Pocket 3-D Acceleration

EXPLANATION:

• Player starts at either end, carries ball into “Pocket”, and hesitate with the ball in good vision and control position out in front of them.
• After hesitation, player lifts ball (below knee height) into space and accelerates to full speed.
• Player carries ball, keeping it bouncing, running upright at full speed and finishes with a short “clipped” shot into the goal.
• Then follows around to next line. 

COACHING POINTS:

• Ball position: with ball in pocket (simulating a central position under pressure), possession must be strong, but ball should be well out in front so player can see the space to lift and accelerate into.
• Focus on accelerating to full speed as fast as possible, and keep ball well out in front at this point, so player can keep touching the ball ahead without slowing down.
• Use one hand if possible to keep ball moving and/or clip ball into goal. 

PROGRESSION:

• LTT: Work on the ability to lift the ball consistently and under control, without letting the ball run too far ahead and away.
• TTC: Lift from different ball positions in front of the body (Left, Center, Right).
• TTW: After players have mastered this skill through repetition, this can progress to the 1v2 split drill (see link to other drill.