Leipzig Ball Mastery

Instructions/Setup:

This ball mastery drill encourages players to attack free space and break out of tight areas while maintaining ball control. Play begins with a pass into the attacker, who must attempt to break out of the grid while keeping possession of the ball. The 3 defenders work together to close down the attacker, aiming to block any path out of the grid. The attacker has 7 seconds to break free from the defenders and exit the grid.

The drill focuses on improving individual ball control, decision-making under pressure, and quick movement to exploit space.

Coaching Notes:

• Quick Decision-Making: The attacker should focus on quickly scanning for open space and making fast decisions to escape the defenders. Encourage the use of feints, changes of direction, and sharp acceleration to beat defenders.

• Ball Control and Touches: Emphasize keeping the ball close to the feet to maintain control while navigating through tight spaces. The attacker should use light touches to maneuver the ball efficiently and avoid getting crowded by the defenders.

• Defensive Coordination: The defenders should move in sync, ensuring they cover all possible exits and force the attacker toward specific areas. They should stay compact and avoid leaving gaps for the attacker to exploit.

• Timing and Speed: The 7-second limit forces the attacker to act quickly and the defenders to react efficiently. Encourage both groups to focus on timing their movements to maximize the pressure or breakout opportunity.

Progression 1: Increase the Number of Defenders:

Increase the number of defenders to 4 or 5, making it harder for the attacker to break out. This will challenge the attacker to think creatively and use a wider range of skills to escape the pressure.

Focus: Promotes creative problem-solving and quick reactions when facing a greater number of defenders.