Practice 2: Improving turning technique and execution

WHY USE IT

Players now work in pairs, which increases the decision making requirement. They also need to decide when they should release the ball.

SET UP

Set up a small pitch with a gate on each side of the halfway line. Split players into two teams, with the players working in pairs. There are also two neutral goalkeepers.

HOW TO PLAY

The attacker who starts with the ball must pass across to their partner (defenders are not allowed to block or intercept the pass). On doing so, both players enter the pitch. Then as soon as they have had a shot, two players from the other team enter (again one player plays across to their partner) and they attempt to score.

The two players who had just attacked become defenders. Previous defenders leave the pitch and join the line to play again. Two new players enter the pitch as attackers. If the defenders win the ball they become attackers and attempt to score.

COACHING POINTS

Same coaching points as the previous practice should be applied. In addition, players need to identify when they should retain the ball and when they should pass it onto their partner.