Two foot land and step

This session builds up a simple skill: landing on two feet and stepping away from contact. It is a good technique for players in all positions. When they are moving at speed and see a potential tackler, they can jump, land and step, either to beat the defender or offload to a supporting player.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 7-10
Development time: 10-12
Game time: 10-12
Warm down time: 5-7

What to think about

Should the player land with one hand or two hands on the ball? Ideally the player should have two hands on the ball. However he might find it easier to jump and land with one hand on the ball. Start by encouraging two handed landings, because this gives the players flexibility to pass. In reality, the best players can do either. How wide should the two foot landing be? Since the player needs to step both ways, then he should land with his feet just outside his shoulder line. The key is to land with a slight knee bend and not sink too far before driving off.

set-up

1. Jump and land on two feet, with hips and shoulders square.
2. Drive to one side and accelerate away.

What you get your players to do

If possible for each group of four players set up one “tackle bag” obstacle course (as the “two foot land and step” picture). Use cones and poles if you don’t have bags. Give each group a ball and place two of the players at each end of their obstacle course.

Carrying the ball, the first player runs through the course. He jumps over the first obstacle, landing on two feet, before jump-stepping to one side of the middle obstacle. He completes the course and passes the ball to a player at the far end for his go. Make sure all players jump-step to both the left and right of the middle obstacle.