After ensuring the players have grasped the right techniques for running with the ball and at speed we need to try and push this speed by introducing pressure.
1v1 work
Set up as below. 2 teams line up on either side of a centre cone, with two scoring squares on either side.
Practice begins with a player running their ball into one of the scoring squares, as soon as they enter the square a player from the opposing team can play. The first player who scored immediately becomes a defending player and must prevent the second player from scoring in either square. Once the ball is dead the second player becomes the defending player and the first players gets a ball and returns to their line and so on..
Player 1 scores then...
Becomes defending player against player 2.
Players have option of speed: attempting to beat defending player to free square or to fake and cut back scoring on the other square.
Adaptations:
- Use small goals instead of scoring areas (may need to introduce a scoring zone to prevent players from just shooting straight away)
- Increase/decrease the distance of scoring squares (to make it easier/harder)
Set up as below. Two possession ends and a centre area. Play 3v1/3v2/4v1 whatever suits your group and numbers.
Players keep possession in their end square and attempt to run the ball over to the other possession end after making a number of required passes.
Break out game - How could team mates help when running towards them?
Work with players on how to pass the ball whilst running and different types of passes that can be made. Maybe a reverse pass or outside pass. Also important to work around first touch if we want to make a driving run. Where/when is the right time for this?
Adaptations:
- No pass limit, allow players to run the ball across whenever they feel they have an opportunity.
- Introduce goals have players run through onto a 1v1 after completing passes?
RWTB Game Related
Be conscious of the pitch size for your games. Tight pitches will limit the opportunities players have to run with the ball but be careful not to make it so big that its unrealistic to the space players will have on game day.
Avalanche.
An idea for getting players more running on the ball time along side playing a game. Simply set up a ball for each player positioned behind the goal (or on either side line). If the coach calls "avalanche" (or whatever you want to call it) during the game each player must get a ball from their designated side and move it into the opposing teams area (ready for another round). This can make a good little side competition.
Avalanche! Players go the starting position!
First team to get all their footballs to the other side wins.
Could position the balls on the side lines to reduce running distance. This would also let players choose ball closest to them (just be careful that players don't stay on one side to try and get a head start)
Have any other ideas around running with the ball for foundation ages? Please let me know!!
