Cognitive skills - Goals On four Corners
Equipment
- 8 markers (4 pairs of different colours)
- 3 vests
- Balls
Preparation
- Playing Area: 15x15 meters / 16x16 yds
- Players: at least 6
- Duration: 16 minutes
- Series: 4 of 3 minutes each with 1 minute of passive recovery in between series
| Summary | Secondary Objectives |
|---|---|
|
1 v 1 with cognitive elements to train technique and cognitive skills |
1v1, Dribbling, 1v1 attacking, 1v1 Defending, Perception, Feints and tricks, Change of direction, 1 versus 1, Cognitive |
Organization
Create with markers (or four cones at the vertices) a square-shaped playing area measuring 15 meters on each side. Divide the players into two teams of two colors (red and white in the picture). With the four pairs of colored markers available, form four different-colored goals about 1 meter wide on the four vertices of the square, placed diagonally on the corners, as in the picture. Place the players in a row on opposite sides of the square. Players from one team start with one ball each (red players in the picture). The players of the opposing team start without a ball (white players in the picture).
Description
- At the coach's signal, the player in possession of the ball (red in the example) starts the game by entering the square with the ball. At the same time, the opponent (white player) also enters the playing square for the 1 v 1 challenge
- As the two players enter the square, the coach calls two colors related to two goals (white and orange in the picture)
- The player with the ball should try to score a goal in one of the two goals of their choice called by the coach by leading the ball past the goals, going through them
- The opposing player, if they recover the ball, has the chance to score a goal however they have the obligation to score by running with the ball through the other two remaining goals of the colors opposite to those called by the coach (red and blue in the picture)
- At any time during the duel the coach can vary the color of the goals in which to score and players must quickly adapt
Rules
- At each series reverse the team starting with the ball with the team starting without it
- Defenders who retrieve the ball have to score a goal in one of the two opposite goals and of a different color than those previously attacked by the attacker (ball carrier)
- The point is valid only if the player runs through the goal with the ball
Variations
- Players can score goals in all goals except those of the color called by the coach
- Players can score goals in the goals simply by kicking the ball (precision shot) without the requirement to cross them running
- Have players play a 2 v 2 with a requirement to make at least one pass between teammates before they can score goals
Coaching Points
- Urge players to identify open goals and change the attacked goal often (fast reaction and processing)
- This drill is an excellent technical and mental warm-up
- This drill can be done at any level, with the younger ones you can start the sequence with the hands (basketball type)
- Encourage ball defense on opposing pressure
- Take care of ball control with focus not only on the ball but on the entire area of play by training peripheral vision and ability to adapt to constantly changing variables
