Ball familiarity

Organisation

• Mark out a playing area with markers or cones and set up obstacles using markers, poles, etc.

Explanation

• Each player is given a ball.

• The players dribble the ball, avoiding obstacles and changing direction as they go.

• The players should use both feet and practise using different points of contact (inside of the foot, outside of the foot, etc.).

Variations 

• Divide the players into two equally sized groups. The players without a ball should try to dispossess those dribbling a ball. As soon as a player loses their ball, they must try to win another ball back.

• Each player is given a ball. The players should carry the ball by flicking it up at regular intervals. The aim is to work on different ways of flicking the ball up off the sand.

• Once again, divide the players into two equally sized groups. The players without a ball should try to dispossess those dribbling a ball. If a player dribbling a ball manages to flick it up and catch it, they can no longer be dispossessed and have 2 seconds to get away from their opponent. This forces the defender to try to win the ball before it is flicked up.

• Players dribbling a ball must take at least one additional touch after flicking it up before catching it.

Coaching points 

• The players should constantly move around the playing area without running into each other, while at the same time retaining control of the ball.

• They should use both feet to dribble and flick the ball up off the sand.