Ball Move Circuit

Objective

• -Warm up with the ball at feet
• -Build control for possession work
• -Improve awareness and movement

Setup

1. 1Mark a 20 x 15 yard area with cones.
2. 2Give each player a ball if possible.
3. 3Spread players out evenly in the area.
4. 4Keep one extra ball with the coach for quick use.

How to play

1. 1Players dribble freely inside the area using small touches.
2. 2On the coach's call, players change direction, speed or move into a new shape.
3. 3Add simple turns, stops and moves while keeping the ball under control.
4. 4If a player loses control, they collect their ball and rejoin quickly.
5. 5Finish with a few moments of quick passes in pairs.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Kicking the ball too far
• -Not looking up
• -Standing still between changes