This exercise is great for team unity, movement, supporting your team mates and keeping team formation. Note: the 9 quadrants are necessary in order to denote the 3 rows of a (defence, midfield and forwards) formation... the number columns is personal choice. If space is limited the 3x3 area can be scaled down and in fact would work well this way to illustrate the key points (see coaching points) How it works: Essentially as the ball moves from one quadrant to another 2 supporting players enter that players square initially they are to use one of them as an option (as the players become used to the exercise using these players is optional). When the two supporting players players vacate their squares. The two vacated squares must be filled by two adjoining players... WHY? To provide a route out for the ball. Only rule in movement between squares is that you can not move further than the row next to yours.. This keeps Defneders in the back and middle 3rd. Attackers in the Front and middle 3rd and Midfielders can go everywhere... If you want to encourage wing backs to progress up the pitch then you could give the the left and middle columns to work in etc. The aim of the exercise is to move the ball from the goal keeper to the other end line whilst players provide the necessary support and fill holes in the formation left by supporting players.
Provide Support - 2 players ideally (anymore and too many get out of position, any fewer potentially leaves the ball player stranded) need to run toward the player in space to receive the ball. Keep formation.. players must realise that they must fill the gaps left by the players going to provide support. WHY? To continue the path for the ball to follow... If they don't it's like having a paving stone in the path missing.. These are strategic points... Next: positioning is important... For this have a defender in each line (so 3 defenders that can only travel along the row that they are in).. The supporting players need to position themselves to best receive the ball from the the ball player Body positioning.. setting yourself for the next pass Choice of pass - there are 2 defenders to consider.. the one in your immediate area and the one in the next row. You need to choose the pass that gives your team mates the most time to play their next pass Movement after your pass... Is your job finished? No probably not.. Might your team mate want to give it back to you? Maybe, but you need to give them the option in case they do. Where will you want to pass it if you do get it back? When should you be thinking about that? USE YOUR IMAGINATION! WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN? WHAT WOULD YOU DO if YOU RECEIVED THE BALL?
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