Footwork Homework

The game is fundamentally about the pass (or release and includes shooting). However sometimes passes aren't easy to find. When this happens footwork kicks in.
If players don't have good footwork then they will struggle in this phase of play.
 
Footwork practice has added benefits.
It improves the precision and weight of touch, helps players get the feet in right place around the ball and helps players become one with the ball.
 
It can be argued that footwork is the base for all technique and so must be mastered.
 
The footwork patterns introduced on this page are used throughout the game (in many different ways) and at all levels of the game.
 
Neglecting to practice these patterns isn't a crime, it just means you are a social player.
It means that are not serious about the game, your development or the part you can play in the game.
and that's ok.
 
"To master the game - you must first master the ball'
 
If you are serious about your development and practice footwork then make sure you get it :
  • Right (don't get left behind)
  • Quicker or/and wider
  • Done with head up, or 
  • Done off a first touch (drag back, wall work or with a partner/parent)
  • Done with a problem in mind ( all footwork needs context)
  • Done in a different order
  • Improvised upon (how do you fake a pattern to do something else)
  • Done in games (at school/street/training) at the right time: because it is necessary to get to the pass you want.

Footwork at home #1

Footwork at home #2

Footwork at home #3

This is the footwork homework #1 (II [ lateral forward], IO [fake lateral], DDi [Lateral forward])
Key
II - Inside Inside
IO - Inside Outside
DD - Dush Dush [inside switch outside] inside
Turns
 
Step Past Protect
Inside cut
Outside cut
[Mimic game like movement to receive]
Samefoot V (head up - fake kick optional)
Switch Foot V (head up - fake kick optional )
Drag back flick behind (head up - fake kick optional )
Attack cone - pass around the cone (receiving player Mimics game like movement to receive )
ABC - (angle/body/check) - receive on Back foot to open up
Fake out to go in - go past cone

Fake pass - turn - pass

Footwork at home #4

Footwork at home #5

Footwork at home #6

Try the Tevez Drill

Another great footwork exercise is the Tevez Drill.

This test will let you know where you are at in regards to touch, footwork and ball moving ability.

It will give you concrete feedback about where you are at in regards to a very important part of the game and if you do it on a regular basis it will let you know if there has been improvement.

All cones are about 2m apart. 2 big strides normally cover it.  To get an official run a few rules need to be followed.

Set up and rules

This video shows a few recent runs.

 

This is the fastest recorded run

Danny and Rohaan on it - who can beat them??

Plus the U12 record has never been recorded - who can set it?

 

Different way to set up cones and do Footwork

The next few clips are part of the TST footwork development program. They will give you additional ideas for practicing footwork. To vary the footwork with the cone-set up use the different patterns above