We planned a large full field passing drill that involves laying ball back, driven passes with laces and wall passes. From beginning to end, it's a lot of running while staying organized. It's one of my favourite team drills from a repetition and cardio point of view. There's also a mental aspect to it so the whole thing doesn't fall apart and you don't want to be the player to break it up. Some of the more experienced players know how to fix it on the fly or step out if they know it's getting too bogged down. I have several versions of this exercise that works on first touch forward, wall passes, etc.
I'm going to have to video tape this drill and post if for fear of mangling it with a poor written description. I picked it up from Tosh Farrell (formerly of Everton Academy) at a coaching conference put on by the Ontario Soccer Association.
My main coaching for this drill tonight was the section laying the ball back for the oncoming runner. Coaching points were:
- Foot off the ground to ensure ball rolls true
- Ball played back on angle, not square or forward
- Get out of the way after laying off
- Penetrating passes
- Attacking runs
- Laying the ball off for a trailing player to play forward
The games are getting pretty entertaining and some boys are showing some flair and creativity.
After 3 more sessions we will make our first and second rosters.