Finishing Sole Roll Grid

Objective

• -Build sole and inside-foot control in a busy space
• -Grow confidence manipulating the ball with both feet
• -Turn ball mastery reps into usable game actions

Setup

1. 1A grid of cones two yards apart in a 22 x 22 yards area.
2. 2Set a goal at the end of the area with a keeper or a target zone if no keeper is available.
3. 3One ball per player, spare balls on the coach's cone.

How to play

1. 1Players work through sole rolls, drag-backs and toe taps between the cones.
2. 2On the coach's call they perform the move and accelerate into free space.
3. 3Repeat with the weaker foot leading every second round.
4. 4Every sequence starts with a pass out and ends with a strike on goal.
5. 5Goals score one, first-time finishes score two, and rebounds must be followed in.

Progressions

• +Cap the sequence at one touch before the strike
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Remove the keeper and finish into a wide target goal
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Coach can throw in a second ball for an instant rebound finish
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Heavy touches that push the ball away
• -Eyes locked on the ball
• -Rushing the shot and leaning back over the ball