Speed & Agility

Rotation Reaction Sprint Pairs

Sharpen reaction speed off a cue

Speed & Agility
Football Fitness
Transition

Sharpen reaction speed off a cue. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

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Speed & Agility
Football Fitness
Transition
Technical Practice
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Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Foundation Phase
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Rotation

Age

Under 5 to Adults

Duration

12 min

Players

2-20

Area / pitch size

22 x 10 yards

Difficulty

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Cones, Balls

Coaching focus

Sharpen reaction speed off a cue

Objective

  • -Sharpen reaction speed off a cue
  • -Develop the first three steps
  • -Add a football action after the sprint

Setup

  1. 1Pairs facing each other over a start line with a target 15 yards away in a 22 x 10 yards area.
  2. 2Number every station so players know exactly where they travel to next.
  3. 3Balls on the target line.

How to play

  1. 1Coach cue releases one player to sprint and the other to chase.
  2. 2The winner takes a touch and finishes at the target.
  3. 3Alternate who starts as the chaser.
  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.

Coaching points

  • -Low first steps out of the start
  • -Drive the arms
  • -Stay relaxed at top speed
  • -Follow your pass — the movement is part of the practice

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

  • -Standing tall on the first step
  • -Too many reps without rest
  • -Staying in a favourite role and avoiding the harder one

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