Angle Run Game

Objective

• -Improve curved runs
• -Develop speed to support attack
• -Finish actions at pace

Setup

1. 1Set up two mini goals on the far end line.
2. 2Mark a start cone on each side of the pitch.
3. 3Place a feeder or coach in the middle with balls.
4. 4Players work in pairs or small groups.

How to play

1. 1A player starts on one side and makes a curved run across the area.
2. 2The feeder passes into the path of the runner.
3. 3The runner takes one touch and finishes at goal.
4. 4The next player goes from the opposite side.
5. 5Keep the rhythm quick so players must time their movement.

Progressions

• +Progressive Tempo: add a fourth maximal round
• +Ball For Every Player: shrink the working area
• +Reaction Start: two cues, one a decoy
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Progressive Tempo: stay at the first two tempos only
• -Ball For Every Player: bigger area, share a ball between two
• -Reaction Start: coach counts players in
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Progressive Tempo — Three rounds: 60% pace, 80% pace, then match pace with full recovery between.
• -Ball For Every Player — Every player works with their own ball so no one waits in a queue.
• -Reaction Start — Every repetition begins from a visual or audio cue rather than a set count.
• -Partner Race — Players work in matched pairs and race each repetition, best of five.
• -Mobility Focus — Each round finishes with a controlled mobility hold for the hips, groin and ankles.
• -Change Of Direction — Add a 90 or 180 degree turn into every repetition before the finish.
• -Team Target — The whole group works to a shared score target and repeats the round if they miss it.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Running flat instead of curving
• -Arriving before the pass
• -Taking extra touches before finishing