Drill Image
Description of the Exercise
We should always try to keep our exercises as simple as possible. Our Players should enjoy each exercise while simultaneously, work on their ”Football Foundations”. This basic but fantastic exercise is extremely suitable if a coach aims to develop Passing – Ball Reception – Constant Movement and Passing Power. Specifically as it is dictated from the animation, our players have to pass and receive passes through the small ”Cone Posts”. Players should stay in constant movement, always facing the direction they expect to pass the ball.
Animated Example
My Coaching Suggestion – Instructions
Exercises like this one require a lot of attention from our side. We have to maintain a nice whole pitch awareness and we should try to move from one side to the other in order to correct and praise our players for all their actions (Good and less effective). High in our list : 1) clean contact of ball and inner side of the foot 2) ”Gaze” and Visual awareness when passing 3) Distinctive passes with clear target hitting Intention 4) Players have to check their teammates position before passing the ball, ”everything can change drastically as players change positions” 5) Take your time, if a pass seems ”difficult” it is expected to take 1-2 or even 3 touches to correct the incoming ball 6)Reminder, your players should stay light and always on your toes, this exercise demonstrate reasonable physical adaptations (The more you move the more our gains ).
Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not let your players relax, players read your body language. If you do not show true engagement to the process non of your players will do
- NO INCORRECT PASSES. Stop the exercise flow early. Highlight and demonstrate the appropriate and correct pass
- Make 2-3 stops Max. Execution and repetitions in these kind of exercises ”deliver the real results”
- Avoid vague feedback. The fact that this exercise seems easy do not mean that does hide ”pitfalls” and corrections
- Don’t forget to provide general feedback while players execute, praise them and let them know that you feel satisfied (accomplishment of exercise objectives).
- Always structure different variations and progressions, players hate Monotony
Prospective progressions – Suggested
Progressions are always beneficial and capable to enhance engagement while also trigger more fun. The evolution of this exercise can be movement in the given space while passing the ball between posts (same pairs). In addition players can use only their non-dominant foot. Consider also the ”Big Mix” where your players change partners while passing the ball thought the ”cone posts”. The last variation will augment your team’s spirit and will ensure a higher level of interactive communication, replicating real time conditions of a football Game.
Emphasizing on players development is a big thing in football. Exercises like this one can only make your players better. I strongly believe that exercises like this one will benefit your players technical capacities. Do we include them in our weekly plans? Do we create more Complex and creative variations? I hope that from my side i delivered a ”small stimulus and food for thought”.
Until the next one Ciao.
