What are the most effective ball protection drills for youth football. How can coaches improve running back ball security techniques. Which drills enhance both ball control and agility for young players.
The Importance of Ball Security in Youth Football
Ball security is paramount in football, especially at the youth level where players are still developing fundamental skills. Turnovers can dramatically impact the outcome of a game, making ball protection drills a crucial component of any youth football practice regimen. By consistently practicing these techniques, coaches can help young running backs develop the muscle memory and habits necessary to maintain possession even under intense defensive pressure.
The Five Points of Contact: A Comprehensive Approach to Ball Security
The five points of contact drill is a cornerstone of ball security training, designed to ensure that the football is secured from all angles. When executed properly, this technique makes it extremely difficult for defenders to dislodge the ball. Let’s break down each point of contact:
1. The Eagle Claw
The Eagle Claw is the first point of contact, focusing on how the running back grips the tip of the football. This technique involves placing two fingers on either side of the ball’s tip, allowing for increased pressure distribution over a larger surface area. For younger players, an alternative method involves covering the tip with the pointer finger.
2. Forearm Pressure
The second point of contact utilizes forearm pressure to keep the ball tight against the runner’s body. After securing the ball with the Eagle Claw, the player turns their wrist inward until the side of the ball rests firmly against the forearm. This upward pressure further secures the ball once it’s fully tucked.
3. Bicep Pressure
Opposite the forearm, the bicep provides the third point of pressure. The running back lifts the ball so that the side opposite the forearm presses against the bicep. A key rule to remember is that the point of the ball should always be pointing upward, with the player’s wrist positioned above their elbow to ensure proper bicep contact.
4. Chest Pressure
To prevent fumbles caused by defenders poking the ball from behind, the fourth point of contact involves pinning the ball tightly against the chest using the bicep and forearm. This creates a secure pocket that’s difficult for defenders to penetrate.
5. Double Coverage
The fifth and final point of contact comes into play when the running back anticipates multiple defenders attempting to force a fumble. In these high-risk situations, the player should use their second arm to cover the ball, effectively “doubling down” on protection. Coaches often use the phrase “double when in trouble” to reinforce this concept.
Danger Zones: Identifying High-Risk Moments for Ball Carriers
While ball security is always important, certain situations present a higher risk of fumbles. Recognizing these danger zones can help coaches and players focus their efforts on maintaining possession during critical moments:
- Acceleration: As players accelerate, they naturally swing their arms to generate momentum. This movement can expose the ball, making it vulnerable to defensive strikes.
- Changing Directions: When a runner plants their foot to change direction, the ball may swing away from the body, increasing the risk of a fumble.
Coaches should pay special attention to these moments during practice, observing players from various angles to identify and correct any lapses in ball security technique.
Integrating Ball Security with Speed and Agility Drills
Given the limited practice time available in youth football, it’s essential to maximize efficiency by combining multiple skill development aspects into single drills. One effective approach is to incorporate ball security techniques into speed and agility exercises. For example, a ladder drill that requires players to maintain proper ball position while navigating quick footwork can simultaneously improve coordination, agility, and ball protection skills.
Essential Ball Security Drills for Youth Football
To help young running backs master the art of ball protection, coaches can implement a variety of targeted drills. Here are seven essential exercises to incorporate into your practice routine:
- Five Points of Contact Drill: Have players practice securing the ball using all five points of contact in slow motion, gradually increasing speed as they become more comfortable.
- Gauntlet Drill: Create a narrow lane with teammates on either side attempting to strip the ball as the runner progresses through, focusing on maintaining proper technique under pressure.
- Quick Change of Direction Drill: Set up cones in a zigzag pattern, requiring players to make sharp cuts while keeping the ball secure across their body.
- Acceleration and Deceleration Drill: Have players sprint short distances, suddenly stopping or changing direction on command, all while maintaining proper ball security.
- Traffic Drill: Create a confined area with multiple defenders, challenging the ball carrier to navigate through while protecting the ball using the five points of contact.
- Resistance Band Drill: Attach a resistance band to the ball, forcing the player to actively engage their muscles to maintain possession as they run through various movements.
- Ball Transfer Drill: Practice quickly and securely transferring the ball from one arm to the other, simulating in-game situations where runners need to switch hands to stiff-arm or navigate traffic.
Incorporating Ball Security into Every Practice
How can coaches ensure that ball security remains a top priority throughout the season? By integrating ball protection drills into every practice session, teams can create a culture of ball security that becomes second nature to players. Here are some strategies to make this happen:
- Start each practice with a brief ball security warm-up, reinforcing proper technique before moving on to other drills.
- Incorporate ball security elements into existing drills, such as requiring proper technique during routine running or agility exercises.
- Create competitions or games that reward players for maintaining excellent ball security under various conditions.
- Use video analysis to review players’ ball-carrying technique, providing visual feedback and identifying areas for improvement.
- Encourage players to practice ball security techniques on their own time, emphasizing the importance of muscle memory and habit formation.
Adapting Ball Security Techniques for Different Age Groups
How should ball security drills be modified for different age groups in youth football? While the fundamental principles remain the same, coaches may need to adjust their approach based on the physical and cognitive development of their players:
Elementary Age (7-10 years old)
For the youngest players, focus on simple, fun drills that introduce the basic concepts of ball security. Use larger, softer footballs if necessary, and emphasize the importance of always keeping two hands on the ball. Incorporate games and relays that make ball protection enjoyable while building good habits.
Middle School Age (11-13 years old)
As players grow and develop more coordination, introduce the five points of contact technique. Begin incorporating more complex drills that combine ball security with other skills like agility and speed. Start to emphasize situational awareness, teaching players when to prioritize ball security over extra yardage.
High School Age (14-18 years old)
For high school players, focus on refining technique and applying ball security principles in game-like situations. Introduce more physically demanding drills that test players’ ability to maintain possession under fatigue or stress. Emphasize the strategic aspects of ball security, such as knowing when to cover up versus when to fight for extra yards.
Measuring and Tracking Ball Security Progress
How can coaches effectively measure and track their team’s improvement in ball security over time? Implementing a systematic approach to evaluating ball protection skills can help identify areas of strength and weakness, allowing for more targeted coaching. Consider the following methods:
- Keep detailed statistics on fumbles and ball security errors during practices and games, tracking trends over time.
- Conduct regular skills assessments, grading players on their technique in various ball security drills.
- Use slow-motion video analysis to evaluate players’ form and identify subtle technical issues.
- Create a point system that rewards players for excellent ball security during drills and scrimmages.
- Set team and individual goals for reducing turnovers and improving ball security metrics.
By consistently measuring and tracking progress, coaches can provide targeted feedback and adjust their training regimen to address specific areas of concern.
The Psychological Aspect of Ball Security
While physical technique is crucial, the mental aspect of ball security should not be overlooked. How can coaches help players develop the right mindset for protecting the football?
First, it’s important to instill a sense of responsibility in each ball carrier. Emphasize that they are not just carrying the ball, but the entire team’s chances of success. This can help create a strong emotional connection to ball security.
Secondly, teach players to stay focused and aware of their surroundings at all times. Encourage them to anticipate contact and prepare for it mentally before it happens. This proactive approach can help players react more quickly and effectively when defenders attempt to strip the ball.
Finally, help players develop a positive response to adversity. If a fumble does occur, teach them to quickly refocus and recommit to their ball security techniques rather than dwelling on the mistake. This resilience can prevent one turnover from snowballing into a pattern of errors.
Integrating Ball Security with Other Offensive Skills
How can coaches effectively combine ball security training with other essential offensive skills? While it’s crucial to focus on ball protection, it’s equally important to ensure that players can execute other aspects of their role effectively. Here are some strategies for integrating ball security with other offensive skills:
- Vision and Ball Security: Design drills that require players to read defensive alignments or follow blockers while maintaining proper ball-carrying technique.
- Catching and Transitioning: Practice secure catches followed by immediate application of the five points of contact, simulating receptions out of the backfield.
- Pass Protection and Ball Security: Incorporate ball security elements into pass protection drills, teaching backs to secure the ball properly before engaging defenders.
- Stiff Arm Technique: Teach players how to execute effective stiff arms while maintaining ball security with their opposite arm.
- Ball Exchange Drills: Practice clean handoffs and pitches, emphasizing proper technique for both the quarterback and the running back to ensure secure exchanges.
By integrating these elements, coaches can develop well-rounded running backs who can protect the ball without sacrificing other critical aspects of their game.
The Role of Equipment in Enhancing Ball Security
While proper technique is the foundation of ball security, equipment can play a supporting role in helping players maintain possession. What are some equipment considerations that can enhance ball security training?
- Ball Selection: Use appropriately sized footballs for each age group to ensure players can properly execute the five points of contact.
- Grip Enhancers: In wet conditions, consider using NFL-approved grip enhancers to help players maintain a secure hold on the ball.
- Training Aids: Utilize specialized training footballs with tactile indicators or electronic sensors that provide feedback on grip pressure and ball position.
- Protective Gear: Ensure that players’ protective equipment, particularly arm pads and gloves, doesn’t interfere with proper ball-carrying technique.
While these tools can be helpful, it’s important to emphasize that they are supplements to, not substitutes for, proper technique and consistent practice.
Adapting Ball Security Techniques for Different Weather Conditions
Weather can significantly impact ball security, presenting unique challenges that players must be prepared to overcome. How should ball security techniques be adapted for various weather conditions?
Wet Conditions
In rainy or humid weather, the increased risk of fumbles necessitates extra precautions:
- Emphasize a tighter grip and more frequent ball switches to the outside arm to minimize exposure to defenders.
- Practice with wet footballs to simulate game conditions and build confidence in handling a slippery ball.
- Consider using towels or grip-enhancing products approved by your league to improve ball control.
Cold Weather
Cold temperatures can affect players’ feel for the ball and reduce grip strength:
- Encourage players to keep their hands warm between plays and during breaks.
- Practice ball security drills with cold hands to acclimate players to the challenge.
- Emphasize the importance of visual confirmation of secure ball possession, as reduced sensation in the hands can be deceptive.
Windy Conditions
Strong winds can affect ball flight during exchanges and pitches:
- Practice ball exchanges and option plays in windy conditions to improve timing and feel.
- Teach quarterbacks and running backs to adjust their techniques to account for wind effects during handoffs and pitches.
By preparing for these conditions in practice, coaches can help their players maintain excellent ball security regardless of the weather on game day.
Youth Football Running Back Ball Security Drills & Technique
Here are a list of running back drills we do during our individual position practice. These are drills we will do regularly with our RBs. All of these drills work multiple techniques at one time.
Running Back Ball Security Drills & Technique
The five points of contact drill ensures that the football is secured from all directions. When the ball is secured through these 5 points of contact it is nearly impossible for the defender to get the ball out. It’s important that running back ball security drills & technique are practice on a daily basis.
5 Points of Contact
First point is The Eagle Claw. The Eagle Claw is responsible for putting pressure through the tip of the football. With the Eagle Claw the Running Back will hold the tip of the ball in his hands and put two fingers on either side of the ball so that the tip isn’t covered. By not covering the tip the Running Back decreases the pressure on one spot and allows him to put more pressure over a larger surface area.
(Note: an alternate way of holding the football is with pointer finger covering the tip of the football, typically used with younger levels).
Second point is the Forearm pressure from the running back is responsible for keeping the ball tight to the Running Back’s body and it applies upward pressure once the ball is fully tucked away. Once the Running Back has grabbed the ball using the Eagle Claw the second step is for him to apply forearm pressure. He does this by turning his wrist in until the side of the ball is resting on his forearm.
Third point of pressure is the bicep which provides pressure opposite of the forearm. Once the Running Back has taken the ball next to his forearm he will lift the ball so the side that is opposite of the forearm is against his bicep. To do this the Running Back will have to lift the nose of the ball up. A safe rule is that the point of the ball should always be pointing up. Another good rule is that the Running Back should always have his wrist above his elbow.
This ensures that the bicep has contact with the ball and it can’t be poked out from behind.
Fourth point is one of the most common ways fumbles occur is when a defender pokes the ball out from behind. By taking the ball across the runner’s chest he can guarantee that this will not happen. The ball carrier should use his bicep and forearm to pin the ball tight against his chest.
Fifth point and final point of pressure is for when the running back is entering into an area where he knows people will be trying to get the ball out. When it’s obvious there will be multiple players trying to force a fumble the running back should double his second arm over the ball. This helps prevent any defensive players from getting a clean shot on the ball. The best phrase to use is to tell the players to double when in trouble.
This drill is great because it kills two birds with one stone.
It focuses on developing core strength and ball security!
Danger Zones
There are a million different ball security drills that coaches can use to emphasize these 5 points of pressure. Each drill has advantages and disadvantages but there are a couple of danger zones where ball carrying mistakes are much more likely. The first danger zone is when the ball carrier is attempting to accelerate. The body naturally uses the arms to propel itself forward. While this is a very efficient way to accelerate, if a defender hits the ball carrier when his ball carrying arm is out the ball will more than likely come loose. It’s important to watch when the ball carrier accelerates to ensure the ball does not pop out to the side. The best place to do this is by watching the ball carrier from behind.
The other major danger zone is when the ball carrier is changing directions. When the runner plants in a foot to change directions many times the ball will swing out from his body. When this happens the likelihood of a fumble increases dramatically.
It’s important that the ball carrier works to keep the ball tight across his body even when he is cutting and changing directions.
Ball Security is something that must be practiced and emphasized every day. Turnovers are the number one indicator if a team is going to win or lose a game. By spending the time in practice to ensure that your ball carriers take care of the ball you can eliminate some of these potential turnovers.
Running Back Speed and Agility Drills
When you are coaching youth football you have a limited amount of practice time during the week. Wit that said, it’s critical that you are working multiple techniques in one drill. This ladder drill is great because it works ball security and it also helps develop speed and agility. This is a drill we do regularly. It’s fast moving and the kids love it.
Ball security is a main priority. We tell our kids that if they can’t secure the football they won’t be carrying it.
💪🏈💯 #coachinglife #youthfootball #runningback #footballsdrills
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💪🏈💯 #coachinglife #youthfootball #runningback #footballsdrillsThis ladder drill is a great way to develop quick feet and overall quickness and explosiveness. It also allows the running backs to practice lateral movements and it helps develop eye foot coordination. We will time our players once a week so we can track their development. The ladder is a great piece of practice equipment because you can do several different drills and movements. It’s cheap and it’s a must-have for all youth football coaches.
Tip: Get three ladders and create three player lines. This will get the kids more reps by lessening the time they have to wait. It also will force the kids to compete with each other.
YFO Star Selection Josiah Chester doing some ladder work to train for next football season.
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#youthfootball #footballplayersTaking a Handoff
Something as simple as how to take a handoff is often overlooked by youth football coaches. Kids should be taught how to take a handoff on the first day of practice. How many times have you seen poor handoff exchanges that end with the football on the ground? This is something that needs to be address early on in the season. This is a drill we do during the first week of practice. We will work this drill in maybe once a week during the season just to make sure our exchanges stay clean.
This is a great drill that will practice multiple techniques in one drill. It will teach the RBs not to belly towards the QB for the handoff. It will work Quarterback- Running Back exchanges and it will help develop speed and agility.
Multiple techniques are addressed in one drill, that’s what it’s all about.
Tip: When you have a bunch of kids, set this drill up in two locations this will allow the kids to get more reps. This video has all the kids on one line, which creates a long wait time. We only had one ladder at the time so we had to put them all in one line.
Here is a basic running back drill we do the first day of practice. This drill is great because it practices QB/RB exchanges, works agility, and teaches the RBs not to belly towards the QB. #coaching #youthfootball #firstdayoffootballpractice
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(See Also) Taking a Handoff in Football
(See Also) Running Back-Quarterback Handoff Exchange
Protect the ball – Advanced Skills
Smart Sessions – Advanced Skills
Improve your players’ ability to shield and protect the ball from opposing defenders.
What this session is about
- Shielding and protecting the ball
- Supporting the player in possession
- Bringing team mates into the game
What to think about
Young players must learn to shield and protect the ball by using their arms to increase the distance between the opponent and the ball.In these situations, players must get side-on and control the ball on the furthest foot from the opponent.
Tell them: “Place your body between the ball and your opponent.”
Set-up
| Warm up | Session | Development | Game Situation | Warm Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 10 minutes |
What you get your players to do
Mark out 10-yard circle with six cones. Put a ball on each cone.
One player enters the circle as the defender. Six other players stand by a cone to protect their ball.
On your call, the defender pressure the players and tries to kick a ball off a cone. Once a player’s ball has been kicked away, he becomes the defender and attempts to kick another ball off a cone.
The initial defender collects the ball he kicked and places it on a cone to continue as an attacker.
After 90 seconds, the player in the middle must complete a forfeit decided by the coach (sit-ups, press-ups, sing, dance, etc).
Repeat the game and emphasise the importance of bending your knees and extending your arm to shield and protect the ball from the defender.
The defender (D) tries to kick A1’s ball off the cone while A1 protects it.
Development
Play 4v4 on a 40×30 pitch divided in half. Have two small coned goals at both ends.
The attackers (A) have three players in one half and one in the other. The defenders (D) have one player in each half and two on the half way line.
To start, the three attackers keep possession 3v1 then pass to their team mate in the other half.
He must receive the ball under pressure and shield/ protect it from the defender to allow a supporting player to run forward and create a 2v1 to score.
The defenders on the half way line try to block this pass while one defender presses the three attackers at all times.
If the defenders gain possession, the two players on the half way line join the initial pressing defender to create a 3v2 situation to score.
Related Files
Advanced-288-protect-the-ball.pdfPDF, 260 KB
The attack (A) keeps possession and feeds the attacker in the other half to shield, protect and score.
Game situation
Play 5v5 on a 40v30 pitch divided in half.
The game starts inside one half. Players are free to enter both halves but must always have at least one player in each half.
Defenders send three players into the attacking team’s half and keep one defender back to create a 1v1 situation.
The team in possession must try to make three passes then transfer the ball into the opponent’s half to their forward.
Now the players must race into this half to continue the game (except one player from each team).
One team passes three times and feeds the attacker in the other half. He shields and protects the ball to set up an attack.
Training to improve protection
Training to improve protection
Learning how to move in defense.
1. Move diagonally backward in a defensive stance. After 3-5 steps, turn around and change direction. Then do the same diagonally forward.
2. Do the same but add hand movements. The far hand works to protect against the transfer, the near hand imitates the capture of the ball.
2-3 sets of 5 diagonals forward and backward.
DETAILS : Increase and decrease your movement speed. Keep your back, don’t jump in the move. The back leg drags along the floor.
CHIPS : Emphasis on the first step, it must be fast and taken with the leading foot.
Improving protective actions.
1. Five attackers stand on the perimeter and pass the ball to each other, each of them has a defender. Defenders must change their stance and shift to the correct position depending on the ball.
2. The same, but with active defense, try to intercept or take the ball away.
3. At the signal of the teacher, the player with the ball goes into the aisle.
For 30 seconds, then change roles, 3 times.
DETAILS : Defenders must always see the ball, keep their distance, actively use their hands.
CHIPS : The drill will be especially effective if performed without fouls.
Improving protective actions.
1. Stand opposite each other with a partner. The attacker stands still and performs turns, moving the ball to the side.
The defender reacts to the attacker’s movements and moves accordingly, making defensive movements with both hands in front of the ball.
2. The defender tries to knock out or take the ball away from the attacker.
30 seconds each, 3 sets.
DETAILS : Low stance, keep distance, back straight.
CHIPS : The drill will be especially effective if performed without fouls.
Improving protective actions.
One player (playing) has the ball, two other players – a defender and an attacker. The striker makes movements (forward / backward, right / left), trying to get a pass from the player with the ball. The defender plays in a closed stance, covering the passing line, making it difficult for the attacker to receive the ball. If the pass is still passed, then the attacker must perform turns (one circle forward or backward) and give a reverse pass to the playing along, and the defender must actively interfere with him, try to knock out or take the ball away.
30 seconds in each role, 3 times (change in a circle).
DETAILS : The defender must always have a view of the ball, keep his distance, actively use his hands. The attacker must perform turns without running.
Learning the basic defensive stance.
From a standing position, take a protective stance at the signal. At the next signal, return to the starting position. 10-15 times.
DETAILS : Feet slightly wider than shoulder width and parallel, arms in line with legs, shoulders relaxed, arms half-bent, palms open towards attacker.
CHIPS : The stand must be very stable. To check this, you can knock a little.
Improving protective actions.
1. Three attackers stand in a triangle and pass the ball to each other, each of them has a defender. The defensive stance varies depending on the ball.
If your player has the ball, then a parallel stance with active hand work; if the ball is in the hands of a nearby player (in one pass), then a closed stance with the transmission line overlapping; if the far player has the ball (in two passes), then the stance is open.
2. The same, but with active defense, try to intercept or take the ball away.
For 30 seconds, then change roles, 3 times.
DETAILS : Defenders must always see the ball, keep their distance, actively use their hands.
Learning how to move in defense.
Get into a protective stance and move around:
1. Small steps to one side and the other.
2. Small steps to one and the other side with greater speed.
20-30 seconds each exercise.
DETAILS : Leading foot turned slightly in the direction of travel, the “back” foot does not approach the leading, the distance between the legs is maintained.
CHIPS : Emphasis on the first step, it must be fast and taken with the lead foot.
Learning how to move in defense.
1. Move backwards in a defensive stance in a zigzag from the beginning to the middle of the court, quickly, without stopping. Come back with an easy run.
2. Do the same in alternation with acceleration.
Start with 2-3 times, and later increase the number of times or distance.
DETAILS : Keep your back, don’t jump in the move.
CHIPS : Emphasis on the first step, it must be fast and taken with the lead foot.
Learning how to move in defense.
Move in a protective stance:
1. Back and forth, adding a normal run every three steps.
2. In one direction and in the other, adding the usual run at the command of the coach.
20-30 seconds each exercise.
DETAILS : Leading foot turned slightly in the direction of travel, the “back” foot does not approach the leading, the distance between the legs is maintained.
Improving protective actions.
1. Stand opposite each other with a partner. The attacker dribbles the ball in place with cover, the defender tries to knock out or take the ball away. If he succeeds, then the defender gives the ball back to the attacker.
2. The same, but the attacker moves left and right along the line in 3-5 steps.
3. The same, but the attacker moves diagonally back and forth in 3-5 steps.
30 seconds each, 3 sets.
DETAILS : Keep your distance, back straight.
CHIPS : The drill will be especially effective if performed without fouls.
Learning how to move in defense.
Stand opposite each other in protective stances with a partner. One makes movements, the other repeats after him:
1. The host moves in one direction and the other, makes various movements with his hands (raises and lowers).
2. The leader moves in one direction and the other, sometimes adding a normal run.
30 seconds each, 3 sets.
DETAILS : Increase and decrease your movement speed. Keep your back, don’t jump in the move. The back leg drags along the floor.
CHIPS : Turn on your imagination, perform different movements.
Learning how to move in defense.
Accelerating forward 1/4 of the landing, at the end of a step with active work of the hands – moving sideways in a protective stance – again accelerating forward with a step and so on.
3 sites.
DETAILS : Keep your back straight, low stance in defensive movements, active arm work
Improving protective actions.
One player (playing) has the ball, two other players – a defender and an attacker. The striker makes movements (forward / backward, right / left), trying to get a pass from the player with the ball. The defender plays in a closed stance, covering the passing line, making it difficult for the attacker to receive the ball. If the transfer still went through, then the attacker returns the ball to the play-by-player and opens again.
30 seconds in each role, 3 times (change in a circle).
DETAILS : The defender must always see the ball, keep his distance.
Special drills for practicing defensive play
- Preparatory drills
Exercise eight. Each player is given one ball.
The position of the players is arbitrary. They do low passes over themselves with both hands. (For all lower passes, require only the hard part of the hand or forearm to be accepted.)
First, the height of the pass must be at least 3 m from the ground. They then perform passes from right hand to left hand and vice versa in a one-handed low pass manner.
Exercise nine. Players stand in pairs facing each other at a distance of 1 m and perform low passes with one and two hands. (Be sure to require that the ball is sent with a sufficiently high trajectory and in no case parallel to the ground – this is a harmful skill). Then the distance between the players increases to 2, 3, 4, 5 m.
Tenth exercise. The players are placed in a column one at a time in zone 4. The coach is to the right of the players (at a distance of 2-3 m) and throws the balls into the net. Players receive the balls first with the second, then with the third hit. If possible, they receive the ball from below with both hands, in all other cases the ball must be received from below with the hand closest to the net (left).
Top balls should not be encouraged. Balls are recommended to be thrown into different parts of the net. Pay attention to the correct choice of the initial place for receiving (close to the net) and to the execution of the strike – to do the shock movement for the strike only after the ball bounces off the net (take your time!). On the other side of the site, the same exercise is organized; entrust the role of a coach to an experienced player. Then the players perform the same exercise in zone 2, where, when receiving balls with one hand, they must use their right hand.
In these drills, the coach gives each player first to receive one ball. When the players master this technique, two or three balls are sent to them at intervals in a row.
Eleventh exercise. Relay with a task – passing the ball from below and receiving it from the net. Players are divided into two groups and line up in a column one behind the base line. The first players hold the ball in their hands.
At the signal of the coach, they move to the net, performing low passes with both hands in front of them. Having reached! to the net, the players throw the ball into it and must take it with both hands from below, after which they throw the ball to the second players, etc. The team whose last player received the ball from the net first is considered the winner. Then a new task is introduced into the relay – all tricks are performed with the right hand from below, then with the left hand.
Exercise twelfth. The players line up one by one in zone 1. The coach is in zone 4 and throws the ball far to the side so that the players would have to move quickly and long distances to receive the ball. First, the players take the second hit and must lift the ball high in the air on: their side, bringing it closer to the net. Then they must pass the ball to the other side (third stroke). Most balls must be thrown over the back line; if the player has to receive the ball with one hand from below, he must do so with the hand farthest from the net (left).
On the other side, a similar exercise is performed under; the guidance of an experienced player.
A new task is introduced into the exercise – the players are placed in zone 5, the coach is in zone 2. The players must! when taking with one hand from below, use the right hand.
Exercise thirteenth. The coach is located in zone 2, the players are in zone 5. The coach makes a hit on the first player, who, using any defensive technique depending on the direction of the hit, must send the ball “immediately” to hit the coach (on number 2). The coach makes the next hit on the second player, and so on. Then several hits are made on each player in a row, and it is especially important to repeat the hit on the player who received the ball in the fall in order to accustom the player to quickly turn on after falling into the game. The same exercise is carried out on the other side. This exercise is recommended to be used instead of the usual “circle” – the coach is in the center, the players are around (with the “circle” there is no main game landmark – the grid and the boundaries of the site).
The fourteenth exercise is performed similarly to the previous one, but the players are placed in zone 1, and the coach is in zone 4. The tasks are the same.
Exercise fifteen. The coach stands on a stand in zone 4. The players are located in zones 7, 6, 5 and 4. The coach makes hits through the net in different sequences for different players. They must receive the ball and send it to zone 2 “immediately” on the kick, where the player assisting the coach is located. Free players and the player of zone 2 serve the balls to the coach. Drill players should be placed in the same formation as they play on that team (to improve coordination when playing defensively). It is recommended to use fake shots so that the players have to receive the ball with different types of falls. When receiving from above, players must receive all balls gently, on their fingers. On another site, you also need to organize the same exercise.
Exercise sixteen is performed in the same way as the previous one, but the coach shoots from zone 2, and the players place themselves in zones 1,6, 5 and 4.
Exercise seventeen. Tennisball. One on one game. Each player is entitled to three hits. However, the rules of the game are somewhat simplified: 1) the player can receive the ball passing from the opponent both from the air and from the ground; 2) after each hit, the player also has the right to take it both from the air and from the ground.
The game is played from one game up to 15 points. The purpose of the exercise: to improve the ability to move players, to train all the tricks of the game, except for blocking, depending on the tasks that the coach offers (hit on your side, except for the final ones, to do only from below, to interrupt to the other side only with your left hand, etc.). d.). Tennisball is played two by two or three by three. It is useful to hold such games in the form of a competition according to the Olympic or circular system; this method of training is successfully used in the national teams of the country. The disadvantage of this exercise is the small number of players directly involved in the game.
