Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Turning Away from Pressure w/ Head Check #2

Turning Away From Pressure w/ Head Check #2

Set Up: Final 35 yards of field needed. Gates one either side of "D" 2 yards wide, one cone in the middle of the 18 yard line, and one cone 30-35 yards out in middle of the field. Balls at top of 30-35 yard cone.

Activity: Defender is on cone in middle of 18. First attacker is on top of "D", and second attacker is at cone 30-35 yards out. On coach's command, first attacker checks into to second attacker to receive a pass. At the same time, defender picks one gate to sprint to. While checking in for the ball, the attacker receiving the ball must check over their shoulder to see either which cone is open, or which one is being defended, and turn towards open gate. Defender now sprints through the gate and tries to catch attacker before they can shoot. Attacker must now turn very quickly and get through gate to finish before defender can close down. If attacker turns to gate that defender has chosen, they must go through that gate. Progress to attacker who passes ball in, making supporting run to challenge 2v1. Attacker who passed becomes attacker on top of "D" receiving ball.

Coaching Points: Must check their should at least once, but if they can, twice. Defender can now fake going to one gate and go to the other once players get the hang of the activity. Turn must be made properly with a good first touch that takes them towards their target. Pass must be quality, and to the foot where the attacker receiving will want to turn. Need to use speed to get through gate and get shot off.