Transition 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. 2Mark a second target area at the opposite end so the practice can flip direction instantly.
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. 4Coach serves a loose ball into the middle and both teams react to win it.
5. 5On every turnover the winning team has six seconds to attack the opposite target.

Progressions

• +Cut the counter window to four seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Freeze the play for two seconds after each turnover to reset shape
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Coach can serve a second ball to force an instant re-transition
• -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
• -Stopping to appeal instead of reacting to the turnover