Last Updated on: 3rd August 2021, 03:57 pm
Object Of The Training Session – Given the right game situation, encourage your players to turn the last defender to get a clear strike on goal.
Practising The Skill – Player 1 passes to player 2 who with his first touch turns and passes the ball accurately to the third player. The decision to turn to the left or the right is made by taking a look behind before receiving the pass, to ascertain which direction the player that you are passing it too has moved. Player 3 passes the ball back to player 2 who repeats the exercise, passing it back to the first player. Swap over and repeat. Please see the diagram below:
Developing The Drill – This drill is the same as the one above, but with the introduction of a defender, player 4. There is one other important difference in that the players decision on which way to turn is ascertained by the position of the defender. This is why it is always important to look behind you before you turn. From the diagram below, you will see that the defender, player 4 has left a small gap for player 2 to turn into. Player 3 will now move into position depending on the direction the attacking player has turned, as shown in the diagram below. Swap over and repeat.
Moving The Drill Into A More Realistic Game Situation – Player 1 passes to his team mate, player 2, who are both competing against players 3 and 4. Players 1,2,3,and 4 are not allowed to move into the half where the fith and sixth players are located and likewise vice versa. The object of the game is to try and get the ball to their third team mate, in this case, player 5, who will try and turn the defender (player 6) to get a clear shot on goal. Swap defenders and attackers and repeat the exercise as shown below.
Game Situation – Finish with a normal game, preferably on a full size pitch, encouraging your players to turn the last defender to get a clear strike on goal. Two goals may be rewarded if a player is able to turn a defender and score. If you’re feeling harsh, 20 press ups can be given to the defending player!
PENDLE VERDICT – When practising the skill to turn a defender, it is also important that players are aware of what is behind them before attempting to turn an opposing player. It is also important for players to be aware of the positions of other team mates around them in order to ascertain if there are better options available for their team. These drills will allow players to practice the skill of turning with the ball and will also get them into the habit of looking behind them before attempting to do so.
YOUR VERDICT – What do you think?