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

Key

a1k  Attacking player

ab1k  Defense player

huetchen_k  Cone

plaettchen  Marker discs

ballkiste_k  Ball box

stange_k  Pole

matte_grau_k  Small gym mat

Requirements

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

stern stern stern  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.

stern stern stern stern  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:  stern stern

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:

-  a1k  starts by passing the ball to  a2k  (A).

-  a1k  dynamically runs in direction of  ab1k  and receives a return pass into his running path (B).

-  a1k  approaches  ab1k  on the right side (D) so that the latter is forced to shift his weight onto his left leg (to prevent a possible breakthrough of  a1k  on the right), and then dynamically moves to the left (E).

arz_k   a1k  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)

-  a1k  should move towards the goal dynamically and in such a way that  ab1k  must follow him in order to be able to prevent a breakthrough (F).

- Following the return pass (B),  a2k  initially runs straight ahead (C).

-  a2k  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).

- Following the action,  a1k  lines up for the left back position (K) and the players repeat the sequence with  a3k  and  a4k .

- After a few rounds, the players should do the course on the other side, with the right back player, i.e.  a1k  should initially do a piston movement to the left, take a dynamic turn to the right, into the crossing movement.

arz_k  At the beginning of the exercise,  ab1k  should move along with the running feint movement of  a1k , but interact with a power of 70% only. He should allow the pass (G). In the further course of the exercise,  ab1k  should increase resistance gradually.

Course 2:

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

-  a1k  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).

-  a1k  should make sure that he can pass the ball anytime during his action.

-  ab1k  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:

-  a1k  starts the sequence with a pass to  a2k  (A).

-  a1k  dynamically runs in direction of  ab1k  and receives a return pass into his running path (B).

-  a1k  moves a bit towards the right side of  ab1k  (C), so that the latter is forced to shift his weight onto his left leg (to prevent a possible breakthrough of  a1k ), and then dynamically moves to the left (D).

-  ab1k  should prevent a breakthrough to the left (E);  ab2k  should support  ab1k , as needed (F).

- As soon as  ab2k  moves to the inner side (F),  a2k  receives a pass into his dynamic running movement path (G), breaks through, and shoots at the goal (H).

- Afterwards, repeat the sequence with the next two attacking players.  a1k  and  a2k  switch positions and line up again.

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

- Switch the defense players at regular intervals.

arz_k  In this basic exercise,  ab2k  should be forced to move to the inner side, so that  a2k  can receive a pass and break through.  ab1k  may hold bibs in his armpits so that he cannot move freely and needs help from his teammates more often.

arz_k   a2k  should start the parallel piston movement (G) in such a way that he receives the ball at full speed.

arz_k  If  ab1k  has already moved along too far to the left,  a1k  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:

-  a1k  starts the sequence with a pass to  a2k  (A).

-  a1k  dynamically runs in direction of  ab1k  and receives a return pass into his running path (B).  

-  a1k  moves a bit towards the right side of  ab1k , so that the latter is forced to shift his weight onto his left leg:

  → If  ab1k  does not move along to the inner side,  a1k  breaks through directly (D) (= option 1).

  → If  ab1k  moves to the inner side (C),  a1k  dynamically moves to the left and tries to break through directly (E) (= option 2).

- Depending on the defense players’ movement,  a2k  should decide as follows:

  → If  ab2k  moves along to defend against the breakthrough (G),  a2k  runs straight forward, receives a pass from  a1k  into his running movement path (H), and eventually breaks through (N and J) (= option 3).

(Figure 2)

  → If  ab1k  closes the gap and  ab2k  stays on the outer side,  a2k  takes on the crossing, receives the ball from  a1k  (L), and breaks through to the inner side (M) (= option 4).

arz_k   a1k  should carry out his actions at full speed and initially try to get a chance to shoot at the goal directly.

arz_k   a2k  should initially keep both options open:

- Parallel piston movement (J).

- Taking on the crossing (L and M).

Competition:

-  ab1k  and  ab2k  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?

arz_k  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:  stern stern

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:

-  a7k  and  a8k  each always carry out two actions in a row.

Course:

-  a1k  starts the piston movement on the wing position and passes the ball into the running path of  a2k  (A).

-  ab1k  steps forward towards the piston movement path of  a2k  (B).

-  a2k  makes an extensive body feint to the left, in front of  ab1k  (C).

-  a7k  starts at 7-meter level, sidesteps to  ab1k , and places a screening on the inner side (D).

-  a2k  takes on the screening of  a7k , next to  ab1k , dynamically moves to the inner side (E), and eventually makes a free jump shot at the goal (F).

- A bit delayed, the players start the same sequence on the other side, with  ab2k  (G).

-  a7k  moves back again and then places the screening next to  ab2k  (H).

- And so on.

-  a1k  and  a2k  switch positions after the action.

arz_k   a7k  should time the screening in such a way that he stands next to  ab1k  just before  a2k  changes the direction and moves to the inner side