Practice 2: Scan when you can

WHY USE IT

This opposed practice dials up the need for players to scan before they receive a ball. Unlike a normal rondo, players won’t know if a team-mate is available, as they may be in possession of, or focusing on, the other ball. Therefore, they must scan the area and move the ball quickly before they are closed down.

SET UP

Use the same area and set-up from the previous practice. The two players in the area are now defenders and locked into their designated halves. Only two of the servers start with a ball. Again, two identical practices are set up and run simultaneously.

HOW TO PLAY

Players outside the area look to retain possession of the two balls by passing between themselves. If the defenders win the ball, they win a point by dribbling out of the area. On doing so, they leave the ball and return to the area. The ball is collected by one of the servers and used again. The role of the defenders should be rotated regularly. The difficulty of the practice can be changed by adding or removing a ball.

Coaching points

• Players must identify who to pass to before they receive the ball. They must scan to identify which team-mates are available and must locate the defenders, so they can select the best available option.