Leading 1

EXPLANATION:

• Ball starts with X1. X2 initiates the start of the drill - moves away from the ball to the cone, and cuts back, presenting for the ball between the gate at the 23m line.
• X1 passes to the stick of X2. X2 receives and passes back to X1 on a slight angle to the Right side of the field.
• X2 then leads away from the ball again, arcs around the cone at the top of the circle and out to the Right-Side edge of the circle.
• X1 passes the ball into this space, so the ball arrives at the same time as X2.
• X2 receives and shoots. 

VARIATIONS:

• Same pattern on the Left side.

COACHING POINTS:

• X2 (Receiver) focus on change of speed when he changes direction to lead for the ball.
• X2 signal clearly where he wants the ball (using stick or pointing).
• X1 hold ball in good position out in front of body (1 or 2 o’clock) so he can see X2 signaling for the pass and deliver an accurate pass at the right time.

EVALUATION:

• Strong Presentation: there should be a strong, clear change in the body language/intensity of X2 as he changes direction/speed to ask for the ball. The “STRONGER” the signal from the receiver, the more likely that he will receive a pass in a game.
• Timing/Flow: On both receptions, X2 should be arriving in the receiving area at the same time as the ball (not waiting for it). The drill should flow continuously so after the initial lead there is constant movement until the shot on goal.

PROGRESSION:

• LTT: Run the same pattern in a smaller space.
• TTC & TTW: Keep the initial set-up the same, but give players the option of going to either side. X1 makes the decision on which way to shift after his initial pass, and X2 should make his second lead based on this direction. 

RELATED DRILLS

• 2v1 Horizontal Drill
• Advantage Line Passing