cone is placed on the far line 15 metres from the start

The practice is for each player (with a ball) to complete the exercise keeping the ball under full control.

NB. COACHES SHOULD INSIST ON TECHNICAL ABILITY FIRST, BEFORE SPEED IS CONSIDERED

Practice

(1) A, B, C and D, set off to the 1st 5 metre line, then back sharply and return to the start point
(2) On reaching the base line, they turn again up to the centre cones and weave in and out of them using both feet
(3) They then proceed to the top line, go round the farthest cone and then return to the start - using both feet - and maintaining control of the ball (within 2 metres of the player.)

As players improve coaches can race players against each other to add another competitive element to the practice.

Practice 2

An exercise that starts half way between the penalty area and the half way line, the Coach acting as server to demonstrate the initial pass.

  The Coach passes towards (but on the outside) one of the outer markers (1) - he plays the ball with sufficient strength that should allow the 1st player (A) to arrive at the marker at the same time as the ball.

  Taking control of the ball (A) turns round the post (1) comes back to go round the centre post (3), from where he tries a shot at goal, which is covered by a goalkeeper

This should work at the techniques of a quick turn, change of pace, and a shot (with the left foot).

  That completed, the ball is passed towards post (2) for (B) to chase, and after he has gone round the two posts he would probably be shooting with his right foot.

  The Coach then gives way to a player to provide the initial pass, so as to concentrate more fully on the technique of the players - who will change roles.