Wed, 04 December

Spatial Awareness

Skill Matrix Drill

Skill Matrix Drill

SKILLS MATRIX ensures players not only master technical moves but also focus on the psychological aspect of the game—outsmarting their opponents through deception.

  • Objective: To develop a player’s evasive skill set using both hands and feet, focusing on balance, coordination, and adaptability. This drill aims to enhance execution of advanced moves and the ability to combine them seamlessly while emphasizing the art of deception to outwit opponents.

Setup:

  1. Area: Use a marked-out grid or space (e.g., 20m x 20m) cones 4m apart x 4 on the 1st line the 4m out and do the same this time x 5 to creat the angled run to create 4 lanes . Do 5 lanes in total.
  2. Players: Each player works individually with a ball.
  • Core Skills: Players practice the following foundational evasive skills:
    1. Dummy Solo: Fake a solo movement as if you’re about to continue forward, then change direction to deceive your opponent.
    2. Dummy Bounce: Pretend to bounce the ball in one direction while actually redirecting it elsewhere.
    3. Drag Back Bounce: Execute a controlled drag-back move while bouncing the ball to create space and change direction.
    4. Cross Body Bounce: Perform a bounce across the body to shift the ball into a new position or angle.

Progression:

  1. Individual Mastery: Practice each skill multiple times using both hands and both feet to build equal proficiency.
  2. Skill Combinations: Combine two or more moves in a sequence, such as:
    • Dummy Solo + Drag Back Bounce.
    • Dummy Bounce + Cross Body Bounce.
    • Cross Body Bounce + Dummy Solo.
  3. Dynamic Movement: Perform skill combinations while moving through the grid, adding changes in direction and pace to simulate game situations.

Coaching Points:

  1. Balance and Control: Players should maintain a low center of gravity for better balance and quicker direction changes.
  2. Head Up and Awareness: Encourage players to keep their heads up to scan for space and potential defenders.
  3. Fluid Transitions: Focus on smooth and natural transitions between skills for seamless execution.
  4. Use Both Sides: Ensure equal practice with both hands and feet to develop well-rounded players.
  5. Sell the Dummy:
    • Body Shape: Use realistic body movements to sell the dummy as if committing to a shot, pass, or kick.
    • Eyes: Look in the direction you’re pretending to go or pass, tricking the defender into committing.
    • Deception: The success of the dummy relies on the "sell." Convince your opponent with confident and exaggerated motions before executing the real move.
    • Timing: Make the move quick and decisive to take advantage of the opponent’s reaction.

Benefits:

  • Evasion Mastery: Helps players develop advanced techniques to break tackles and create space.
  • Deceptive Play: Enhances a player’s ability to fool defenders with realistic feints and dummy movements.
  • Spatial Awareness: Encourages players to read the field and make quick decisions.
  • Confidence: Builds assurance in using both hands and feet under pressure.
  • Game Transfer: Teaches skills that directly translate to in-game scenarios, improving attacking play.