This is a very simple drill which
combines long distance passing and receiving with the use of bending runs.
It is also a good conditioning drill.
Setup: Three players, one
ball, four cones, grid size approximately 20 yards by 60 yards.
Using four cones set up a grid 20
yards x 60 yards. Each cone will be in the centre of a side of the
grid - forming a diamond shape pattern.
Start: Two players are at
one end of grid on a cone. Player 1 takes off on a bending
run (j-shaped) around the cone on one side. He calls for
the ball and Player 2 passes the ball at or in front of the cone.
Player 1 receives the football and with one touch knocks it to
Player 3 who is waiting at the far cone. Player 3 receives the ball
and drops it near the cone and takes off on his bending run around
the cone to his right. Player 2 takes the ball and upon the request
(call for the ball) by Player 3, plays it at the cone Player 3 is
running around (with a bending run). Player 3 receives the ball and
with one touch knocks it to Player 2 who is waiting at the cone
where the drill began. Player 2 receives the ball and drops it near
the cone and takes off on his bending run around the cone to his
right. The drill continues in that manner.
Alternatives: Run the drill both clockwise and
counter-clockwise. Start the drill by requiring the players play the
ball on the ground. Once they get the hang have them play the ball
in the air. At the beginning of the drill have the players making
the bending run "call" for the ball. Later, require that they
communicate non-verbally.
Coaching Points:
- Balls must have proper pace.
The player receiving the ball must not have to slow down to
receive the ball.
- Pay attention that proper
technique is used by the player making the pass. Hips must be
"aimed" in the direction of the pass. Follow-through must be in
the direction of the pass. Accuracy is more important than power
- at least at the beginning.
- Player must make a bending run
so that he can see the passer within three to five steps after
beginning his run. If he cannot see the passer he's not bending
his run enough. This is important because the passer may be under
pressure from the defence and may have to release the pass earlier
than the receiving player is expecting it. A good bending run
allows the receiver to see the passer as much as possible during
his run and the passer to hit the pass to the players feet without
hitting his heels.
