Organization:

Create a large circle about 20 yards in diameter depending on number of players. Each player has a ball and stands on the inside of the circle with the instructor in the middle.

Instructions:

The instructor demonstrates a variety ball mastery exercises for the players to perform:

See Coerver video (attached)

Coaching Points:

- Be detailed in instruction

- Demonstrate every activity repeatedly if necessary

- Have players perform these activities at a high tempo

- Stretch in between

Organization:

2 cones are placed 15 yards away with players in pairs. 1 ball each.

Instructions:

On the instructor's command, one player dribbles out to the opposing cone, changes direction and then dribbles back. The next player then does the same. Players are instructed to dribble in various ways:

A - Dribble forward with outside of the foot (pigeon-toed) taking as many touches as possible

B - Cut the ball inside and outside with the same foot, cutting as sharply as possible

C - Cut the ball outside and then inside with the same foot followed by outside and then inside of the opposite foot. Repeat

Coaching Points:

- Ensure players alternate the foot with which they dribble

- Keep ball close

- Bends knees and get low during turn

- Ball out of feet

- Head up

One or two touches. Two players at one side one on the far side. Ball with the two players

Player with ball passes through the gate and runs around to the back of the other line.

Player

Organization:

Create a line of cones 5 yards long with 2 gates at either end about 1 yard wide

Instructions:

The attacker has a ball on one side of the line with the defender on the other side. On the instructor's command, the attacker tries to dribble to either gate and stop the ball in between the cones. The defender tries to stop the attacker by blocking the gate only. The attacker tries to get as many points as possible in 30 seconds. Both players rest while 2 other players perform same activity. Alternate roles.

Coaching Points:

- Encourage attacker to face forward throughout the activity

- Cut the ball sharp with inside/oustide of the foot

- Quick acceleration and changes of direction

- Encourage players to stop and start

- Accelerate after cutting the ball

Organization:

15 x 20 yard grid with gates on either side about 3 yards in width. The gates are positioned on the outside of the grid about mid way. Cones are also positioned at the end of the grid to mark the end line.

Instructions:

2 players act as defenders and 3 players act as attackers. On the instructor's command, the first defender plays a pass into the first attacker and they go 1v1. If the attacker dribbles through either side gate, it's worth 1 point. If the attacker dribbes over the end line, it's worth 3 points. If the attacker dribbles back past the starting line, there's no point awarded by the attacker gets to remain in the attacking group. If the attacker is dispossesed, the defender goes into the attacking line and the attacker goes into the defending group.

Activity goes for 3 minutes and then points are added. Groups are mixed.

Coaching Points:

- Change direction should be an act of deception (quick and sudden)

- Encourage attacking player to cut the ball as sharply as possible to evade the defender

- Remind attackers that getting away from the defender is sometimes preferable than getting around

- Encourage stop and start moves as well

- Accelerate after cutting the ball

- Be courageous

Organization:

4v4 game. 3 team rotation.

Instructions:

- Regular rules

Coaching Points:

- When and where to use a change of direction in a game setting

- Players often need to dribble to find a pass