Short-Short-Long Passing Game
This drill is appropriate for players high-school age and older who possess sufficient strength and technical ability to perform a variety of passing skills over varying distances when under pressure from an opponent. Number of Players: Twelve: 3 teams of 4 players each Objectives: To coordinate attack support movement and positioning; to vary the type and distance of passes to unbalance the defense; to recognize and take advantage of opportunities to change the point of attack (location of the ball); to coordinate group defense [i.e, responsibilities of the 1st defender (pressure), 2nd defender (cover), and 3rd defender (balance)].
Objectives:Position markers to outline a playing area of 30 by 40 yards. Each team wears different colored (blue, gold, and red) scrimmage vests. Designate one team as defenders who station in the center of the area. The remaining 8 players (two teams) position themselves around the perimeter of the area as attackers. One attacker has the ball to begin.
Procedure: The attackers attempt to keep the ball from the outnumbered defenders. Attackers are restricted to movement along the boundary lines of the playing grid; they may move side-to-side along the perimeter to support teammates and/or receive a pass, but are not permitted to move into the playing area. Attackers are also limited to three-touches to receive and pass the ball. The four defenders work together to win the ball. Change of possession occurs when a defender tackles the ball, intercepts a pass, or forces an attacker to play the ball outside of the grid. The player responsible for the loss of possession, plus his or her three teammates, become the new defenders. Players from the original defending team become attackers and take position along the perimeter of the area. Play is continuous as teams alternate from attack to defense and vice versa upon change of possession. Time: 15 to 20 minutes.
Coaching Tips:Encourage attackers to vary the type and distance of passes. This will force the defending team to cover the entire length and width of the playing area. Emphasize short-short-long passing combinations. One or two consecutive short-range passes will draw defenders to the ball; at that point the player on the ball should send a longer pass to a less congested area of the grid. Changing the point of attack will force defending players to readjust position, and also prevent them from compacting the space around the ball. Reduce the area size to make the game more difficult for the attackers; the smaller field area will make it easier for the defending team to pressure the ball and limit attacking options.
|
|
