By Alex Trukan
This practice is focused on developing players’ explosiveness and anaerobic power. These high intensity physical qualities will help them to gain advantage in the attacking and defending duels as well as to be more effective in the penalty box when trying to get into goalscoring positions. In this practice, this is combined with different types of goals to score into as well as competitive element between the two teams involved. The practice also challenges players to deal with pressure, develop winning mentality as well as resilience. c.
Set-Up and Directions
Organise a square of approximately 30 x 30 yards. Set up four ways of scoring (one on each side). For example (on the diagram below): two smaller gates to dribble through, one bigger gate to dribble through, goals with a goalkeeper. This can be adapted to the team’s needs and organisation limitations. Set up two cones on the opposite sides in the corners of the square – these will be starting points for the players. Divide the team into two groups. Each group starts on the opposite cones in the corners. Organise two goalkeepers in goals. Prepare a sufficient amount (min. 6-8) of balls to play in.
The practice starts with a coach passing the ball into space between two groups. This triggers first players from two groups sprinting to get to the ball first. The emphasis is on quick reaction and getting to the ball using shortest route (straight line).
First player that gets to the ball becomes attacker and his aim is to score in any of the four goals. The same player can’t score in the same goal twice in a row. If the defender wins the ball, he should also attempt to score in any of the four goals as early as possible.
As soon as the goal is scored, the game restarts from the coach who plays the ball in to the next pair. The first team to score in all four goals wins. In order to increase the competitiveness between individual players, a rule might be added that if the same player from a pair scores twice in a row, his duel partner is out.
Timing
Every 1v1 duel should last no longer than 6 seconds and should be repeated 4-6 times in 1-2 series. The rest period between repetitions is 1 minute and between series, 4 minutes.
Variations
- Different types of goals used
- The same player scores twice in a row – opposition player is out
- Players to run around a cone before getting to the ball
By Alex Trukan, Development Coach, Nottingham Forest
@AlexTrukan
