Opening playing variants against various defense systems: Training of decision-making processes with shooting options

permission.

Key

 Attacking player

 Defense player

 Cone

 Marker discs

 Ball box

 Pole

 Small gym mat

Requirements

 Simple sequence with few variants. The sequence may be used as an introduction to team play variants. 

 More complex sequence with several decision-making options on different positions; targeted against specific defense systems, to some extent. Three stars have also been allocated if special passing variants or catching techniques are required.

 Complex sequence across several positions that requires good technical and tactical skills and a certain amount of experience of the players.

Part A: Cooperation in small groups

A1: Crossing and parallel piston movement

Recommended for overcoming these defense systems: all

Requirement: 

Description:

In this series of exercises, the players develop crossing and parallel piston movements as cooperation options in width.

Key factors of success for the players initiating the piston/crossing movements:

- Vigorous initial action with binding of the defense player and hence creating space for the respective teammate.

- Breakthrough, if possible – depending on the respective defense player’s action.

Key factors of success for the teammate:

- Proper timing of the crossing and parallel piston movements.

- Decision: Crossing or parallel piston movement – depending on the defense players’ reactions.

Implementation:

Cooperation in width is a key prerequisite for the subsequent playing in larger groups and in the team against any defense system. Crossing and parallel piston movements are the fundamental building blocks of offense team play and are required in many playing sequences. The players should develop a good timing for the running and passing moves; this is why cooperation and team play should be practiced over and over in the individual training units.

A1.1 Preparatory exercise 1: Crossing

Setting:

- Put two cones on the floor to define the playing field.

- Two players stand on the left back, the other players on the center back position; one player starts as defense player.

(Figure  1)

Course 1:

 (A).

 and receives a return pass into his running path (B).

 on the right), and then dynamically moves to the left (E).

 should hold the ball with his left hand (i.e. the hand distant to the defense player) when moving to the left. The offense player’s body should be between the defense player and the ball. Here, in the example, the right-handed player holds the ball in his left hand when making the body feint to the left (figure 2).

(Figure 2)

 must follow him in order to be able to prevent a breakthrough (F).

 initially runs straight ahead (C).

 takes on the crossing, receives a pass (G), takes a turn towards the goal at top speed (H), and eventually shoots at the goal (J).

.

 should initially do a piston movement to the left, take a dynamic turn to the right, into the crossing movement.

 should increase resistance gradually.

Course 2:

- The basic course remains the same as in course 1.

 should now try to break through on the right (H and J) or left side (L) directly.

- Only if a direct breakthrough is impossible, he should pass the ball into the crossing movement path (G).

 should make sure that he can pass the ball anytime during his action.

 now interacts with 100% power to prevent a breakthrough and may also try to prevent a pass.

A1.2 Preparatory exercise 2: Parallel piston movement

Setting:

- Put two cones on the floor to define the playing field.

- The players stand on the left back and center back positions, spread evenly; two players start as defense players.

Course:

 (A).

 and receives a return pass into his running path (B).

), and then dynamically moves to the left (D).

, as needed (F).

 receives a pass into his dynamic running movement path (G), breaks through, and shoots at the goal (H).

 switch positions and line up again.

- Repeat the exercise on the right side after a few rounds.

- Switch the defense players at regular intervals.

 may hold bibs in his armpits so that he cannot move freely and needs help from his teammates more often.

 should start the parallel piston movement (G) in such a way that he receives the ball at full speed.

 may also break through towards the center.

A1.3 Implementation: Crossing and parallel piston movement 2-on-2

Setting:

- Put two cones on the floor to define the playing field.

Basic idea:

- The players now combine the two prior exercises, so that they have to make proper decisions several times in a row.

(Figure 1)

Course:

 (A).

 and receives a return pass into his running path (B).  

, so that the latter is forced to shift his weight onto his left leg:

 breaks through directly (D) (= option 1).

 dynamically moves to the left and tries to break through directly (E) (= option 2).

 should decide as follows:

 into his running movement path (H), and eventually breaks through (N and J) (= option 3).

(Figure 2)

 (L), and breaks through to the inner side (M) (= option 4).

 should carry out his actions at full speed and initially try to get a chance to shoot at the goal directly.

 should initially keep both options open:

- Parallel piston movement (J).

- Taking on the crossing (L and M).

Competition:

 carry out three defense actions against all attacking teams of 2.

- Following this, it is the next two players’ turn to play defense. Repeat until each player has played defense once.

- Which attacking teams of 2 have scored highest?

 Add a feeder/receiver each on the left and right side of the playing corridor to make the free 2-on-2 play easier. This way, the players may start the initial action after receiving the feeder’s/receiver’s return pass, so they have more time to prepare for their piston movement.

A2: Interaction of the back position players with the pivot using the Russian Screen

Recommended for overcoming these defense systems: all

Requirement: 

Description:

In this series of exercises, the players use a Russian Screen as a team play option in depth.

Factors of success for the pivot:

- Correct screening and proper timing to block the defense player’s movements.

- Leaving the screen in direction of the ball (not behind the defense player), as late as possible, however.

- Picking up the ball and shoot under pressure.

- Catch the ball with one hand, if necessary.

Factors of success for the back position player:

- Dynamic shifting.

- Making the correct decision depending on the defense player’s behavior: shoot / breakthrough or pass to the pivot.

- Different passing variants when passing the ball to the pivot.

Implementation:

The basic 2-on-2 cooperation with the pivot may be used against any defense systems, i.e. both against offensive defense systems (3-2-1 defense and 1-5 defense systems) and against a 6-0 defense system with forward-stepping defense players.

A2.1 Preparatory exercise 1: Series of shots for the back position player

Basic course:

 each always carry out two actions in a row.

Course:

 (A).

 (B).

 (C).

, and places a screening on the inner side (D).

, dynamically moves to the inner side (E), and eventually makes a free jump shot at the goal (F).

 (G).

 (H).

- And so on.

 switch positions after the action.

 changes the direction and moves to the inner