Exercise Objectives: This practice is designed to improve each player’s defensive footwork and body stance.
Field Preparation Area 10 x 20 yards 2 Players 1 Ball Cones or Flag poles
Coaching Pointers:
Two players are positioned in a grid 10 yards x 20 yards. Both players start the practice from the end line and work their up and down the grid. Alternating roles when they reach each end line. One player is an attacker the other a defender. There is no tackling involved in this practice, emphasis is strictly on footwork and body stance. The attacker starts the practice by slowing running with the ball towards the defender. The defender must retreat
and keep a distance of approximately 1-2 yards from the attacker. As the attacker travels down the grid they must move the ball from left to right, right to left so the defender must change their body position.
When both players reach the opposite end line they reverse roles and work their way back up the grid.
The speed of the practice should be increased gradually.
The coach should emphasize the following coaching points:
Bend the knees and keep the body low. (don't stand tall, stand small). This position enables the legs to be "spring loaded" to change direction quickly.
Leg position should be with one leg behind the other.
Pivot using the back foot when changing direction from side to side.
Keep the upper torso forward, this is crucial for changing direction from a backwards to forwards position quickly
