DRILL
Dividing Up the Space
  • Purpose
    Teams need to be acutely aware of court balance. It's no good having everyone swarming around the ball on one side of the court, occupying space that should remain vacant for players to lead into.
  • Focus
    Attacking Systems
  • Skills
    Preliminary Moves & Passing, Vision & Quick Decisions
  • 10
    Players

  • 6+
    Ages

  • 1
    Balls

  • 0
    Cones


  • Distance

  • 50%
    Opp Strip

  • Form 2 even teams, assign attackers and defenders.
  • Before starting this drill, it's a good idea to study the principles of passing lanes and three option attack
  • This drill can be run from various starting points, but we'll demonstrate two of them. The first place to start is from the opposition baseline, simulating a rebound or throw-in from cone (1).
    Look at the good and bad examples of dividing up the space on the diagram.
  • Simulate a game situation, with a throw-in by the [GK]. To demonstrate bad court balance, start by having all attackers on the same side of the court as [GK].
    Watch the action unfold, then stop and discuss the problems encountered by having too many people around the passer
  • If you haven't got a three option attack strategy, it's a good idea to develop one.
    Players should have specific areas of the court designated for them to lead into, and others to stay out of.
    Don't for the trap of dropping into another players space just because it's free
    Leads will be complimentary, meaning the second and third leads will use space vacated by other players.
  • Dividing up the space will see players spread out over the court more, ensuring defenders can't crowd an area.
    If a player does lead into another teammate's space, they must quickly clear out, or the player who the space is designated for must make a complimentary lead.
  • Repeat several times until players become familiar with the team pattern.
  • Progress by starting with a penalty pass at (2) between the centre circle and wing.
    Again, you should develop a three option strategy and adopt the same principles as before.

Three Person Weave

PLAYERS 6
DIFFICULTY MEDIUM

Wagon Wheel

PLAYERS 7
DIFFICULTY MEDIUM

Goalie Five to One

PLAYERS 6
DIFFICULTY EASY