Anton Corneal: Building relationships between the surfaces of the boot - FIFA Training Centre

Introducing and developing the relationship between the ball and all surfaces of the boot at a young age can help a player build a solid foundation to cope with all scenarios they may face on the ball.

In this session, FIFA Football Technical Expert Anton Corneal delivers a series of exercises to a group of young girls. The session begins with a range of ball manipulation skills that help lay the foundations for the remainder of the training session. The second exercise introduces opposition that the players must evade using their skills on the ball. Finally, the session concludes with a 5v5 small-sided game in which players must progress the ball using a combination of team play and ball manipulation techniques.

Part 1: Ball manipulation and footwork skills

Part 2: Avoiding pressure using footwork

Part 3: 5v5 small-sided game

Part 4: Reflections

The players practice a range of ball manipulation techniques inside the playing area.

This first session works on players’ ball manipulation skills and techniques with a range of ball-work actions. Players must focus on individual skills and developing the relationship with the ball and their feet.

Mark out a 30x20m playing area.
Spread 10 players out across the area.
One ball per player.
The coach must face the players to demonstrate each ball skill.

The players must touch the ball with the inside of their right foot and turn in a circle.
Touch the ball with the inside of their left foot and turn in a circle.
Repeat with the right foot and when the coach shouts ‘change’, switch to using the left foot.
Whenever the action stops, the player must put their sole on the ball.

Variation 1

Touch the ball with the outside of the right foot and move in circles.
When the coach shouts ‘change’, switch to the left foot and repeat.

Variation 2

Players must dribble with the ball inside the area.
When the coach shouts ‘change’, the player has to perform a step-over with the right foot and then take a touch with the same foot in the other direction.
Next, the player must ‘scissor’ over the ball and play with the outside of the boot.
Repeat the same two actions, but this time with the left foot.

Variation 3

Take a touch with the inside of the right foot and then turn back with the outside of the right foot.
Repeat this same variation with the left foot.

Variation 4

Perform a Cruyff-turn with the right foot and then push away with the same foot.
Repeat this move with the left foot.
Make a fake call, such as “ball”, to deceive the defender and sell the turn.

Variation 5

Take 2 touches on the ball with the right foot, put the same foot on the ball, and then drag it back and turn at the same time.
Repeat with the left foot.

Variation 6

Move the ball from the right foot to the left foot using the sole.
Drag the ball back with the left foot and forward again onto the right foot.
Repeat by going in the opposite direction.

Variation 7

Touch the ball with the sole of the right foot and onto the left foot.
Turn with the foot on the ball and face the other direction.
Repeat by going in the opposite direction.

Variation 8

Touch the ball with the inside of the right foot and then the inside of the same foot continuously whilst ‘dancing’ around the ball.
Repeat with the left foot.

Focus on the techniques and movement on and around the ball.
When using ball manipulation techniques such as Cruyff-turns, wrap the foot around the ball.
Use hip movements and wrap the body around the ball to swivel quickly and efficiently, protecting the ball and moving away from opposing players.

The 7 attackers dribble inside the area and must avoid the 3 defenders.

This second exercise allows the players to practise their dribbling and ball manipulation techniques against opposition.

Mark out a 30x20m playing area.
Split the players into 7 attackers and 3 defenders.
The 7 attackers should each have a ball.

The 7 attackers must dribble the ball freely using different techniques.
The 3 defenders must apply pressure and try to win the ball.
Once a player loses a ball or it leaves the area, that ball is no longer in play.
The player who loses the ball can stay in the area and receive the other balls through passes.
Play continues until 60 seconds are up or all the balls are out of play.

Use all parts of the boot and rely on manipulation techniques instinctively to avoid opposing players.
Body movements, such as feints, shimmies and turns, can confuse opponents and help players to set up actions with the ball that evade pressure.
Playing with the head up allows players to see the opposition and the space that is opening up.

A 5v5 small-sided game on a reduced pitch.

This final exercise allows the players to put all of their ball-work skills into practice in the form of a small-sided game.

Mark out a 20x20m pitch.
Position a mini-goal at either end.
Split the group into 2 teams of 5 players each.

The game starts with the ball behind the goal.
The team in possession must try to pass the ball into the opposition’s half.
Once the ball is in the opposition’s half, they can try to score.
If the defending team wins the ball, they must try to score in the opposition’s half.

Look for opportunities to turn away from pressure using any of the ball-work skills previously practised.
Find space to pass into the mini-goals by using some of the ball manipulation techniques.
Progress the ball by eliminating opposing players using a combination of hip movements, turns, and touches with all surfaces of the boot.