Subtle changes of angle at full speed help the ball carrier beat defenders who don’t have time to adjust or are set to make the tackle. It can be used either as a one-onone skill or against an organised defence, to break the line.
Gliding maintains the player’s balance, so he can pass at pace as well.
Subtle changes of angle at full speed help the ball carrier beat defenders who don’t have time to adjust or are set to make the tackle. It can be used either as a one-onone skill or against an organised defence, to break the line.
Gliding maintains the player’s balance, so he can pass at pace as well.
Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 10-15
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 7-10
What to think about
Are the player’s movements smooth and balanced or stop-start and jerky?Start with the player running in a straight line at speed. Then add one cone on the ground so the player is running on an arc. Once they have achieved this at speed and balance, add two more cones.
Do the players transfer the ball into the near arm as they beat the defender?If the ball is held in two hands and the defender gets hold of the player, they may be able to knock the ball out of their grip. Remind the player to practise moving the ball into one hand while going past the cones.
set-up
Get into a fast running rhythm, gliding between the cones.
Hold the ball in two hands. Move it to keep your balance as you glide past the markers.
What you get your players to do
Split your players into two groups lined up at one end of the box. On your signal the first two players in each group race to get to the far end of the practice area. One group run in a straight line, the other swerve round two cones, placed to ensure some change of direction, but not to affect the speed of running greatly.
The players running through the cones have to swerve and keep their balance, speed and smoothness, as they glide through the practice area.
The player moving round the cones races the player running in a straight line.
Development
In the same box, one of the groups becomes the defenders. Start one defender in the far corner. Start an attacker in the middle of the side of the box. He sprints across using his evasion skills to beat the defender.
Set out different starting points along the side of the box to challenge players of different speeds. Use two handed touch tackling to begin with.
Related Files
Core-114-gliding.pdfPDF, 192 KB
Start the attacker on one of the cones according to his pace. He aims to glide outside or inside the defender.
Game situation
Split the players into a 5 v 3. Start the defending team at one corner of the pitch.
On your signal they run into the game area to defend. The attacking team start in an offensive alignment and move the ball to the far side to score in the corner. However, with the defending team covering across, there’s an opportunity for an attacker to glide at speed inside a couple of defenders to break through and score in the middle.
There are opportunities for an attacker to glide through a gap, by swerving on an out-to-in running line.
What to call out
“Lean into the cones like a skier on the slalom”
“Smooth and flowing. Glide over the ground”
“Just because there is some change in direction, don’t let it affect your running style”
Dan is a practising RFU Level 3 coach and coach educator. He coaches with the Bristol Bears DPP programme, is the assistant coach with University of Bristol Women's team and is a coach mentor for Broad Plain RFC mini and juniors section.
He was Head Coach of Swansea Schools U15 and has previously held coaching roles with the Young Ospreys Academy and as Assistant Coach with the Wales Women's Team for the 2010 World Cup. He was director of rugby for Cranleigh School, Surrey. P...
Register now to get a free eBook worth £10
Get this brilliant ebook worth £10 for FREE when you register now
The fly half (10) has a controlling position to launch his team away from the opposition and into open spaces. He needs to be comfortable ...
Newsletter Sign Up
Join over 75k coaches that are saving time searching for fresh coaching ideas with our free email newsletter: ✔ New drills ✔ New games ✔ New warm-ups. Delivered direct to your email inbox
"I have been coaching competitive soccer for over 20 years in Las Vegas. I feel like you are my personal club director. My players and myself have learned a lot from your sessions. The exercises from Soccer Coach Weekly are easy to understand and implement. I never run out of ideas and there is always an exercise for whatever problem we need to fix. Thank you!"
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
"First and foremost, Soccer Coach Weekly is truly unique and exceptional for its clarity and for explaining the "why?", in addition to the "how?". Soccer Coach Weekly is also professionally managed - any issues, which are infrequent, are resolved in an expedient and courteous manner. I place Soccer Coach Weekly at the top of my recommendation list for any new or seasoned coach of the beautiful game."
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
"I coach both young club players as well as players at the High School level and both genders. The talent range is wide at times, however with the use of Soccer Coach Weekly I am able to apply the information to all talent levels and player ages and make the session fun and challenging for all players. It has helped spark me at times when I am at a loss for what to do at the next training session or offers a different approach to a current problem."
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
"My team and myself are truly enjoying the Soccer Coach Weekly downloads. Pierrefonds Titans are a great group of U16 Females who compete in the Lac St-Louis Association of Montreal, Quebec, Canada."
Subscribe Today
Since 2006, we’ve helped tens of thousands of coaches just like you build strong teams and deliver effective and inspiring training sessions, week-in, week-out.
Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful soccer coach. ALL the support you need to become a great Youth Soccer coach: ✓ Proven, practical coaching advice
✓ Hundreds of ready-to-use drills and full-session practice plans
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.
Part of Green Star Media Ltd. Company number: 3008779
We use cookies so we can provide you with the best online experience. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Click on the banner to find out more.