DEVELOP QUICK DECISION-MAKING AND LEADING FROM FORWARDS ON QUICK RESTARTS GOING INTO ATTACKING END
PLAYERS
4+ PLAYERS
SPACE
HALF-FIELD
EQUIPMENT
5+ BALLS, 10 CONES
EXPLANATION:
X1 initiates play by carrying the ball directly towards goal. X2 starts inside the circle, marked by defender O.
Coach (C) moves to block either the left or right side, and forces X1 to the other direction.
X1 reaches either 1: set of cones just inside 23m line or 2: set of cones just outside 23m line. X1 runs ball into the cones and Coach blows whistle for a artificial “foul”.
X1 gets control of the ball as quickly as possible and takes a quick restart, looking up for an immediate pass to X2.
If restart is taken outside the 23m line, X2 drops into deflection position deeper inside the circle.
If restart is taken just inside the 23m line, X2 makes a sharp lead to either left or right, to receive the ball just outside the circle.
X1 passes to X2 either inside circle or outside, depending on free hit position. X2 receives and shoots on goal.
If O intercepts pass, she clears ball immediately to either left or right side target goals.
VARIATION:
A simple and game-like variation for this, is to add another attacker starting inside the circle, so X1 has more than one target to pass to after the restart.
Another way of creating an artificial foul is to have a defender (or a coach) deliberately foul X1 either just outside or inside 23m line. This requires co-operation and care to work effectively, but can be more game-like.
COACHING POINTS:
The focus of this drill is mainly the recognition by X2 of the specific attacking situation, determined by the location of the free hit.
From a position inside the circle, X2 should move sharply and signal clearly where she wants to receive the pass.
X2 should attempt to receive and shoot with only 2 touches, whether first touch is inside or outside the circle.
EVALUATION:
X1’s vision throughout the drill is critical to success. Carrying into the simulated foul situation, she must see the open space. As she is setting up for the quick restart, she can glance up to gather positional information, and just as she is about to pass to X2, she should be able to see the target.
With quick restarts, the key to success is continuing the flow of play. If X1 can collect the ball quickly after running into the cones, there should almost be no interruption in the attacking flow/movement going forward
