Counter Clock Face Touches

Objective

• -Manipulate the ball into every direction on the clock face
• -Improve balance and body shape while moving the ball
• -Prepare players for turning away from pressure

Setup

1. 1A ring of twelve cones set out like a clock face in a 20 x 20 yards area.
2. 2Place two mini goals on the halfway line for the counter-attacking side to aim at.
3. 3One ball per player inside the ring.

How to play

1. 1Coach calls a clock number and players move the ball to that cone with a named skill.
2. 2Players return to the middle before the next call.
3. 3Alternate between sole, inside and outside of the foot.
4. 4The team in possession starts each rep in their own half and must build forwards.
5. 5Turnovers earn a direct counter at the mini goals worth two points.

Progressions

• +Counter must be finished inside five seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Award the counter goal for simply carrying over halfway
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Swap the counter goals for a dribble-through gate
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Turning into a crowded part of the ring
• -Standing over the ball between calls
• -Dribbling into traffic when the counter is on