Technical Tips
Coaching - Running with the ball
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Guest Coach - Paul Robinson, DFW Tornados Assistant Director of Coaching - We asked Paul to give us an insight into:
How do coaches set up a Phase of Play and what are they looking for? (see Coaches Setup Information)
Topic: Running with the Ball
When I coach this topic using a Phase of Play I will use the full width of the pitch x 60yds long.
This Presentation shows how the initial set up will be and all of the equipment that should be in place before the session starts.
There will always be a specified start point that the practice should always start from after every breakdown in play, goal or coaches input.
Coaches will talk about Key Factors and ensuring that they go through these at the start, during the session and at the end of the session.
The Key Factors here are:
- Play must be realistic and the set up must be as it would be in a game
- Look for patterns of play between players
- What happens when the ball is played
between the two serving players and then to the wide RED player
• Have they created space to receive the ball?
• Does their first touch enable them to get on the ‘half ‘turn?
• Is the next decision to go inside or outside the correct one? - Does the midfield create space to support the player and/or the ball?
- Are the attackers creating space to receive the ball or support the player?
- Which way is the RED player running – inside to link up play - outside to achieve a cross
- Can another player run with the ball if needed?
No matter how many times a coach asks you to go through a practice, be patient and keep going because he/she may be looking to progress the practice with other players and involve more as you go. This is only a brief insight and some coaches will be more detailed or have varying ways of coaching. Sometimes by trying to understand how others think or what they are thinking we can better understand what is asked of us.
Good Luck!
