Madrid Ball Mastery

Instructions/Setup:

This drill combines ball mastery with fitness to help players develop their technical ability while enhancing their endurance. Players are required to travel long distances from the central zone before playing a combination with the outside players. This drill is ideal for pre-season as it challenges both technical skills and physical conditioning.

The drill includes overlapping runs and precise passing to ensure the players maintain sharp technical execution while also building fitness through constant movement and high-intensity work.

Coaching Notes:

• Efficient Movement: Encourage players to use their body positioning to make the overlapping runs as efficient as possible. Players should avoid slowing down and should always be aware of their next move, whether that’s playing a pass or making the next run.

• Timing of the Overlap: Emphasise the importance of timing when making the overlapping run. Players should look to time their runs so they receive the ball back inside the grid at the right moment, allowing them to continue play without losing momentum.

• Fitness and Endurance: While focusing on technique, also ensure that players keep their intensity up. Remind them to push themselves when travelling long distances across the grid to build stamina while maintaining control of the ball.

• Technical Precision: When receiving the ball, players should focus on controlling it quickly and efficiently to play the next pass without slowing down the flow of the exercise. Quality ball control is key to maintaining the rhythm of the drill.

Progression 1: Add a Defender:

Introduce a passive defender to apply light pressure to the player receiving the ball. This will force the attacking player to make quicker decisions and execute passes with more precision under mild pressure.

Focus: This progression helps players develop their ability to handle pressure while maintaining high levels of technical quality and fitness.

Progression 2: Increase the Distance:

Increase the length players must travel from the central zone before passing to the outside player. This progression challenges their stamina and forces them to maintain technical quality over longer distances.

Focus: This will help improve players' endurance while ensuring they remain composed and technically sound during longer periods of activity.