Week *4 Short Passing & SAQ

Instructions/Setup:

This speed, agility, and quickness practice takes place in a 30 by 30-yard area and is designed to develop short passing skills combined with agility. The drill consists of multiple stations where players will work on their short passing accuracy, using one or two touches, while simultaneously performing various speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) exercises, such as ladder drills, rings, and hurdles.

After completing the SAQ exercises, players will perform a quick one-two pass with a teammate and aim to score in a mini-goal. The sequence ends when the player who passed the ball sprints to the centre mannequin and back to the starting position, ready to repeat the drill. The focus of this practice is to combine technical passing with dynamic movements, ensuring players improve both their passing accuracy and agility.

Coaching Notes:

• Focus on short passing – Ensure players maintain high passing accuracy, using one or two touches, to keep the ball moving quickly and efficiently throughout the drill.

• Maintain agility through SAQ – Players should perform each SAQ exercise with intensity, emphasizing quick changes of direction and explosive movements to improve their agility and speed.

• Quick decision-making – Encourage players to make fast decisions when playing the one-two pass and when aiming to score in the mini-goal, simulating game-like situations where speed and accuracy are critical.

• Sprinting to the mannequin – Players should focus on explosive sprinting to the centre mannequin, ensuring they increase their speed and intensity as they finish the sequence.

Progression 1: Add a Defender

Introduce a passive defender who can attempt to intercept the one-two passes or block the shot at goal. This progression will force players to be more precise and quick in their decision-making while under pressure.

Focus: Improve passing accuracy and decision-making under defensive pressure.

Progression 2: Increase the Distance Between Stations

Increase the distance between the SAQ stations to further challenge the players' agility and speed. This will require players to adjust their movements over a larger area, testing their endurance and ability to execute passes over greater distances.

Focus: Enhance endurance, passing accuracy, and agility over longer distances.