Move And Freeze

Objective

• -Switch on quickly
• -Practise a range of basic moves
• -Improve control and balance

Setup

1. 1Mark out a simple square with cones.
2. 2Each player has a ball and spreads out inside the area.
3. 3Stand where everyone can see the coach.

How to play

1. 1Players dribble freely around the square.
2. 2When you shout freeze, they stop the ball under control.
3. 3Call a move such as drag back, step over or inside cut and they perform it on the spot.
4. 4Send them off again straight away after each call.
5. 5Keep the tempo lively and the instructions short.

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

• -Stopping with a loose touch
• -Wobbling during the move
• -Not listening to the call