Description:

Intense ball control drill

Purpose:

To develop players ball control technique, touch and awareness

Organization:

*5 players *2 balls *5 grid areas, 3 - 5 yard square *10 - 15 yards between grids Ball is passed from one of the outside players with a ball to the player in the middle. Player in the middle controls the ball, inside the grid area, and passes to one of the outside players without a ball. Next player on the outside, passes the ball to middle player, they control the ball inside the area and pass to a free player on the outside. The footballs must always stay inside of the areas

Key:

*On their toes, alert and ready *Get in the line of the ball *Assess the flight and pace of the ball *Select the best surface to control the ball *Relax and cushion the ball upon contact with the control surface *Control the ball out of the feet and in the direction of the free player they are going to pass to *Head up and accurate pass to spare player on the outside As the players become better, encourage them to: *Be aware of where the spare player is, so they can can control the ball in that direction

Progressions:

*Rotate players *Encourage competition - players must successfully control the ball inside the area and pass accurately to a spare player 10 times *Encourage middle player to play two touch *Can the player in the middle play the ball first time to a spare player for treble points *Encourage the players on the outside to vary the pace and height of their passes *Bring in a passive defender to put pressure on the middle player

Additional Notes:

*Vary the distance between the outside and middle areas *Adjust the size of the areas to suit the age and ability of the players