February, March 2006

Mannequin Training:
Pre-Game Warm Up

Greetings Coach!

Whether at training or pre-match play, your warm-up routine is an essential component of your teams preparation. Prior to a match a good warm up will prepare your players physically, technically and psychologically for top performance. Very likely, giving your team a distinct edge during the opening minutes of your match. Use The Soccer Wall Training Mannequins and get the edge!

Short Passing

Separate players into groups of 4-6. Split each group into 2 lines approximately 5 yards away and facing each other. Place a single Mannequin in front of one of the lines. The other line has the ball. Player 1 passes to player 2 and switches lines. Each pass must alternate between the right and left side of the mannequin. 1 touch is preferred. Players begin moving their feet and developing a soft touch while maintaining light warm up movement.

Heading, Volleying, Receiving Air Balls

Using the same set up, Line 1 now tosses the ball to line 2. The player behind the mannequin must step out, return the ball with a header and switch lines. Once again I prefer alternating tosses to each side of the mannequin forcing players to think and react quickly. I recommend 45-60 second intervals before moving on.

Advance to: Toss to Chest / Return Volley, Toss to Thigh / Return Volley, Toss to Foot / Return Volley.

1v1

A personal and player favorite! Using a similar setup to the previous routine, move your players away from the mannequin. (5 yards on each side) Player 1 attacks the mannequin and makes a move before beating the mannequin. Player 2 then receives ball from player 1 and does the same. Add a second ball to each group and the rule is: the second dribbler to the mannequin must react to the first players cut in order to prevent a collision.

Give and Go

The last exercise I use with this same set up is the Give and Go. The simplest yet most prevalent of all combinations is the give and go. Yet our players miss it and or fail to execute it properly all too often. One player is the target and positioned behind and to the side of the mannequin. The dribbler attack's the mannequin and plays the ball around and to the supporting target player who returns the pass with 1 touch. The target player then adjusts and switches sides for the next dribbler. Insist that: a) The dribbler attacks the mannequin and does not release the pass to early. b) The dribbler makes an attempt to disguise their pass. c) The target player uses the opposite leg to return the pass. (This protects the ball and creates the proper spin on the ball.) d) The target player is supporting behind and away from the mannequin. Finally insist on match like pace and quality!

4 Lines on Goal

Place 2 Mannequins around the 6 yard box. Players form 4 lines. Two wide lines for serving and 2 inside attacking lines for finishing. Ask your servers to play balls into open spaces in and around the mannequins. Ask your attackers to time their runs and attack the spaces in front of, behind and in between the passive defender mannequins.

This set up is also excellent for GK warm up. Serve balls in and around the Mannequins challenging your GK to make the save.

Give and Go and Shoot

Place 2 mannequins 18-25 yards from goal and apart from each other. Using 2 cones make a starting gate approximately 5 yards in front of each Soccer Wall Mannequin. Divide your players into 2 lines. 1 player in each line positions themselves for the give and go (around the mannequin). The dribbler finishes with a shot after playing a quality give and go.

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Contact Information
email: elder@thesoccerwall.com
phone: 1.877.757.9255
web: http://www.thesoccerwall.com