Jumping String Drill (10 to 14 yrs old)

by Chris Eliopoulos
(Canton ,Ohio USA)

Items needed.
2 flags
8 to 10 foot light string.
Ball
2 players

1) Plant the two flags about six feet apart.

2) Connect the two flags with the string,tying it to each flag about a foot or so high off of the ground.

3) Have the players start about 5 yards away from the first flag and run towards the first flag with the ball.

4) When the player is close enough to the string he/she pushes the ball with the outside of the right foot under the string, jumps over the string meeting the ball on the other side, pulling the ball with the inside of his/her left foot and continuing around the other flag on a figure eight shape.

Variations:

a) Perform the same drill starting from the right side of the flag,push the ball with the inside of the right foot under the string ,jump over the string , meet the ball on the other side, pull it with the inside of the right foot and continue on a figure eight run.

b) Add flags , connect them with strings,adjust the string up or down and continue the serpentine for different leaping abilities.

This is a fun and very good drill to use as a stations drill.
Players from 8 to 18 love the drill, it breaks up the monotony, works on timing,learning to avoid slide tackles,sharpening your endurance and you can also introduce a shot on goal at the end of the drill.