Shadow Play (Progression)
There are any number of developments any imaginative coach can use.
Concentration on a particular aspect of play has the benefit of constant repetition, until the pass, control and movement are near perfect – the coach, however, ensuring that every player in the team (including those not on the ball) are working at and considering their positions in relation to the shape of the team.
To make the practice more realistic, if there are 22 players, then the two teams pass the ball and manoeuvre around in opposite directions. So you have two teams playing 11 against 11 utilising ‘shadow practice’, - it increases the tempo and can be a little more difficult if the two footballs travelling in opposite directions do get anywhere near each other.
The problem for the coach in this practice is to be able to concentrate fully on both teams.
Setting up the play : There are various options, here are some.
In the diagram (S) coming out from defence, plays the ball to (9), who drops deep from his forward position (as if to lose a marker).
(9) plays the ball (first time) back to (6) who then has several options open.
E.G. (8) and (10) can make forward runs, (9) can swivel and join the attack in support, and (11) can add width on the left.
(7) given the width on the right sprinting forward which may allow (2) to come into the play as the next player to touch the ball receiving the pass from (6).
