The Arena of the Eight Controls

Goal:

Receiving to turn

Soccer Technique

Equipment

Markers
2 goals
Balls

Preparation

Playing Area: 35x25 meters / 38x27 yds
Players: 5
Duration: 15 minutes
Series: 1

Summary

Exercise with cognitive elements designed to improve the technique of oriented control

Secondary Objectives

Vestibular information, Pass, Decision making, Reading trajectories, Oriented control, Reaction time, Passing, Decision - determination

Organization

Set up a 35×25-meter/38×27-yard field. Place a goal in the center of each short side. The goals are marked with different colors. The players line up at the four corners, each with two balls (one in their hand and one on the ground), and another player stands in the center of the field without a ball.

Description

The coach calls out one of the players positioned on the corners
The player called passes the ball to the central teammate, who must receive the ball and score a goal
The player called chooses whether to pass the ball they are holding or the ball at their feet, and, before passing it, calls out the color of the goal into which the central teammate must score
The drill continues in the same fashion until all eight balls have been used

Rules

The coach calls the player who must pass the ball
The player on the corner decides whether to pass the ball in their hand or the one between their feet
The player on the corner must tell their teammate in the center which goal to shoot at once they receive the pass
The player in the center must receive the pass and shoot at the goal

Variations

The center player must score in the goal opposite to the one called

Coaching Points

Call the next player as soon as the center player kicks the ball
Instruct the receiving player to take an open stance
Switch the center player after using up all eight balls
Central player:
- Receive the ball in an open position between the passer and the goal to be attacked
- Shoot on goal after controlling the ball
- Regain control of the centre of the field after taking a shot
Corner players:
- Make a strong, accurate pass
- Deliver a high ball with a properly executed throw-in