The following exercise was created by Ted Priestly, Men’s Head Coach at the College of the Holy Cross, to provide his players with constant repetition to improve individual technique in a dynamic fashion. Although I observed this session with collegiate players, it is appropriate for all ages. It’s important to note that no matter what the level or age of the player, technical repetition remains a key aspect of player development.
The Set-up:
- Create a hexagon with 6 cones (or discs).
- Cones should be approximately 3 yards apart.
- 1 ball, groups of 4.
The Exercise:
- Stage 1: A plays to B, B plays directly back to A
- Stage 2: A takes a lateral touch and slips a pass back to B.
- Can we slip this pass back to B with the outside of our foot?
- Stage 3: B passes the ball back through the window A had started the initial movement. A, who had moved quickly for the return pass after slipping the ball to B, plays directly to C (or D).
- Stage 4: C plays to B, B returns to C
* Exercise continues along the same pattern.
Focus:
- Crisp passing
- 1st touch to clear the space
- Movement off the ball
- Footwork
- Communication (Coach asked the player to call, “Again” when moving for the return pass)
- Speed of play
Note: To challenge the players, Coach Priestly asked the various groups to keep score. Every time a full rotation occurred a point would be awarded.
Rotation: Every 90 seconds the player in the middle would rotate out.
