Rotation Figure Eight Mastery

Objective

• -Develop close control through continuous direction change
• -Link ball manipulation to a change of pace
• -Repeat quality touches with both feet

Setup

1. 1Two poles eight yards apart with a figure-eight route marked around them in a 16 x 10 yards area.
2. 2Number every station so players know exactly where they travel to next.
3. 3A ball each and a rest cone at the start of the route.

How to play

1. 1Players dribble the figure-eight using inside and outside of the foot only.
2. 2Each lap finishes with an explosive three-yard burst out of the last turn.
3. 3Swap the leading foot every lap.
4. 4Play starts at station one and the ball works round the numbers in order.
5. 5Every player must complete each role once before the round is scored.

Progressions

• +Reverse the rotation direction on the coach's call
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Hold roles for a full round before rotating
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Rotate only the two hardest roles to give them extra reps
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Slowing to a walk around the poles
• -Only using the strong foot
• -Staying in a favourite role and avoiding the harder one