One of the hardest things to get right at TST is getting the level of the footwork right.
- If it is too easy it achieves very little.
- If it is too hard then again it can be very demotivating.
- If players don't get enough exposure to the patterns it might not get locked in
- If players do the same thing for too long it might get boring
Especially when there are 2011 in the 2.15 session and 2006s in the 3.45 group. that is a big range in terms of maturity and ability.
What i have done this term might be good to know.
My priority this term is to develop the following footwork patterns :
- Inside switch Outside
- Inside Inside
- Inside step Outside
- A drab back V ( any)
- A turn (any)
With advanced players i add in passes and movement to get an angle etc.
I always do a ball mastery warm-up using the FFPs i will focus on in the session (the 5 listed above). This will either be :
After this i will chose a challenging game functional way, to get the repetition of these patterns into a deep practice environment (something which highlights errors and provides opportunity for feedback and improvement).
What we are developing is dexterity of touch using game functional fundamental techniques,
whilst bearing in mind the conework needs to be fun, varied, engaging, and intense at times ....etc etc
Introduce it : Practice it : Improve it : Race it : Move on
With this is mind, here is a link to the many different ways you can set up cones. The hard part is to pitch it at the right level, but having these ideas in your back pocket means it is possible to keep the cone work varied if necessary. If you set the cones up differently, then video it and send the video to me so a i can add it to the list.
Plus never forget Intensity or doing it with the head up are easy add-ons to make any exercise harder
Final Note:
You are in full control of the session;
You choose the patterns and how they are developed.
You choose the tech game and the focus of this game.