Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Change Of Direction With a Ball

Arrowhead - Change Of Direction (5 mins)

Method:

Set out a diamond shape with the distance between the cones being 8-10m. 

Accelerate to the top cone and cut to the left or right. 

Coaching Points:

• The player must get down low on the turn and try to push off the outside leg and open the hip of the inside leg to then push off into that direction.
• Try and decelerate as quickly as possible then accelerate back up to speed in the desired direction.
• This practice will enhance a players ability to change direction faster.
• Concentrate on technique in and out of the turn then this will become natural when playing the game.
• Perform 5 reps in one direction and then rest for 2 minutes, then perform 5 reps in the opposite direction

Back Pedal With The Ball (5 mins)

Method:

• Set out a diamond shape with the distance between the cones being 10M. 
• Backpedal out to the left or right then turn the body inside to accelerate to the top cone receive a through ball from the server to finish. 

Coaching Points:

• Get down low and decelerate hard for the change of direction and get back up to speed to finish .
• The practice adds in a backpedal element which is rarely practiced.
• Use this practice to efficiently turn the body inside to move to the top.
• This practice continues to work on sport specific movements and movement quality whilst adding in the technical element of a finish.
• Perform 5 reps in one direction and then rest for 2 minutes, then perform 5 reps in the opposite direction.