Indoor Training: Ball Techniques in the Centre Circle

Pitch: Play takes place at the centre circle. If the centre circle is too small for the size of the group, a larger rectangle can be marked out with cones.

Equipment: Several balls, bibs in two colours.

Players: Two groups of equal size. One half positions itself with a ball around the centre circle, the other half gathers without a ball inside the centre circle.

• The players in the centre circle each run to a team-mate outside the circle.
• There a ball is thrown to them and they throw it back again.
• Different throwing techniques are used, for example a bounce pass or throwing and catching with the right hand only.
• On the way back the players complete running technique drills.
• After a while the tasks and positions are swapped.

Variations:

• The outside players throw the ball onto the team-mate's foot.
• The team-mate passes it back first time out of the air with the inside of the instep.
• Use different passing techniques, for example the full instep, control with the chest and a pass with the inside of the foot, or chest, knee and full instep one after the other.

Note: Drill idea by Max Schönijahn. This format combines well with the drill Passing Techniques in the Centre Circle.