Warm-up - 3rd player runs
Exercise Description: 25x20 - 7 players
1. The coach serves the ball to the orange team. They will utilize the neutral blue players in the first zone to maintain possession of the ball in order to create space for passes into the neutral blue player C.
2. Possession team must complete three or more passes before playing into player C. If the greens win the ball, they team up with the neutral blues. Neutral player B cannot pass directly to neutral player C, but blue A can.
3. Once the ball is played into the final-zone neutral blue player C, an orange player will make the third player run. Blue player C passes back to blue player B who plays the running orange player.
4. Once in the final zone, the runner has one touch to finish one of the small goals.
If the runner scores, their team begins with the next ball. If no goal is scored, the opposition green team will begin with possession.
Coaching points: Triangulate, body shape, 1-2 touch mentality, scan the area, look forward. Timing of runs, communication, and decision-making.
Intended outcome:
-
To help the players visualize movement off the ball and support from a player whom they think may not be in the passing sequence.
-
To improve passing, angles of support, the timing of runs, and communication.
-
To get the players ready for the main part of the practice sessions.
Variations:
Have one of the defending team chase the third player running and prevent them from scoring.
Possible Performance Problems:
Blue player C plays directly behind blue player B. Player C must move side to side and support the movement of the ball.
The killer pass is not made. Players want to keep possession of the ball and avoid the difficult decision.
The timing of the third player running is not game-like.
Be ready to focus - Make decisions
Keep scanning the area and visualize playing in a game.
Accept mistakes - Find solutions
Coach your teammates
Communicate
Applaud good play
Be ready to pass or receive the ball
Reactions
Be willing to move
Work at game speed
Quality of the pass and first touch
Pass with purpose
Body shape
Timing of runs