By Danny Carvalho
The ability of receiving from one direction and turning with the ball to another direction is very appreciated by coaches because it helps the team to switch points of attack which makes difficult for the opponents to have a chance on winning the ball.
Today’s session aims to work on that in various game-like situations.
Warm Up
On this analytical activity, when the player is in the square they will receive a pass from an outside player. With a guided first touch they will turn and pass to a different direction. The next player to fill in the square is that one on the opposite side of where the pass went. Example: in the diagram below, center player passes to #2. Immediately #4 who is on the opposite side runs into the square as the center player fill in #4 former position.
Activity 1
In this activity each player goes twice or three times on each variation. If you want to raise the level or make it competitive, dare them to do X passes and turns in X seconds.
1-) Center player checks in to one of the players, call for the ball, receives and passes it to the one player without a ball. Then goes to another player and do same and so on.
2-) Center player now distributes the ball back and forth, always passing to an outside player who will then first time pass back to they.
COACHING POINTS:
- Practice different turn skills
- Guide your receiving to where you want to go
- Receive on the back foot
- Open body position, sideways to the player who will pass you the ball
Activity 2
Players will now play a rondo 2v2+4. The goal is to maintain possession and switch the play as many times as possible.
Rules: receive from one neutral and pass to the opposite side neutral = 3 points
Beat the opponent with a turn = 1 point
COACHING POINTS:
- Check your shoulders
- Think ahead, make a decision faster
- Search for a passing line
- Get yourself in a good angle
Activity 3
GK+4+(4) v GK+4
After all the work done, we are finally going to play with a direction to score, goals and goalies.
A regular goal is worth 3 points.
A play involving at least 3 neutrals without opponents touch the ball = 1 point.
Goal scored on the same play that at least 3 neutrals got involved = 5 points.
COACHING POINTS:
- Treasure the ball. Maintain possession. Play the pass you see
- Don’t rush. Build the play with no hurry.
- Think one step ahead. If possible, think two steps ahead.
- Scan the field all the time. On and off the ball.
By Danny Carvalho, DOC at Corinthians Campinas Youth Club, Brasil
