Exercise Objectives: This practice is designed to improve the distance and balance of the back four defenders.
Field Preparation Half Field Cones or Flag poles Supply of Balls Colored Bibs
Coaching Pointers:
Place 5 cones across the width of the field as shown in the diagram above. The cones should be equally spaced
and slightly arched. Position a defender at each cone leaving one open cone.
The practice starts with the right back (at cone 1) passing the central defender (at cone 2). The right back follows the pass to (cone 2). Immediately upon receiving the ball, the central defender passes to the second central defender (at cone 3) and follows the pass. The second central defender passes to the left back (at cone 4) and follows the pass to cone 4.The left back then runs with the ball to cone 5, turns and repeats the practice in the opposite direction.
Players do not have to pass to the next defender in sequence. For example, the right back (at cone 1) can play to either central defender or across the field to the left back (at cone 4). Once the pass in made, all players must
move quickly to the next cone.
The objective is for the defenders to pass the ball efficiently across the width of the field and move across the field
as a compact unit, keeping equal space between each defender.
The coach should emphasize the following coaching points:
Play firm accurate passes to the players feet.
Drive the ball with pace across the field when switching over long distance.
Move quickly after you have made the pass.
When controlling the ball, use your first touch to redirect the ball in the direction you want to pass.
