By Alex Trukan
This practice is designed to develop player’s ability to maintain speed and power of actions throughout the whole game. That is a crucial component of physicality as often the last minutes of the game is the time when the opposition is weakened and more disorganised. That is why, increasing players’ ability to sustain the quality of actions can be determining in the result of the game. Technical component of this practice is passing and receiving as well as movement off the ball.
Set Up and Directions
Set up two groups of four cones (organised in a 10x15 yards rectangle), next to each other as shown on the diagram below. Organise one player on each far (outside) cone with one ball each. Set one player on one of the central cones with no ball, starting on the same side in both groups.
The practice starts by two players exchanging the passes (one/two touch) in their groups. The emphasis is on good quality of the pass, receive as well communication.
On a coach’s signal, both players from the middle sprint to the opposite cone. Competition between them can be introduce by awarding a point for the first player.
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As the player arrives on the cone, the ball is passed from the other player and again they exchange a number of passes before the next signal from the coach. Quickness of the sprint between the cones is crucial to make the practice effective from the conditioning point of view.
Timing
Players should make 6-10 repetitions (sprints to the opposite cone) in 2-4 series. Rest period between repetitions is 10 seconds (passes) and between series 4 minutes (different players from the group working).
Variations
- One/two touch passing
- Increase/decrease the distance between the cones (between 15-25 yards)
- Aerial passing/juggling in pairs (for advanced players)
By Alex Trukan, Development Coach, Nottingham Forest
@AlexTrukan
