Static Warm-Ups with a Ball
No.1 - The Clock
The Set Up: In pairs standing 2m apart with 1 feeder and 1 worker.
The Practice: The feeder passes the ball to the worker who holds both hands up at the 12 o’clock position. The worker snatches the ball into the chest and feeds the pass back to the feeder. The practice continues with the worker changing the position of her arms from 1pm round an imaginary clock. The feeder is to concentrate on feeding an accurate pass to the workers hands so the worker does not have to move her arms to cleanly catch the ball.
Teaching Points
For the feeder:-
- Step into the pass, transferring their weight from the back to the front foot
- Using a chest pass, position their hands in a W shape behind the ball
- Push through the ball following through to where the ball is to go
For the worker:-
- Stand with feet hip distance apart with soft knees which will ensure they are well balanced throughout the practice
- Fingers are soft and outstretched with the palms of the hands facing the feeder
- Worker is reach for the ball at full extension and snatch the ball into the chest
Common Errors:-
- The feeder over stretching the worker putting pressure on pass
- The feeder not stepping into the pass therefore not practicing the correct technique for a chest pass
- The worker waiting for the ball to come to them rather than reaching for the ball and snatching it in
No.2 - The Triangle
The Set Up: In 3’s with 2 balls, players stand in a triangle. Players A and B with a ball each. Player C starts central to A and B at the tip of the triangle.
The Practice: In turn, players A and B pass a straight ball to C who moves her feet to receive the pass opposite the feeder.
This practice can be used to coach footwork or balance. It is also good for fitness.
Worker to work hard for 30 secs and build up the working time as players become more efficient and fitter.
Teaching Points
For the feeder:-
- Feeders to time their passes starting slow and building up the pace. The worker must succeed
- Feeders to concentrate on a confident chest pass
For the worker:-
- Quick feet working to move the body to the correct position ie opposite the feeder, ideally running between feeds keeping upper body and head turned towards the ball
- When receiving the ball, both feet should be hip distance apart ensuring balance
- A balanced pass sent back to the feeders
Common Errors:-
- Feeders start feeding too fast before the worker has perfected the technique
- Workers get lazy and take on a wider foot positioning effecting their balance
No.3 - The Square
The Set Up: In 5’s working with 2 balls. Players A,B,C and D make a square and player E, the worker, stands in the middle of the square. Feeders A and C start with the balls.
The Practice: E starts facing players A and B. E receives a pass from A and sends it back to B. E then turns round to face players C and D. E receives a pass from C and passes back to D. E turns back to players A and B receiving a pass from B and sends it back to A.
This practice is working on reactions, correct and quick passing.
Progression 1: Feeders to use different passes.
Progression 2: Feeders to pass the ball in to the space around Player E rather than passing directly to her so Player E has to move on to the pass.
Teaching Points
For the feeder:-
- To pass a direct, quick, chest pass to player E
For the worker:-
- React quickly to receive the ball and make the right passing decision
- When turning between the 2 sides of the square, turn back on yourself to avoid getting dizzy
- Concentrate on getting feet round to receive each pass
- Use hard chest pass to deliver back to the feeder
Common Errors:-
- Player E not moving feet round so passing off balance
- Feeders starting the feeding too fast
No.4 - Team Passing
The Set Up: 2 teams of 4 people set up in 2 squares which are overlapping. It will look like 1 large circle. 2 balls are required.
The Practice: 1 member of each team starts with a ball. The ball is then passed round the teams in order. To make the practice more competitive, the player starting with the ball becomes the counter, every time the ball is received by this player, the count a point. Teams are then timed to see who can gain the most points.
This practice is great to show that mistakes can often happen when competition is introduced. The more competitive situations you can give your players, the better they will be in match situations.
Progression 1: On the whistle, ball is to change direction, this helps reaction.
Progression 2: Rules are given to each team: players are not allowed to move their feet and they must only pass the ball when they have eye contact with the receiver. Players can then intercept the other team’s balls. Counters will add a point any time they are passed a ball.
Teaching Points
All players :-
- Concentrate on both the passing and catching aspects as speed does not necessarily mean more points but often more errors
- Keep elbows in tight and push through the ball to create power and a direct ball which increase it’s speed
Common Errors:-
- In practice 4b, players can get excited and pass the ball without the receiver looking therefore accidents can happen
