CONTROL SHOOTING PASSING DRIBBLING TURNING HEADING CREATE SPACE INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING SUPPORT PLAY GOALKEEPING CROSSING TACKLING THE THROW IN ATTACKING SET PLAYS DEFENDING SET PLAYS THE FREE KICK

TURNING

Please select a subsection from the topics below :

Inside hook    Turning & control    Turning practice for junior players    Turning and running with the ball     Turning and shooting on the turn

TURNING AND RUNNING WITH THE BALL

Key issues for all players involved are: -

1. Tight control of the ball
2. Each touch (particularly the first) on the ball must count
3. A quality in terms of speed and balance.

Practice 1

Circle 20 metres in diameter (or use the centre circle)

6 players spread at regular intervals around the perimeter of the circle ((X1) - (X6))

The practice is to run to the centre with the ball (using both feet) then after reaching the centre he turns and passes it to another player.

In diagram 1 (X1) runs to the centre, turns quickly and from the centre plays a good firm pass to (X2).

The pass must be accurate, and after delivering the ball, (X1) runs to take (X2's) place on the perimeter, - (X2) takes up the ball and continues with the practice, selecting another perimeter player once reaching the centre.

To progress

Diagram 2

N.B. COACHES MUST INSIST ON GOOD QUALITY CONTROL, PASSING AND MOVEMENT.

Practice 2

Wall pass

Once (X2) receives the ball from (X1), he plays a "wall pass" (i.e. play and return) with (X1) while (X1) is still within the circle. (X2) then continues to run to the centre to continue with the practice (as in diagram 2)

8 balls placed in a small circle in the middle of the square

3 marker cones placed between the players and the centre. (In diagram 3 they are marked ? 5 metres from the centre).

A target area in the corner with (D) standing behind to collect the passes.

The practice is for each player in turn to run from his corner, collect one of the balls, turn quickly, run back to the cone, manoeuvre round it (keeping good control of the ball) before passing it firmly into the target area.

Once that is completed he runs back to his point (A), before heading back to the centre for a second ball, and so on till all 8 balls have been played towards the target area.

That over, (D) places all 8 balls back in the centre circle area and it becomes (B's) turn to practice the running, turning and passing, - and so on.

Each player faces a 'pressurised' practice but then has a rest period until it is his turn again.

TO INTRODUCE A COMPETITIVE ELEMENT THE COACH CAN GIVE EACH PLAYER 60 OR 90 SECONDS TO SEE HOW MANY BALLS HE CAN OUT INTO THE TARGET AREA.