Attacking

No.1 - Cones

The Set Up: Any number of players and a set of cones required. Cones are set up in a line down the court with 1 – 2m between each cone. All players start behind the base line or sideline facing the line of cones.

The Practice: One by one, players run in and out of the cones till they reach the end of the line. They then turn and sprint back to the line of players. This practice starts to look at the skill of dodging.

Teaching Points

• Aim is for players to push off with their outside leg at each cone so a change of direction is obvious
• Drop the outside shoulder as players push off to exaggerate the dodge

Common Errors:-

• Players simply weave in and out of the cones without any technique

No.2 - Zig Zag Cones

The Set Up: Any number of players and a set of cones required. Cones are set up in a zig zag down the court with 1 – 2m between each cone. All players start behind the base line or sideline facing the cones.

The Practice: One by one, players run in and out of the cones till they reach the end of the line. They then turn and sprint back to the line of players down the centre of the cones. This practice over exaggerates the running angles as well as looking at the skill of dodging.

The Progression: Players to dodge round the cones both there and back.

Teaching Points

• Aim is for players to push off with their outside leg at each cone so a change of direction is obvious
• Drop the outside shoulder as players push off to exaggerate the dodge
• Sprint between each cones using arms and high knees
• Keep head up at all times looking up the line of cones

Common Errors:-

• Players simply weave in and out of the cones without any technique

No.3 - Dodging

The Set Up: Players to work on their own as they practice the dodging technique.

The Practice: As individuals working in a space, players practice the correct dodging technique by transferring their weight to the right, dropping their shoulder, bending the right knee and then pushing off in the opposite direction.

Repeat to the left side so players are happy to dodge both sides.

The video clips show a few steps taken before the shoulder drops. This is not necessary but often a good way to over exaggerate the sideways movement. By adding the 3 steps, this has become a change of direction. Try teaching the dodge with the transfer of weight and dropped shoulder only and then apply to the other practices).

Teaching Points

• Start position must show the attacking player is ready ie on the balls of their feet, knees bent, feet hips distance apart
• When transferring the weight, no need to add steps, the transfer of weight and drop of the shoulder is enough to perform the dodge
• When moving in the opposite direction, there needs to be a chance in speed
• Players to run on an angle forward therefore cutting off the defenders run if they catch up
• Keep head up at all times
• Add cones to run to, this will help the forward sprint when receiving the ball

Common Errors:-

• Transfer of weight is too small to trick the defence
• Feet are further than hip distance apart making quick movement difficult
• Head is down and therefore not looking at the ball

No.4 - Dodging in Pairs

The Set Up: 2 players working together. Player A is the attacker and Player B is the defender. Player A stands behind player B ready to attack. Player B stands in a defending position facing sideways and on an angle so they can see up the court and their player at the same time.

The Practice: The attacker checks which way the defender is facing, this will direct the attackers decision as to which way to dodge. If the defender is facing to the right, the attacker will transfer her weight and drop the shoulder to the right therefore appearing in the eye-line of the defender. As the defender starts to move to the right, the attacker pushes off from the bent knee and sprints in the opposite direction. If the defender is facing the left, the atatcker transfers her weight to the left and sprints off to the right to receive the pass.

Progression: Add a feeder to the practice so the ball is thrown to the attacker, away from the defenders hands.

Teaching Points

For the attacker:-

• Start position must show the attacking player is ready ie on the balls of their feet, knees bent, feet hips distance apart
• When transferring the weight, no need to add steps, the transfer of weight and drop of the shoulder is enough to perform the dodge
• Choose the correct way to dodge, the transfer of weight and drop of shoulder must appear in the eye-line of the defender
• Players to sprint on an angle in the opposite direction to where the defender is facing
• Keep head up at all times
• Commitment of the movement is needed to lose the defender

For the defender:-

• Defender to change sides allowing the attacker to practice the dodge on both sides
• Defenders to be passive allowing the attacker to be successful

For the feeder:-

• Start the practice once the defender and attacker are set up correctly
• Feed the ball into the space of the attacker and therefore away from the defender
• A flat chest pass is needed

Common Errors:-

• Attackers always use the same side to dodge
• Attackers transfer their weight a couple of times to either side before sprinting off, keep movement simple so players can count a rhythm to help them limit their movement
• Attackers chose the wrong way to dodge – always start the dodge into the eye-line of the defender
• The feed is too far behind the attacker making it easy for the defender to make an interception

No.5 - The Angled Drive

The Set Up: 2 players working with 1 ball. Player A is the feeder and starts behind the side line. Player B is the worker and starts in line with the centre of the court. If working with a large group of players, stagger the feeders on both sidelines so that all workers start in the centre line of the court therefore allowing more space for the practice.

The Practice: The feeder throws the ball up in the air and catches it to help Player B with their timing. Player B drives forward on a 45 degree angle to receive the pass. Player B lands with balance and passes the ball back to the feeder in a controlled manner. Some players may need a cone or a spot to drive to ensuring the tight angle is adhered to. If working with a large group, all players should run to the right hand side and then on the teachers command shall move to the left. This eliminates the chance for players running into each other.

Progression 1: Add a defender to the practice who is passive at first and then becomes active as confidence and success builds. The defender is to start off beside Player B.

Progression 2: The Angled Drive with Defender - Defender to start off in-front of Player B adding further pressure to the attackers angled drive. Attackers will now need to the choice of driving on a left or right angle.

Teaching Points

For the feeder:-

• Only throw the ball to themselves when the players are in the ready position
• Step in to the pass
• Ensure the feed is ahead of Player B and therefore away from the defender

For the attacker:-

• Starting position with feet hip distance aprt, weight on the balls of the feet and ready to go
• Attacker to sprint as soon as Player A has caught the ball
• Head up at all times
• Ensure the angle is at 45 degrees therefore cutting off the angle from the defender
• Signal for the pass
• Land in a controlled manner with bent knees before stepping into the pass back to Player A

Common Errors:-

• Player B is not ready to go when Player A throws the ball up and catches it
• Player A starts from a wide base slowing down her reactions and movement
• Player A running at a wide angle allowing defenders the chance to stay in-front of them
• Not reacting straight away so losing the natural head start