Fancy footwork to beat your opponents

Set-up

Warm-up: Split players into four equal groups with each group on one side of a 10m square.

Activity: A ball carrier and defender start on opposite sides of a 4m square.

Skill development: Set out six cones as shown in picture 3.

What you get your players to do

Warm-up: Players run back and forth across the square avoiding any contact. Gradually increase the pace and reduce the size of the square as they improve.

Activity: The ball carrier has to use footwork evasion skills to beat the defender and score. Start with a two handed touch on the waist.

Skill development: The three-stepsidestep – players sprint to the first cone and step off their left foot, then off their right foot and their left foot again before straightening up and accelerating.

Look for

Players using unusual footwork to beat the defender. Players who can use a variety of different footwork skills. Attacking defenders at pace.

Development

If players struggle with a three-stepsidestep, slow it down for them and get them to walk through it and then jog. Slowly build up the pace as they get used to the foot pattern. Reduce the size of the square for the 1 v 1 game so the ball carrier has even less space to work in.

Notes

There are different ways to beat a defender so encourage players to try different methods. Highlight good footwork and encourage others to copy it.