RUNNING WITH THE BALL (TO SCORE)
Diagram 1
In the practice in diagram (1), a number of players A, B and C start behind the half way line each with a ball. They manoeuvre round the half circle keeping their ball under control until they get a call from (S), who will call out "A", "B" or "C".
In the diagram (A) is signalled out so he passes his ball quickly to (S) then runs on to collect the return pass, and runs as quickly as he can up to the penalty area, once inside he shoots to try and score past goalkeeper (G).
To encourage speed, the coach can put a time limit on A, starting from the first pass to (S) - say 15 seconds - and in that time he must collect the return pass, advance, and get in the shot at goal.
Diagram 2
To progress, and to put more pressure on the players running with the ball, defenders are brought into the practice i.e. D, E and F.
They are placed 15 metres away on the half way line - no nearer to begin with. The distance can be altered according to the ability of the players - although the attacking players must be given enough opportunity.
Practice
As in the previous practice (A) serves to (S), and once (A) has made that first pass, defender (D) can set off, and it is up to him to try and prevent (A) from getting in a shot at goal.
(D) will have to try and cut off (A's) run for goal
It is up to (A) to pass, move, and get the return pass with some urgency.
DEFENDERS CAN BE BROUGHT IN FROM EITHER SIDE OF THE ATTACKERS, OR EVEN FROM BEHIND THE ATTACKERS AT POSITION (F) IN DIAGRAM 2.
