Fitness with the Ball (Flag Running)

Exercise Objectives: This is a great exercise to develop your team's fitness level while incorporating the ball.

Field Preparation Place flag poles approximately 20 to 30 yards apart ( 9 to 27 meters ) as in the diagram above. Position a player at each flag pole. Position a group of players with a ball each at the starting point.

Coaching Pointers: First player at the "start line" passes to player (2) and runs to flag 2. Player (2) passes to player (3) and runs to flag 3. Player (3) passes to player (4) and runs to flag 4. Player (4) passes to player (5) and runs to flag 5. Player (5) passes to player (6) and runs to flag 6. Player (6) passes to player (7) and runs to flag 7. Player (7) controls the ball and dribbles full speed to the starting line. Note: The sequence is started each time player (3) passes to player (4). This ensures that several balls are being played at the same time and keeps a high tempo to the practice. Progressions: Have player "run with the ball" to the flag pole. Have player chip the ball to the next player at the flag pole. Have players run with the ball half way and play a "give and go" to the player at the flag pole.