Practice 1: Creating space to play forward

 

WHY USE IT

 

This is an introduction to the session, to prepare players for the main practice. The rules are simple, allowing players to become active quickly. Progressions and adaptations can slowly be added as needed. It also allows the players to get used to the area they will be working in.

 

SET-UP

 

Lay out a square or rectangular area an appropriate size for the players - the larger the area, the easier it will be. Players are split into three teams with one acting as support players around the outside, while the other two teams compete inside the area.

 

HOW TO DO IT

 

By combining with team-mates and support players, teams look to retain possession and win a point by completing a set number of passes. On completing the required number of passes, teams continue to try and win another point. Games last for a set period of time or until a team wins a set number of points. A new game is then played with a different team acting as support players.

 

TECHNIQUE

 

Focus on encouraging players to make sure they retain possession.

• When to pass: do not delay - if you see it, play it.
• Who to pass to: which players are available? Is there a clear path for the ball to travel to them?
• Weight of pass: ensure the ball can reach the target but can also be controlled effectively by the receiving player.
• Area of pass: where does the receiving player want the ball? Does it allow the player to get their body between ball and defender?

 

ADAPTATIONS

 

To make it more challenging to retain possession, the support players can only be used a set number of times or, if a support player on the outside is used, the team keeps possession but their pass count returns to zero. Alternatively, limit support players to one touch. To make it less challenging, some of the support players can be moved into the area, or the area size can be increased.