Corners and arrows

This session improves the lines and timing of players, but needs a certain level of understanding of passing and moving. Hence, this is a session for more experienced players. The corners are sharp angles, the arrows are straight and true.

Warm up time: 5
Session time: 6-9
Development time: 6-9
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7

What to think about

This simple running line tactic is appropriate for all positions. The key is that the player who is attacking the defensive line is running at a “weak shoulder”, that is the defender is planted, intending to tackle with the other shoulder. If the defender is out of position, then a space might open up. Otherwise, the ball carrier can smash through the arm and offload the ball if he is held. The arrow needs to accelerate on to the ball.

set-up

1. Attack the line with sharp turns and pace.
2. Be prepared not to receive the ball, but still make the defence tackle you.

What you get your players to do

Put one player opposite a gate of cones (picture 1). He runs through the gate, takes a pass, turns the corner indicated by the corners and passes to another player, who has run either a straight line (to start with) or two sides of triangle. The key is pace onto the ball by the second player. Develop this exercise by switching the sides to pass and then taking away the cones.