Ball mastery: sole rolls and pulls

Setup

1. Mark a 15 × 15 m square with four cones.
2. One ball per player, everyone spread out inside the square.
3. Coach stands on the edge where every player can see.

How it runs

1. Coach shows a move, then players copy it for 30 seconds.
2. Sole roll: roll the ball sideways under the sole, then back again.
3. Pull-back: drag the ball back with the sole, stepping back with it, then push it forward.
4. Roll and go: roll it across with the sole, then dribble off into a new space.
5. On 'Stop!', every player puts the sole on top of the ball and freezes.
6. Rest 15 seconds between moves and do every move with both feet.

Coaching points

• Light touch: the sole brushes the top of the ball.
• Up on the toes of the standing foot, knees bent.
• Eyes up between touches to find space.
• Use both feet, the weaker one too.

Common mistakes

• Stamping on the ball so it stops dead.
• Standing flat-footed and leaning back.
• Only using the stronger foot.