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Football: controlling

controlling DRILLS
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2 touch 3's Passing

Set up as shown with 2 cones (the disatance of which between can be modified depending on ability or challenge you want to set your players). 1 player on each cone and 1 player in the middle, 1 ball between the 3. Players always take 2 touches, the ball is moved from one end, into the middle man and then to the other end before the sequence is repeated from the other side.

Passing and Receiving

Beat the Runner

Group in pairs. One ball between the pair. Repeat in 5 other areas for a total of 12 players. Player 2 passes the ball across the area to player 1. Player 2 then runs immediately around the cone and back to his starting position. Player 1 must control the ball, then pass it back using the inside of his foot, attempting to pass the ball over the far end line before player 2 gets back into position. A goal is scored if the ball goes over the end line travelling along the ground. Repeat and rotate.

Passing and Receiving

Exterior Interior Quick Passing

Set up as shown with 2 players outside the small diamond area. 1 ball between the two. The area should be a 4x4 diamond, however the shape and size can be modified depending on the level of your players and the main aspect of controlling and passing that you want to achieve. Players pass to each other, taking 2 touches, the first with the exterior to control and the second with the interior to pass. At any moment one of them can take the first touch with the exterior to another side, this is a trigger for the other player to quickly take up a new position oppposite and they keep working again from this new position.

Passing and Receiving

Interior Exterior Quick Passing

Set up as shown with 2 players outside the small diamond area. 1 ball between the two. The area should be a 4x4 diamond, however the shape and size can be modified depending on the level of your players and the main aspect of controlling and passing that you want to achieve. Players pass to each other, taking 2 touches, the first with the interior to control and the second with the exterior to pass. At any moment one of them can take the first touch with the interior to another side, this is a trigger for the other player to quickly take up a new position oppposite and they keep working again from this new position.

Passing and Receiving

Pass in 3s - movement of end man

Set up as shown with 2 cones (the disatance of which between can be modified depending on ability or challenge you want to set your players). 1 player on each cone and 1 player in the middle, 1 ball between the 3. Play starts with 1 end player passing it into the middle player who tranfers the ball to the other side. Middle players follows their pass and goes to the outside while the outside player plays a long pass across before getting into the middle to receive and play the ball back out through the other side. The player in the middle and 1 player on the outside will always rotate roles, while the other player on the outside will remain in their position.

Passing and Receiving

Passes in 3s - middle man move

Set up as shown with 2 cones (the disatance of which between can be modified depending on ability or challenge you want to set your players). 1 player on each cone and 1 player in the middle, 1 ball between the 3. Play starts with 1 end player playing a 1,2 with the middle player and then playing a pass long to the other end player. Middle player should move towards the end player he passes to and then quickly accelerate with the pass on that player to get to a new position to repeat the sequence with the other end player.

Passing and Receiving

Simple pass and follow

Set out grids about 5 by 5m. Player by each cone with 2 players starting on the first cone (could be more depending on numbers). Player with the ball starts by passing the ball to the player on the next cone. (anti clock-wise to start with) with their right foot and controlling the ball with their left foot. after the ball has gone round 2 times switch by passing the ball round clock wise ( with left foot only and control with right foot)

Passing and Receiving

Turning using both feet - Stage 2 (fast)

Put the players in groups of 3. The players on the outside receive the ball and pass it back to the player in the middle. The player in the middle receives the ball and turns to pass the ball on to the player on the opposite side. In this practice the player receives the ball with the none kicking foot, and turns to pass the ball on to the other player.As you see this is a very fast transfer because the player after controlling the ball the player passes the ball with the next touch and step (no wasting time with making adjusting steps)

Technique video

Unopposed control

Objective: To successfully use different surfaces to control the ball in an unopposed practice. Detail: Mark out a 20 x 20 area. Split the players into pairs. Players then spread around the outside of the area with their partner on the inside. To begin, players are stationary and play two touch by controlling the ball before passing back. Players remain stationary whilst working on control and aerial control (chest, thigh, head). Get in line with the ball. Select an appropriate controlling surface. Show surface to control the ball. Withdraw surface to reduce impact. Angle of body to turn.

Passing and Receiving

World Cup Control

Group in pairs. One ball between the pair. Repeat in 5 other areas for a total of 12 players. Player 1 passes the ball across the area to player 2, who must control the ball with the inside of his foot. Player 2 then passes the ball back across the area. Player 1 repeats the practice. The object of the game is to roll the ball over the end line with out the opposing player stopping it. To score a goal, the ball must travel below waist height. Each player should pick his favorite national team and represent that country. The first country to score 5 goals wins the World Cup. Progression: If you pass the ball back first time and score, you get 2 goals.

Passing and Receiving

Unopposed control Passing and ...

Objective: To successfully use different surfaces to control the ball in an unopposed practice.Detail:Mark out a 20 x 20 area.Split the players into pairs.Players then spread around the outside of the area with their partner on the inside.To begin, players are stationary and play two touch by controlling the ball before passing back.Players remain stationary whilst working on control and aerial control (chest, thigh, head).Get in line with the ball.Select an appropriate controlling surface.Show surface to control the ball.Withdraw surface to reduce impact.Angle of body to turn.

General

World Cup Control Passing and ...

Group in pairs. One ball between the pair. Repeat in 5 other areas for a total of 12 players.Player 1 passes the ball across the area to player 2, who must control the ball with the inside of his foot. Player 2 then passes the ball back across the area. Player 1 repeats the practice. The object of the game is to roll the ball over the end line with out the opposing player stopping it. To score a goal, the ball must travel below waist height. Each player should pick his favorite national team and represent that country. The first country to score 5 goals wins the World Cup.Progression: If you pass the ball back first time and score, you get 2 goals.

General

Close control dribble Dribblin...

Players stand in a line with one ball each and take it in turns to run around the cones (space the cones around 5 metres apart). The dribbling player should aim to keep the ball close to their feet at all times as they navigate around the cones. As they approach the centre cone they run around it before moving onto the next cone. Every time they go round an outside cone the next cone should be the middle one.

General

High Ball Control with Laces C...

Player throws ball high in the air and wait for ball to drop before catching the ball on the laces to control it.

General

First touch - Bringing the bal...

When the ball is in the air or bouncing around you want to get the ball on the ground. Doing this requires a soft touch and a general downward motion of your body. To practice the skill players feed the ball to themselves with a head height throw. As the ball goes up players raise their foot to meet the ball at around waist height. As the ball comes down also lower your foot so that you are cushioning the ball - trying to maintain contact between your foot and the ball until it reaches the ground.

General

Square Drill Passing and Recei...

The first player passes the ball along the outside of the square, then sprints to the opposite corner. He can sell the mannequin a dummy on the way past or touch it and retreat two yards, before playing the foot and setting off on the sprint. The player who receives the pass takes a touch then passes the ball on and does the same.

General

Pass along the ground Passing ...

Working in pairs one player feeds the ball and the receiving player must return the pass along the ground.

General

Simple pass and follow Passing...

Set out grids about 5 by 5m.Player by each cone with 2 players starting on the first cone (could be more depending on numbers). Player with the ball starts by passing the ball to the player on the next cone. (anti clock-wise to start with) with their right foot and controlling the ball with their left foot. after the ball has gone round 2 times switch by passing the ball round clock wise ( with left foot only and control with right foot)

General

2 touch 3's Passing Passing an...

Set up as shown with 2 cones (the disatance of which between can be modified depending on ability or challenge you want to set your players). 1 player on each cone and 1 player in the middle, 1 ball between the 3. Players always take 2 touches, the ball is moved from one end, into the middle man and then to the other end before the sequence is repeated from the other side.

General

Through the cones passing Pass...

With one ball between two players have to try and pass the ball through the goals 10 times, without making a mistake. You can run this as a competition between pairs or simply use it as a challenge to get players to focus on their passing accuracy.

General

Beat the Runner Passing and Re...

Group in pairs. One ball between the pair. Repeat in 5 other areas for a total of 12 players.Player 2 passes the ball across the area to player 1. Player 2 then runs immediately around the cone and back to his starting position. Player 1 must control the ball, then pass it back using the inside of his foot, attempting to pass the ball over the far end line before player 2 gets back into position. A goal is scored if the ball goes over the end line travelling along the ground. Repeat and rotate.

General

Playing Out Under Pressure Goa...

Central server or coach plays ball out to wide position (wing)Player on the wing who receives it then plays the ball into the Goalkeepers feetOne of the players on the flank runs in and closes the goalkeeper downGoalkeeper takes a touch and plays the ball into run of advancing playerEach time flank players stay on same side but swap positions

General

Turn and Pass 1 Passing and Re...

Set up as shown. Player 1 passes the ball into the feet of player 2 who must turn and pass the ball to one of the three players outside of the cones, either to his left, right or behind him. This drill will not only improve the passing technique of the players, but also improve their awareness; knowing what options they have before receiving the ball.

General

Exterior Interior Quick Passin...

Set up as shown with 2 players outside the small diamond area. 1 ball between the two.The area should be a 4x4 diamond, however the shape and size can be modified depending on the level of your players and the main aspect of controlling and passing that you want to achieve.Players pass to each other, taking 2 touches, the first with the exterior to control and the second with the interior to pass.At any moment one of them can take the first touch with the exterior to another side, this is a trigger for the other player to quickly take up a new position oppposite and they keep working again from this new position.

General

Square Ball Passing and Receiv...

Four players stand behind each corner of a cone. Each player takes two touches. The ball is passed in a anti-clock wise manner. Every 3 or 4 passes the ball is switched.

General

Football: Running and Passing ...

Set up with as shown with eight cones. Four cones on the outside can be any colour, but ensure that two on the inside are one colour, and the other two are a different colour.Have half of your players with one colour of cones, and the other half at the other end; as shown in diagram, red players are with the red cones, and yellow players with yellow cones.Players pass to their team mate to the right before sprinting to the next cone of their colour (i.e. red player sprints to next available red cone).Players who are passing the ball to someone on the opposite colour take two touches, one to control, one to pass, while that person recieving will pass the ball to the next cone with just one touch.

General

Pass in 3s - movement of end m...

Set up as shown with 2 cones (the disatance of which between can be modified depending on ability or challenge you want to set your players).1 player on each cone and 1 player in the middle, 1 ball between the 3.Play starts with 1 end player passing it into the middle player who tranfers the ball to the other side.Middle players follows their pass and goes to the outside while the outside player plays a long pass across before getting into the middle to receive and play the ball back out through the other side.The player in the middle and 1 player on the outside will always rotate roles, while the other player on the outside will remain in their position.

General

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controlling DRILL CATEGORIES
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Co ordination Drills
Co ordination Drills
controlling SESSIONS
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Controlling the Ball | Footbal...

In this technique session, players will develop a sound understanding of the different surfaces they can use to control the ball efficiently.

Developing Quick Play | Footba...

Play with a tempo that the opposition can?t handle. Discover combinations on the field to get the ball moving quickly and cut open defences.

Building Possession in Midfield

Develop the skills & attributes to build possession from central areas and move the ball forward when opportunities arise.
controlling ANSWERS
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what is the next action

Archived User Coach

Basic drills for passing and control?

im taking a coaching session and cant seem to come up with any decent basic drills for passing and controlling could anyone give me an idea

Archived User Coach

Midfield cannot / will not win the ball ?

My team has just moved up to youth football 11 aside. Our defence is solid and our forwards skillfull and quick but we seem unable to win the ball in midfield. Our midfielders watch what is happening hoping the opposition midfielder will mess up, rather than attacking the ball. Encouragement from the sidelines does not seem to help. Can you suggest some training drills.

Archived User Coach

Hi,I have taken on my first U11 football team and?

Hi, I have taken on my first U11 football team and we are building a squad from scratch for all comers, we have picked up some good players with a few who have hardly ever kicked a ball. I have always promoted everyione is welcome but it seems some of the better players are now making comments that they wont stay if the lesser players continue! What do i do?

Archived User Coach

How to control a high ball with different body parts?

I play in the midfield for my football team, and it seems like whenever (training or a game) a high ball, from say a goal kick or clearance or chip, comes to me, I struggle to control it. It always bounces away. I have done endless passing, receiving, juggling, you name it drills, but what I really need are specific drills that help me control (feet, chest, etc) a ball that is coming to me with power and height. Any ideas?

Archived User Coach

what are the best drills for u5

what are the best drills for u5 to teach football

Artur Coach, Wales

passing with weak foot

how to become stronger

maddison Coach, England

ball control

what drills would I do to improve my ball control

marcus cross Coach, England

Children misbehaving in traini...

Hello, I am currently coaching an u9's boys team and a majority of them are well behaved and want to play football, but the odd 1or2 tend to mess around at training which distracts the others. I have sat them out in training and spoken to the parents but still this goes on. Do I decide to kick them out of the team altogether or does anyone know the miracle cure to stop this happening?

duane Coach, England

How to control a high ball wit...

I play in the midfield for my football team, and it seems like whenever (training or a game) a high ball, from say a goal kick or clearance or chip, comes to me, I struggle to control it. It always bounces away. I have done endless passing, receiving, juggling, you name it drills, but what I really need are specific drills that help me control (feet, chest, etc) a ball that is coming to me with power and height. Any ideas?

Archived User Coach

Kids are very slow and lack re...

Hello all! My kids aged 9 and 7 are very slow when compared to their peers of the same age. They don't seem to fight for the ball and get and watch others play their game. They seem to lack the urgency (heart) needed for the game. (They LOVE football). How can make them move around and react faster. Any help you are able to provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks O

Archived User Coach

What drills should I use for m...

What are some great drills to use during tryouts with 30 or more players for a JV high school team? I have two weeks to evaluate and choose my team. Thanks!

Michael C. Coach, United States of America

Hi,I have taken on my first U1...

Hi, I have taken on my first U11 football team and we are building a squad from scratch for all comers, we have picked up some good players with a few who have hardly ever kicked a ball. I have always promoted everyione is welcome but it seems some of the better players are now making comments that they wont stay if the lesser players continue! What do i do?

Archived User Coach

What is the best pre-game warm...

What is the best warm up routine for U9 boys before a game? Thanks Coach Heath

Archived User Coach

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