RUNNING WITH THE BALL (CONTROL)
Practice 1
Diagram 1
* Area - 20 metres in length x 20 metres in width
- Divided into 2 areas of 10 metres AS IN DIAGRAM 1
Six players (3 in each group lined up at opposite ends of each section. So A, B, C at one end, and facing them at the other end of the section are D, E and F.
Exercise to be attempted as sharply as possible
(D) and (A) start off at the same time, each with a ball
So they play the ball ahead, set off after it, and take it (under control) until they get within 10 metres of the far line, then using the outside of the foot they pass the ball sharply across to the front man of the other section who continues on with the practice.
So in diagram 1, D sets off from line (Y), and at the same time A sets off from line (X)
With a 30 metre run ahead of them they need a good firm strike of the ball and then they run after it quickly
It is important they don't break their early stride, that they do use the space ahead, and get on to the ball quickly
Around 10 metres from the far line they will slow down slightly but then the coach should insist on a firm crisp pass to the next player. So in diagram 1, D will pass to B, and A will pass to E, who will both move up with the practice.
Progression
To progress, players can be made to follow their pass so as to put a little pressure on the next man.
So in diagram 1, once D and A have completed their run, they pass the ball, and (D) will run towards B making it crucial that B makes a good early contact and moves off from baseline (X) with some sharpness.
(A) does exactly the same at the other end, putting E under pressure.
