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Running with the ball

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Technical session for running with the ball Skill development to challenge the technique Game to develop the skill of running with the ball

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When a player runs with the ball, it can cause the opposition many problems. For example, if a fullback runs with the ball and breaks the defensive line of the opposition forwards, then an opposition midfield player will have to move out of position to confront the player with the ball. This then creates an overload situation in midfield which can be exploited.

For many, one of the great sights in the game is to see a player running with the ball at full pace, down the wing or attacking the opposition defence. But, what can be equally effective is a player running with the ball 5 - 10 yards and committing an opposition player to confront them. This can create space and attacking opportunities for team mates in advance or to the side of the ball.
 
Players will need coaching sessions and games that help them with understanding the techniques and skills of running with the ball and also how they can create space, both as individuals and as a team, in which to be able to better run with the ball.

An FA Level 2 coaching session should progress from a technique, to a skill to a game related practice:

TECHNIQUE

A technique is a basic building block of football. For example a technique is when a player is able to pass the ball, long or short. The more opportunities the player has to practice these techniques and the better a player is at mastering these basic techniques of the game, the more chance they have of improving as a player. A technical session should be unopposed and provide lots of opportunities for the players to practice the technique.

SKILL

A skill is when the decision making of the use of a players technique is affected by pressure from opposition players. So for example, a player might be able to successfully perform the technique of controlling the ball when it is dropping out of the air when there is no pressure on them. But the skill is can they use the correct technique successfully when pressure is applied from an opposition player, by not only controlling the ball, but controlling it away from the opposition player.

GAME RELATED PRACTICE

The technique and skill need to be further tested and progressed in a 4 v 4 conditioned game. The game should be structured in such a way as to provide the players with lots of opportunities to practice the theme of the particular topic being coached, within the game.

The pitch should be of appropriate size: The game can use additional players as “floaters” “target players” or “servers” Goalkeepers are not included as one of the four players, but can be used.