Staying on the ball – Practice
Allow your players to develop confidence and technique in this three-part session. By HANNAH DUNCAN MORE
Twins
The Rules
Players must find a twin and play together by tying their legs together with a piece of cloth or an old bib – think three-legged race.
Divide the players into two teams. They are aiming to hit the cones on the goal line in order to score a point.
Players must stay linked throughout the game and can only pass or shoot, tackle or intercept with their outside leg.
Players must switch sides on the coach’s command so that they practice using both their left and right feet. Anyone can take possession of the ball once they have switched and tied their legs together again.
The ball must remain below head height to encourage the use of the weaker foot.
Main Objectives
Working with others, problem solving, coordination, weaker foot accuracy.
Set Up
Area: 30×25 yards
Players: 12, 2 teams of 6
Equipment: 4 cones, 2 goals, 1 ball
Players are tied together with their twin.
They must work together to help their team.
Twins switch sides to practice using both feet.
What To Call Out
“Stay linked”
“Move together”
“Outside foot only”
Progression
Remove the cones and allow longer shots and chipped goals into the entire goal.
Instruct players that when you shout “break” they must untie themselves and can play as normal. This will allow you to see how they react in relation to the position of the ball.
Hint
This game is perfect for large numbers as it automatically ties them up. You can play with anywhere between 8 and 20 players. Goalkeepers can be added if available.
