By Keith Scarlett
This activity works on technique and communication.
Set-up:
A 10 yard x 10 yard grid.
Each corner has a player with a ball. There is one player in the center of the grid down on their hands and knees. The player working is also in the center of the grid.
The player in the middle works for 30 seconds. Increase to 1 minute if running activity twice.
Here’s how it works:
The player in the middle must stay in the center grid while the players at the corners remain on the corners.
The player in the middle jumps over the back of the player kneeling and calls for a ball from one of the players on the corners and tries to play it one-time to the player at the other corner on the same side of the grid.
The pass should be timed so it is played while the player in the middle is in the air; giving only time for a one-touch pass once the player hits the ground.
The player in the middle then turns around, jumps back over the player kneeling and does the same thing with the other side of the grid.
The player in the middle continues to go back and forth for the duration.
Coaching points:
• Player in the middle should play as quickly as possible.
• Both the player in the middle and the players on the corners should be working on both verbal and non-verbal communication.
By Keith Scarlett, Former Assistant Women’s Football Coach – Perth Glory FC, Australia, former U.S. Soccer National Staff, follow him on Twitter @keithscarlett and catch his personal blog, "An American Coach Down Under:" http://keithscarlett.blogspot.com
