Bounce Grid

Objective

• -Improve passing rhythm
• -Develop first touch
• -Keep players constantly involved

Setup

1. 1Mark a 20 x 20 yard grid.
2. 2Create four equal groups, one in each corner.
3. 3Place one ball with each group or two balls if numbers are high.

How to play

1. 1Players pass into the middle space and the next group returns the ball.
2. 2Each group follows its pass and replaces the group they played to.
3. 3After a few minutes, require the receiver to take a touch before returning it.
4. 4Ask players to vary the foot they receive on if possible.
5. 5Keep the groups moving round the square in a simple flow.

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

• -Ball flight too high
• -Players staying in one corner
• -First touch killing the tempo