Adapting football training with a Tennis Net
Passing, ball control, heading and balance are all fundamental skills in football so how can coaches use new equipment to enhance these abilities.
Mixing up football training sessions is what keeps players interested and their abilities growing. As the game has progressed, more equipment has come in to help improve football coaching sessions and keep players interested. One popular item is the Football Tennis Net. This has been brought into teams to help on the core fundamentals of football training in ball control, heading, passing and balance. It is a simple product that is adaptable for players of all abilities and age as they look to improve their core skills.
Ball Control
Ball control in football is one of the key attributes for any player of any age. This is one of the first skills coached into players when they take up the sport. Players first learn ball control in football with the ball on the ground, but when you want to take the skill further you can bring it to control coming at different heights. The Football Tennis Net allows players to practice controlling a ball coming at them from the air. Players can the give a controlled pass back over the net using their laces or inside of the foot. Start off with a coach or player throwing the ball over the net for a controlled pass back into a rally with players on either side keeping the ball in play. To make it more competitive, players can bring in controlling the ball on their chest then using their feet to pass the ball to a teammate or over the net. Just make sure the ball doesn’t hit the ground!
Passing
Football passing drills will also generally start with the ball on the ground as players develop their ball control to make sure they are giving their teammates a decent pass. Using the Football Tennis Net, players can improve their passing from a volley, getting that one touch pass improved. Players can start off passing over the net and aim for targeted areas. This will encourage players to pass by opponents or look for that ball for their teammates to run on to. Get them to use both feet to improve their abilities. This can then be progressed to a volleyball format with passing among teammates before getting the ball over the net. Event get the players to start the rally with the ball on the ground and chipping it over the net, to encourage crossing in their passing.
Balance
Whilst working on ball control and passing, players will also in hand improve their balance. Balance in football is great for helping players maintain the possession. Using the Football Tennis Net players will have to keep their balance as they shift their weight from one let to the next. Having that stability when passing the ball under control with one foot off the ground will allow players to improve their balance. Get the players to alternate from one foot to the other.
Heading
Heading in football is not all about getting as much power on the ball for defending or attacking at corners. It can be used within ball control and simple passing. Using the Football Tennis net for a bit of head tennis, can help players improve their heading abilities. Start with a player throwing the ball to a teammate and they have to return the ball over the net into a coned area using their head. This helps players control that headed pass. Move on to teammates heading the ball to one another over the net in a controlled fashion. How many times can they do it before the ball hits the ground?
Sensible Soccer have created the Head Tennis Net to help teams bring different sessions to their training. At 3m long, it is ideal for players to work in groups at controlling the ball and working together. With the expertise of Sensible Soccer coaching team, led by Mike Phelan, they have a variety of new products and sessions designed to help teacher and coaches get the most out of their training. You can view more on their website - https://sensiblesoccer.co.uk/
