Stealing the ball

WHY USE IT

Gives players a chance to develop their ability to anticipate a pass and attempt to get to it before it arrives at its intended destination.

SET UP

Lay out a rectangular area of a size suitable to the age, ability and number of your players. At each end, place two small goals. Inside the area, mark out a small, square zone. A server is positioned at one end of the area in between the two small goals.

An attacker is situated within the small square zone, with a defender stood on the edge of the zone furthest away from the server.

HOW TO PLAY

The server plays a pass into the attacker, who must receive the ball within the small zone. As soon as the server starts to play the pass, the defender can leave their starting position and attempt to win the ball. If they do win it, they try to pass into one of the small goals at the end the server is situated. If the attacker receives the ball, they attack the small goals at the opposite end of the area.

Coaching points

• How can you put yourself in a position to be able to steal the ball?
• What is the body position and shape of your opponent? How might this impact your decision?
• What speed is the ball travelling at? How might this impact your decision?