Week 28 Agility, Dribbling & Rondo

Instructions/Setup:

This pre-season practice is set up in a 35 by 45-yard area and is divided into three stations, each focusing on different aspects of players’ abilities: agility, dribbling, and possession. The practice alternates between the stations, allowing players to work on specific skills. The stations should include agility drills such as ladder or cone drills, dribbling exercises to improve ball control and quick changes of direction, and a rondo for possession and passing under pressure. After a set period, coaches can call for a 5-minute rest period to allow players to recover before restarting the session.

Coaching Notes:

• Agility – Encourage quick, explosive movements with an emphasis on body control and change of direction. Players should focus on staying low and using short, quick steps to navigate the cones or ladders. The goal is to develop better footwork and agility under pressure.

• Dribbling – Players should work on close ball control while dribbling at high speed. Emphasize using both feet and quick direction changes, especially in tight spaces. Dribbling exercises should challenge players to maintain control under pressure and in tight areas.

• Possession (Rondo) – In the rondo station, players should focus on maintaining possession under pressure while making quick, accurate passes. Emphasize the importance of spatial awareness, communication, and moving the ball quickly to break out of tight situations.

• Transition Between Stations – Encourage players to transition smoothly between stations, keeping their intensity high and focus sharp throughout the entire session. The rest period should be used for recovery, but players should be ready to start the next round quickly.

Progression 1: Increase Intensity

Increase the speed or complexity of each station to challenge the players' abilities further. For example, reduce the time allowed for each round, add more defenders in the rondo, or increase the number of agility cones for players to navigate.

Focus: Increase the intensity of the workout to improve stamina and the ability to perform under pressure.

Progression 2: Combine Stations

In this progression, combine elements from the stations. For instance, players might dribble through agility cones before entering a rondo, or they might be required to make a quick pass after completing an agility drill. This helps simulate game scenarios where multiple skills are needed in rapid succession.

Focus: Improve players' ability to combine different skills quickly and seamlessly in a match context.