Move it, keep it

Develop your players’ ability to control the ball on their body before contact by making sure they have at least two, if not four, points of contact on the ball. By moving the ball from hand to hand quickly, players are able to keep it free and away from the opposition. With a good grip, from hand, to forearm to bicep to chest, they can take contact and release the ball quickly (either for a placement or a pass – even a “catflap” pass).

1. First, as a warm up, a player puts the ball into four points of contact on his left side.
2. He then shifts it across to the four points of contact on the right side.
3. He repeats 10 times, then swaps with his partner who does his sets of 10.
4. The ball is returned to the first player who jogs forward, while his partner tries to knock the ball down.

1. Develop by putting a ball carrier with a receiver either side of him and one behind 2m away.
2. These players are labelled A, B and C.

1. He moves the ball between each side and when you shout out a letter, he passes with one hand to that player.
2. They swap places and continue.

TECHNIQUE

• Four points of contact: Hand, forearm, bicep and chest.
• Don’t pass like a waiter holding a tray – pass with the ball on two points of contact.