Practice in Pairs

Many of the best players in the game grew up playing every day working on their touch and skills. If you have a friend willing to practice with you, this article gives a number of fun games you can practice with.

Passing

Passing technique can be easily practiced in pairs. Practice side foot, driven and chipped passes back and forth in an open area. Add game realism by moving at least 5 steps after each pass. Keep score by standing still and scoring a point if your partner can trap a pass within 1 step, or open legs and score a point for rolling ball through legs. Increase the distance between the two of you to progress difficulty.

Wally

If you have a wall to use this fun game can work on striking a ball, in addition to anticipation and moving to loose balls. Start with player A, the server hitting the ball against the wall, the ball must hit the wall without bouncing. Player B must trap the ball and hit it towards the wall without the ball hitting the ground. After the serve each player is allowed only 2 touches. A point is awarded to the opponent when a player is forced to use 3 touches or misses the wall. Progress the difficulty of the game by marking a designated target area on the wall that must be hit.

Heading and Volleying

Take turns heading and volleying with your partner feeding and catching. Player A throws the ball in the air and player B heads it back, scoring a point if player A catches the ball. Progress your heading practice by heading the ball while jumping, both feet off the ground upon contact. Increase difficulty by standing further apart during the practice. Incorporate movement, with player A running to a different area between repetitions and force player B to follow. Repeat this practice practicing the following skills;

• Chest and volley.
• Thigh trap and volley.
• Side foot volley.
• Laces volley.

Shooting on Goal

Practice shots on goal from a number of angles. To simulate a goalkeeper put a cone 2-3 yards inside each goal post, assume any shot inside the middle of the cones is saved, and any shot that fits between the post and cone is a goal. Have your partner pass to you, with you taking a touch out of feet and shooting on goal from 10 to 15 yards out. Practice 10 balls to bottom left corner, 10 to top right corner, repeating the process to the right hand side of the goal. Take 40 shots of this kind from a couple of yards outside the left hand post, repeating on the right side. Practice the following shots;

• Left foot from both sides.
• Right foot from both sides.
• One time shots.
• Two touch shot from bouncing ball.
• One time shot from bouncing ball.
• Volleyed shot.
• Headers on goal.
• Add defensive pressure, partner passes you the ball from 10 yards away then closes down from side.

Tackling

Practice your tackling by playing 1 v 1 in a 10 yard box. Pass the ball to your partner then he scores a point by stopping the ball on the goal line behind you. Begin by attacker dribbling in straight line to practice timing. Progress the tackling practice up to competitive 1 v 1, with the attacker adding in fake and change of direction.

ACTION PLAN

• Aim to practice with a partner two or three times a week in addition to team practice.
• Work on skills relevant to practice with team if possible.
• Develop both feet in every drill you do.
• Always get sufficient repetitions each. Aim usually for 40 to 50 repetitions with player A feeding and player B practicing. Switch and repeat to give both players quality work.
• Tell your coach your plans, ask him for technical coaching points, or suggested topics for you to cover in your supplemental work.
• Keep score and compete against each other to add motivation and competition to drills.