By Alex Trukan
The following practice is aimed at developing an ability to sustain the amount of sprints and high intensity actions throughout the whole game. This physical component is linked into technical content of passing, one-two’s and receiving. The practice can be adapted to suit different numbers as well as physical focus. More players involved, as well as smaller area will mean longer resting periods. Also different passing combinations can be used to increase variety.
Set-Up and Directions
Organise a square of approximately 5x5 yards. Set four players outside the square, one on each side, and one player in the middle of the square, with the ball. Area size and number of players can be adapted to suit different physical focus.
Inside player passes the ball to the outside player who then takes a touch and plays back (three-four touches to increase resting period). After that, the outside player needs to run around the square and come back to his starting position.
The inside player at the same time passes the ball to the next outside player (anticlockwise/clockwise), who after playing back has the same aim – sprint around the square and come back.
It is crucial to be able to adapt the area size in case the rest period is too short or too long. Four passes between inside and outside player can be used in order to increase resting time. Inside player should be rotated after set period of time.
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Timing
Each player should make 6-10 sprints in 2-4 series. The rest between repetitions is only up to 10 seconds and between series - 4 minutes.
Variations
- Four passes with inside player/three touches before playing back
- More players outside the area
- Increase/decrease the area size
By Alex Trukan, Development Coach, Nottingham Forest
