Author Information
Author Name:
Dave Slafosky
Author School:
Mount Saint Joseph High School
Drill Specs
Drill Theme:
Ground Balls
Field Position:
Offense, Defense, Midfield
Drill Style:
Game
Time Needed:
10 min
Field Location:
Half Field
Skill Level:
Basic
Objective
To work ground balls in the midfield and capitalizing on the man up situation.
Description of Drill-Execution
Start with 3 pairs of attack and defense in the attacking zone. Have 2 lines of midfielders in the center of the field. The coach will toss a 50:50 ground ball for the midfielders. Whichever player gains possession goes to goal to create a 4v3. If a shot is not taken within 5-8 seconds from possession of the ground ball, a recovering defender will be added to create a 4v4 situation.
Drill Diagram:
Skills Practiced:
- Ground Balls
- Communication – where to force the attacker with the ball
- Clearing space offensively
- Defensive Positioning
- Denying cuts and passes defensively
Variations/Progression/Increased difficulty (As your players improve their skills incorporate the following…)
You can automatically add in the recovering defender instead of waiting to see if the attackers cannot capitalize on their man advantage. Also you can have the 50:50 ball be in the air or on the ground.