4 Corners
Aim: To keep all corners of a square balanced by making the correct passing and movement decisions.
Organisation: 12 players (or a multiple of 4) placed equally on the 4 corners of a square. Use cones to mark this if necessary. A player on 1 corner starts with the ball, they pass to their left or right then run diagonally, or pass diagonally and run to their left or right.
This process repeats, ensuring that there are the same amount of players at each corner. If one corner runs out of players encourage the group to continue the drill by making the right decisions in order to restore a balanced square.
Coaching Points
Organisation: 12 players (or a multiple of 4) placed equally on the 4 corners of a square. Use cones to mark this if necessary. A player on 1 corner starts with the ball, they pass to their left or right then run diagonally, or pass diagonally and run to their left or right.
This process repeats, ensuring that there are the same amount of players at each corner. If one corner runs out of players encourage the group to continue the drill by making the right decisions in order to restore a balanced square.
Coaching Points
- Strong, flat, accurate passes
- Move as soon as you have released the ball
- Keep vision open, considering your passing options early
Holding Space
Aim: To effectively hold space under pressure of a defender.
Organisation: 3 Players. 1 static feeder with 1 ball stands behind the goal line, 1 defender and 1 shooter (worker). The shooter receives a pass from the feeder whilst holding space from the defender and then takes a shot.
Coaching Points
Organisation: 3 Players. 1 static feeder with 1 ball stands behind the goal line, 1 defender and 1 shooter (worker). The shooter receives a pass from the feeder whilst holding space from the defender and then takes a shot.
Coaching Points
- Ensure passes from feeders are accurate and well timed.
- When driving towards the post keep eyes up, focusing on the ball.
- Stand closely behind defender and put hand back to reach for the ball.
- After receiving the ball, steady your breathing whilst taking up a balanced shooting position.
- Exhale when executing the shot.
- Defender moves to intercept ball.
Circle Defence with Communications
Aim: To achieve an interception in the shooting circle by communicating with another circle defender.
Organisation: 1 feeder outside the shooting circle, 1 shooter, 2 circle defenders. Shooter moves around the area whilst being shadowed by the 2 defenders who form a V shape around the shooter. The defender at the back of this shape co-ordinates the movement of the second defender who is at the front, this is known as having "eyes at the back". The feeder passes the ball to the shooter which is intercepted by one of the defenders.
Coaching Points
Organisation: 1 feeder outside the shooting circle, 1 shooter, 2 circle defenders. Shooter moves around the area whilst being shadowed by the 2 defenders who form a V shape around the shooter. The defender at the back of this shape co-ordinates the movement of the second defender who is at the front, this is known as having "eyes at the back". The feeder passes the ball to the shooter which is intercepted by one of the defenders.
Coaching Points
- Loud, clear and well timed direction from the "eyes at the back"
- Small foot base with knees flexed, keep head still and eyes up
- Angle your body so the shooter is forced to move in a certain direction, ready for you to make the interception
- Add another shooter
- Add another feeder
Circle Edge Drive with Defence
Aim: To work the ball to the edge of the circle in order to be in a good position to feed a shooter.
Organisation: 2 players in the circle – 1 shooter, 1 defender. Two attacking feeders and two shadowing defenders outside the shooting area. The attacking players work the ball on and off the circle edge until an appropriate moment is available to successfully feed the shooter.
Coaching points:
Organisation: 2 players in the circle – 1 shooter, 1 defender. Two attacking feeders and two shadowing defenders outside the shooting area. The attacking players work the ball on and off the circle edge until an appropriate moment is available to successfully feed the shooter.
Coaching points:
- Ensure passes are accurate and into the space, enabling the moving player to attack the ball
- Use arms to maximise speed on sprint to circle edge
- Land in an upright and balanced position as close the circle edge as possible
- Ball to shooter must be placed away from the defender
- Vary the starting positions of the attackers
- Increase pressure from defenders
- Add conditions to the play e.g. 5 passes in the attacking area before the ball is passed to the shooter
- Build up to game situations