RUNNING WITH THE BALL
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Running with the ball, at pace, is an important skill particularly
in terms of setting up attacks at opponents goal.
How many times have you seen players like Ryan Giggs picking
up the ball in his own half and then sprint forward 30 metres
or so to suddenly spring an attack that carries a real threat.
That ability to run at speed only comes with practice. Any
player may be a quick mover - but moving at speed with the
ball is a different matter.
First consideration is to how the ball is to be controlled
whilst running.
a. Both the inside and the
outside of the foot should be used. Starting at a jog, the
speed can be built up as technique improves.
b. Players should run with
the ball, varying their length of stride, and also their direction.
Once reaching a certain point, they should be ready to turn
quickly making sure they retain good control of the ball.
c. At all times the head needs
to be steady, looking down at the ball, with the occasional
glance up to see exactly the position in the field.
d. When running, players should
ensure the ball is not too far ahead all the time. Some times
fairly close, others (in longer runs) it can be as far as
five metres ahead when there are no opponents nearby.
Here are some practices to assist progression in running
with the ball.
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Practice 1
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4
players, 1 ball, square 20 metres Player A passes to
D, who controls the ball then runs with it to either
C or D in the diagram to C who in turn will run diagonally
with the ball to B.
The exercise is repeated, all players
being presented with the opportunity to run with the
ball.
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Practice 2
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| To try and improve control whilst moving
with the ball. Put 12 players in the 20 metre square (each
with a ball) and let them move around the area, varying
speed and direction - making sure they do not run into
other players or other balls. |
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As a variation 4 players A, B, C and D can stand on
the edge of the square, and any of the 12 inside can
use them for a wall pass.
NB When possible A, B, C and D must
return the ball first time.
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| Practice 3 Speed Running |
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As the players progress, now consideration should be
given to increasing the speed of each player with the
ball.
In Practice 3: 4 players, 1 ball, 4 markers inside a
25 metre square.
A runs with the ball, and plays a pass through the markers
to B, who collects moves forward with pace and passes
to C who, by now, has taken A's place.
To ensure the practice moves forward A replaces D, while
B after completing replaces C.
Coaches should ensure all players are given the opportunity
to improve their running with the ball technique.
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| Here is a practice that every player
in the squad can join in. |
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| Practice 4 |
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| Any number of players -
in sixes and in threes facing each other 20 metres apart.
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| Here 4 X's face 4 O's 20
metres away while 4 Y's face 4 B's
The front player of the X's runs with the ball towards
the front player of the O's who without stopping the
ball takes it from X and sprints back in possession
to X2, who similarly collects before running it across
to O2 and so on.
Each time the player running with the ball joins the
back of the opposing group i.e. when X has passed the
ball on to O, he will immediately get into line behind
O2.
And so the practice evolves, coaches can use this as
many professional clubs do as a 'warm up' exercise as
well.
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