Underload Rotating Diamond

Objective

• -Build clean passing angles in a rotating shape
• -Link the pass to the movement that follows it
• -Improve weight and accuracy of the ball

Setup

1. 1Four cones in a diamond with a player on each in a 18 x 18 yards area.
2. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
3. 3One ball to start, spares beside the coach.

How to play

1. 1Ball travels round the diamond with players following their pass.
2. 2Every fourth pass is played across the diamond to switch the pattern.
3. 3Change direction on the coach's call.
4. 4The attacking group starts a player short, so every entry pass has to be sharp.
5. 5Defenders score a point for every clean turnover; attackers need three clean end actions to win the round.

Progressions

• +Add a second extra defender
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Even the numbers up again
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Attackers get one 'free pass' per round they can call
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Standing still after passing
• -Passing into the wrong foot
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early