Footwork : Why we use the FFPs we do

Best viewed on a computer screen

 

Fundamental Footwork Pattern [FFP] Development

 

The first thing to understand is that the basis of TST footwork is 'relative' ball movement.

That is: The direction and way the ball moves relative to the way the player on the ball is facing:

We initially focus on the following 5 'relative' directions.

( Apart from moving directly forward  (or backwards without turning),

these 5 directions cover every scenario a player may face in a game)

Relative Ball Movement

Lateral Only

Lateral Forward

 Fake Lateral

V

 Turn

From this we pick specific ball moving patterns that achieve the 'relative' movement objectives.

The following 5 are the best place to start.

The the fact that they are 2 touch means that players get more exposure to interacting with the ball. When the go to an inside only (rather than an Inside switch outside' to move laterally) the touch has already been practiced and is in the locker..

FFP set #1

 Inside 'Switch' Outside

 Inside Inside

 Inside [step] Outside

 

Not the hop technique !!

Same foot Vi

Drag Turn

 
 
 

To add more footwork patterns and make a new series, just use 'relative' ball  movement directions to determine which new patterns make a new series.

FFP set #2

 Inside [Shuffle]

Outside 'Step'  Inside

Outside fake Outside take

Switch Foot Vi

 Inside Chop Inside Push

FFP set #3

Outside Shuffle

Roll Across Inside

 Inside 'hop' Outside

 Drag Back Flick Behind

 Outside Chop Outside Push

You get the idea.

 

The next thing is pitch the level to the player.

The ball mastery exercises above are for players just getting to grips with basic FFPs

Advanced Players

Advanced players need to be challenged.

The above can be still be used as as a good warm up but add:

  •  intensity,
  •  head up,
  •  sprints between patterns