Chelsea Fitness & Mastery

Instructions/Setup:

In this ball mastery drill, an equal number of players start on the outside and inside of the grid. Outside players each begin with a ball, while the inside players begin without one, ready to receive and return with different techniques.

Inside players must travel through the central zone before moving to a new outside player to engage in a new repetition. This constant movement encourages fitness, sharpness, and technical consistency. The drill is highly adaptable and can include volleys, half-volleys, headers, or one-touch passing depending on the focus.

Coaching Notes:

• High Tempo Movement: Inside players should move quickly between stations to maintain intensity.

• Clean Technique: Emphasize sharp contact on all touches, particularly during first-time actions.

• Body Positioning: Players must be balanced and on their toes when receiving, striking, or heading the ball.

• Scanning and Awareness: Inside players should scan before moving to anticipate the next interaction.

Progression 1: Add Competition Between Inside Players:

Track the number of successful repetitions completed in a set time, creating a competitive edge.

Focus: Increases intensity and focus under time pressure.