CLOSE CONTROL

Players need to develop good technique and close control if they hope to dribble past opponents on the field.

So one introduction (especially for young players) is for each player to have possession of a football, and move around the playing area keeping good control.

(1) Each one should try and flick the ball up, then keep it up for a number of counts.

(2) Each player should try and stop the ball using the sole of the foot, then drag it backwards and so set off in a different direction.

(3) Each player should pick up the ball, throw it to the air then control it with either foot or thigh, then set off running with the ball in a quick movement.

(4) Each player should run with the ball using the inside and outside of both the left foot and the right foot.

(5) Each player should move in a line to his left with the ball using the inside of the right foot, then to the right using the inside of the left foot.

(6) Each player should move to the side above using ONLY the outside of both the left and right foot.

THESE SIX EXERCISES SHOULD FIRST BE PRACTISED BY THE PLAYERS IN AN OPEN AREA, BEFORE THEY MOVE TO THE NEXT STAGE.

Diagram 1

Dribbling - close control

In stage 2 around 10 players can practice the 6 skills in an area 20 metres square, so there is less room for area, and also that players become more aware of the confined space and other players (who each also have a ball).

To progress (see diagram (1))

20 metres square, 3 cones, plus Target Area as marked, 10 players - with a ball each.

Players dribble (keeping good control) around the area, and the coach will shout out commands,

such as: -

(a) "Drag" - THEN EACH PLAYER will stop, and then drag the ball backwards using the sole of the foot.

(b) "3 Target" - so number (3) player will race his ball to the target area, avoiding all the other players (this must be done with some pace) SEE DIAGRAM

(c) "2 Cones" - so (2) will race off towards the cones, on reaching them he will dribble in and out of the 3 cones until the coach tells him to stop (SEE DIAGRAM)

(d) "Change" then all players must leave their ball and go and get another one from one of the other players.

Coaching Tips Navigation

A Basic introduction

Adding defenders: Switching play continued

Defending a throw in 1

Defending a throw in 2

Defending against a short corner 1

Defending against a short corner 2

Defending against a short corner 3

Defending against a short corner 4

Defending at a throw in

Developing the Reverse Pass

Extending control

In tight situations

Inside of the foot

Making Decisions 1

Making Decisions 2

Making Decisions 3

Making Decisions 4

Movement off the ball

Movement off the ball continued

Movement off the ball passing and moving

Movement off the ball switching play in defence

Playing Back to the Goal (turning)

Playing with Back to Goal 1

Playing with Back to Goal 2

Playing with Back to Goal 3

Playing with Back to Goal 4

Playing with Back to Goal 5

Running with the ball

Running with the ball central

Running with the ball changing pace

Running with the ball circuit training

Running with the ball close control

Running with the ball control

Running with the ball to score

Running with the ball to score continued

Switching play in attack around the penalty area continued

Switching play in attack around the penalty area continued

Switching play in defence progression

Switching play in the attacking third of the field

Switching play in the center field

Swivelling with the ball

The Short Corner 1

The Short Corner 2

The Short Corner 3

The Short Corner 4

The Short Corner 5

Turning and Finishing 1

Turning and Finishing 2

Turning and Finishing 3

Free kick - Dead Ball

A Basic Introduction

Improve Accuracy

Shooting from Distance

Exercises for passing with the inside of the foot 1

Exercises for passing with the inside of the foot 2

Further two against one practices

Kicking the ball 1

Kicking the ball 2

Passing for accuracy

Passing in tight areas

Passing in tight areas with a shot at goal

Passing on the run

Passing with place changing

Passing with varying distances

Playing against the touchline

Two players against one

Volleying the ball

Passing with opposition involved

A basic introduction

Control and movement

Dribbling and shooting

Early practices

Feinting and dribbling

Practices for individuals

Running with the ball

Turning and control

Turning and running with the ball

Turning and shooting on the turn

Turning practice for junior players

Against opposition

A basic introduction

Attack v defence

Conditioned games

Conditioned games - control

Going for accuracy

Heading for distance

Heading for goal

Practice for heading 2

Practice for heading 1

Progression - defence

Skilled touches

A basic introduction

Creating space 1 and 2

Creating space 3

Creating space 4

Creating space 5

Creating space 6

Creating space 7

Creating space 8

Creating space 9

Creating space for junior players 1

Creating space for junior players 2

Creating space for junior players 3

Creating Space for junior players 4

Cross over runs

Support behind the ball

A basic introduction

Support play - progression

Attributes needed for goalkeepers

A basic introduction

Catching high balls

Clearing the back pass 1

Clearing the back pass 2

Conditioned games for goalkeepers

Dealing with games for goalkeepers

Dealing with high balls

Dealing with kicked clearances

Diving - early stages

Finishing skills

Positional play

Progression on positional play

Punching one hand

Punching the ball

Sharpening practices

Throwing the ball

A basic introduction

A basic introduction

Basic practices at the throw in

Defending at a throw in - 1

Defending at a throw in - 2

Defending at a throw in - 3

Set Plays at a Throw in - attacking

Set Plays at a Throw in - attacking 2

Set Plays at a Throw in - attacking 3

Set Plays at a Throw in - attacking 4

The Long Throw - attacking

The Long Throw - defending

The Long Throw - attacking - with supporting players

The Throw in - 1

The Throw in - 2

The Throw in - 3

ATTACKING SET PLAYS

Attacking corners

A basic introduction

Possession football

DEFENDING SET PLAYS

Closing down space

A basic introduction

Corners to and beyond the far post

Corners to the edge of the penalty area

Forcing the play

Switching play in defence

The corner kick

Defending Free Kicks 4b

Defending Free Kicks 4a

Defending Long Free Kicks 3

Defending Long Free Kicks 2

Defending Long Free Kicks 1