IMPROVE RECEIVING CONTROL AND RELEASE SPEED OF PUSH
BALANCE, FOOT WORK AND BODY CONTROL
TIMING/QUALITY OF PASSING
PLAYERS
2+ FIELD PLAYERS
SPACE
10m x 15m SPACE
EQUIPMENT
1+ BALLS, 3+ CONES
EXPLANATION:
VARIATION A:
X2 Starts with the ball and passes to X1. X2 then pivots and runs around the back cone to the opposite cone.
X2 moves at speed, then controls body and footwork to get into balanced receiving position.
X1 passes the ball so that it arrives as X2 is arriving at the cone.
After receiving, X2 passes the ball back to X1 and makes a return run behind back cone and back to starting point, where she gets balanced, receives and passes back to X1.
Repeat 5 times to each side, then rest (1 set). Switch positions, and complete 4 sets each.
VARIATION B:
Same pattern as Variation A, except this time X2 runs in and out of cones as he moves side to side before receiving at the end cone.
COACHING POINTS:
Really focusing on footwork, balance and body control. X2 should go from running to stationary in a controlled movement, and weight evenly balanced on front of feet.
Remind X2 to stop ball out in front of body (1 o’clock), for good vision and control. This will help balance.
X1 should stay engaged, mobile - working on active footwork, although not running.
EVALUATION:
X2 Should move fluidly from reception to release of the pass back to X1. Focus on the first touch being tight to the stick (no more than 6 inches on the reception), keeping the ball in good position to make return pass. Once consistently performing this skill with speed and fluid movement (reception flowing into release), additional skill elements can be added.
PROGRESSION:
*The fundamental ball position and balance elements of this drill are appropriate to train at every skill level, including international*
LTT: Basic skill level as described.
TTT: Start with basic level as described, then move to reverse-stick reception and pass back (split grip backhand) on Left side of drill.
TTW: Start with basic level as described. Then X2 receives and pulls ball back around behind side cone before passing back. Also can add lifted passes (over flat sticks) to challenge receiving skills and ability to bring ball under control quickly.
