Repetitive Turning Exercise

I like using high energy, repetitive exercises for skill training. They engage the players and give them a lot of opportunities to practice a skill that we have worked on before.

One of my favorites is Tag Turning.

Basic Pattern

1. Two lines of players are facing each other
2. One player has a ball (Player 3)
3. A player from the opposite line starts in the middle (Player 1)
4. Player 1 goes back toward his line and tags the next player (Player 2)
5. Player 1 then checks back toward the ball and Player 3
6. Player 2 follows closely behind
7. Player 1 calls for the ball and Player 3 passes it to him
8. Player 1 receives the ball and turns around Player 2 using one of the four turns taught earlier
9. Player 2 then moves to tag Player 3 while Player 1 passes to Player 4 and the pattern continues

Coaching Points

1. Make sure the passer is ready before checking to the ball
2. Hold your run if necessary
3. Check away quickly from Player 2
4. Check your shoulder to see if Player 2 is following
5. Call for the ball early so you have space to receive the ball
6. Check your shoulder again after calling for the ball to see the position of the defender
7. Turn the ball across your body and away from the defender
8. Always demand a quality pass

Progressions

1. Apply physical pressure by having the defender put one had on the attackers shoulder
2. This also provides a clue as to which side to turn away from
3. Have the defender pick a side so that they attacker can turn to the open side but do not put a hand on their shoulder so they have to look for the defender
4. Allow the defender to tackle if the attacker turns into them
5. Allow full pressure from the defender

Once the players understand the pattern there is a lot you can coach in this exercise. It's also very easy to progressively add more pressure as the players improve.

I would encourage you to try this exercise with your own teams and create other exercises that incorporate high energy repetitive elements to train technical skills. You will get more touches for each player and the players will enjoy technical training more.

Have a great week!

Tom