Drop, gather, attack

WHY USE IT

It’s not a natural action to fall on the ball. This will help players understand how to develop this technique as smoothly as they can.

SET UP

A 20m by 15m box, balls and a larger area for the game.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: Split your squad into pairs with a ball per pair. The ball carrier initially rolls the ball out about 5-10m. Their partner must chase after the ball, drop on it and quickly get back to their feet. They then sprint back to the starting position. Partners then swap.

Development: Once the ball is collected, and the player starts running back, ask them to make an evasive moment. Use a variety of kicks; grubber, chip for the player to gather. The player that rolls the ball out becomes a defender that the gatherer must beat to score. Add three more players that become support players for the counter attack. Add defenders to try and counter the attack.

COACHING POINTS

• Look at the ball as it moves and react.
• Drop, slide, gather.
• Get up and accelerate.
• Shout for the ball before you gather it.
• Drop on your side, feet first.

ACTIVITY

1. Working in pairs, each player gets comfortable with the drop and gather

2. One player runs while the other rolls the ball out

3. The player gathering the ball sprints back to the start

1. Four players running out, dropping or grubber kicking and gathering, then turning and attacking the line where they started from
   
   

1. Add in a defender

2. Three players have to chase back, gather and attack under pressure