Around The Pole

Objective

• -Practise tight turns around an object
• -Improve ball control at pace
• -Build confidence in one-v-one actions

Setup

1. 1Place several poles in a rough zigzag pattern.
2. 2Players start at one end with balls lined up behind a cone.
3. 3Leave enough space for safe dribbling around each pole.

How to play

1. 1Players dribble to each pole and turn tightly around it.
2. 2After each pole, they accelerate into the next space.
3. 3Ask for a different turn or feint at every second pole.
4. 4When they finish, they return down the outside to repeat.
5. 5Reward sharp turns and good control, not just speed.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Cutting the turn too wide
• -Losing balance near the pole
• -Not accelerating after the turn