Core Possession Skills in Cone Box 1

DESCRIPTION

One group of 4 per cone box.

Activities also work with 3 or 5 players, by reducing or adding cones to make a playing area with 3 or 5 sides etc.

Activities:

1. Pass + move. Player with ball passes left, then runs to/around the centre cone and back. Receiving player passes left, then runs to centre and back, etc. Variations: 1) Pass right/reverse pass. 2) Jog backward when returning to your cone.

2. Carry + pass. Player with ball carries to centre cone, passes left and follows their pass. Next player does the same. Progressions: 1) pass right with upright reverse stick. 2) L>R drag/dummy/other skill at centre cone before passing.

3. Receive + pass. Middle player receives from one player and passes to another. Middle player swaps out every 3 passes. Progression: add in a second ball.

4a. Pass + follow. Pass anti-clockwise around the playing area, and follow your pass. There should be 1 less cone than players, i.e. 5-6 to a box, or 4 to a triangle etc. Variation: pass clockwise around the area. Progression: add in a second ball.

4b. Speed passing. Pass clockwise/anticlockwise all the way around the box quicker than it takes the 'spare' player to dribble around the box. Each player stays on their cone, no need to follow pass. Progression: (more intensive) the spare player runs around the box without a ball.

COACHING POINTS

Can be used as a warmup for beginner/intermediate players. Practices core skills for retaining possession as a team in matches (carrying, passing and receiving).

• All passes should be to forehand (Q: why? To reduce mistakes + loss of possession).
• Avoid one-touch passing (Q: why? Same reason as above)
• Always look at the receiver before you pass, to ensure they're ready for a pass.
• Before you receive, start turning your feet/body to the player you will pass to.

Discourage/penalise losing the ball (due to misplacing a pass or mis-receiving), to convey the importance of keeping possession. i.e.:

• Give each group [3] balls. If they lose their balls, the players must run round the pitch once / do 5 push-ups before collecting them.

Progressions:

• Rondo (4v1 or 3v2) to practice passing + receiving under pressure. 3-4 players around the box try to keep possession, 1-2 players inside it try to win the ball.