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.
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
Jump and land on two feet, with hips and shoulders square.
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.
The ball carrier jumps over the first bag, landing on both feet before stepping to the side.
Development
Add another player as a supporter who takes a pass as the player gets level with the middle bag.
Make another player pass the ball to the “jumper” as he reaches the bag.
Take out the middle tackle tube bag and have a player from the opposite line jump into the middle area and spread his arms to grab the ball carrier.
The stepping player passes after the step, just as he reaches the bag.
Game situation
Split into groups of two pairs. One pair attacks with a ball. Both start opposite each other about 8 metres from a line. Make the ball carrier attack the line and the defender in front of him. Just before contact he passes to his partner who uses a two foot land and step to beat the defender in front of him. Develop the game by having a trail runner to support the move.
The ball carrier releases the receiver as late as possible who jump-steps to beat his defender.
What to call out
“Spring off with two feet”
“Keep your head up as you jump, reading the situation in front of you”
Dan is a practising RFU Level 3 coach and coach educator. He coaches with the Bristol Bears DPP programme, is head coach of Bristol Schools U18s and the Rugby Performance coach for Bristol Grammar School.
He was head coach of Swansea Schools U15, Young Ospreys Academy, assistant coach with the Wales Women's Team for the 2010 World Cup, director of rugby for Cranleigh School, Surrey. He played for Bath, Bristol, Esher and Clifton, South West division, Gloucestershire and Surrey.
Register now to get a free eBook worth £10
Get this brilliant ebook worth £10 for FREE when you register now
The fly half (10) has a controlling position to launch his team away from the opposition and into open spaces. He needs to be comfortable ...
Newsletter Sign Up
Join over 75k coaches that are saving time searching for fresh coaching ideas with our free email newsletter: ✔ New drills ✔ New games ✔ New warm-ups. Delivered direct to your email inbox
"I have been coaching competitive soccer for over 20 years in Las Vegas. I feel like you are my personal club director. My players and myself have learned a lot from your sessions. The exercises from Soccer Coach Weekly are easy to understand and implement. I never run out of ideas and there is always an exercise for whatever problem we need to fix. Thank you!"
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
"First and foremost, Soccer Coach Weekly is truly unique and exceptional for its clarity and for explaining the "why?", in addition to the "how?". Soccer Coach Weekly is also professionally managed - any issues, which are infrequent, are resolved in an expedient and courteous manner. I place Soccer Coach Weekly at the top of my recommendation list for any new or seasoned coach of the beautiful game."
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
"I coach both young club players as well as players at the High School level and both genders. The talent range is wide at times, however with the use of Soccer Coach Weekly I am able to apply the information to all talent levels and player ages and make the session fun and challenging for all players. It has helped spark me at times when I am at a loss for what to do at the next training session or offers a different approach to a current problem."
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
"My team and myself are truly enjoying the Soccer Coach Weekly downloads. Pierrefonds Titans are a great group of U16 Females who compete in the Lac St-Louis Association of Montreal, Quebec, Canada."
Subscribe Today
Since 2006, we’ve helped tens of thousands of coaches just like you build strong teams and deliver effective and inspiring training sessions, week-in, week-out.
Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful soccer coach. ALL the support you need to become a great Youth Soccer coach: ✓ Proven, practical coaching advice
✓ Hundreds of ready-to-use drills and full-session practice plans
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.
Part of Green Star Media Ltd. Company number: 3008779
We use cookies so we can provide you with the best online experience. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Click on the banner to find out more.