DECEPTIVE CHANGE OF DIRECTION AND SPEED WITH BALL TO ELIMINATE DEFENDER
PLAYERS
1+, GK OPTIONAL
SPACE
35m x 10m
EQUIPMENT
10+ BALLS, 20x CONES
EXPLANATION:
Player X carries the ball to the first set of cones and tracks at speed towards the Right cone, positioning the ball at 1 o’clock in relation to his body. X decelerates, leans right, then pulls the ball to the left, outside body and around the Left cone.
X then cuts ball back inside behind the cones and accelerates towards the next set of cones, towards the Right cone and repeats the movement.
After the 3rd set of cones, X shoots, turns back and jogs to starting point.
COACHING POINTS:
The attacker should make a sharp change of direction and change of speed (slow to fast) when she reaches the cones. (see photo 2: R-Lpull3.png)
Player should “throw” the ball well out on the Left side - should extend arm outside body to get around defender’s reach, and “catch” the ball with one hand. (see photo 3: R-Lpull4.png)
Player should cut back inside sharply and accelerate to eliminate defender after rounding cones (see photo 1: R-Lpull2.png)
EVALUATION:
Player should practice as many repetitions of the skill as possible to increase fluidity of movement and develop effective fakes/feints. The more fluid the movement the better.
Even though this is a one-handed skill out on the Left side of the body, it takes more technique than strength to do it effectively. Younger players can easily change the direction of the ball with one hand on the stick, just by using the weight of the stick and letting gravity help. The stick falls onto the ball and with a little guidance and direction the ball can be moved effectively.
