Hand-off and Ball Security

How to run it

A relay in which the ball is passed on with a proper hand-off and carried through a gauntlet of team-mates who poke at it. Players learn to take the ball correctly and keep it secure under pressure.

Set-up

Two lines face each other about 20 m apart. In the middle, four players stand two on each side of the running lane as the gauntlet. The first player in the left line has the ball.

Instructions

1. 1Two lines facing each other, the gauntlet in the middle. Number 2 has the ball.
2. 2Number 2 runs through the gauntlet with the ball high and tight. The gauntlet players poke and pull at the ball (not the player). Number 3 steps out to receive.
3. 3Hand-off: number 2 slows down and places the ball in number 3's pocket – inside arm up, outside arm down.
4. 4Number 3 runs through the gauntlet the other way. Number 2 jogs outside the lane to the back of the other line. Number 4 steps out.
5. 5Hand-off from number 3 to number 4.
6. 6Number 4 carries the ball through the gauntlet. Number 3 goes to the back of the line and number 5 steps out.
7. 7Hand-off from number 4 to number 5.
8. 8Number 5 runs through the gauntlet. Number 4 goes to the back and number 6 steps out.
9. 9Hand-off from number 5 to number 6.
10. 10Number 6 runs – the relay goes on. Change the gauntlet players every two minutes.

Coaching points

• Ball security: the tip of the ball in the hand, the ball against the chest, the elbow tight – "five points of pressure".
• The receiver makes a pocket: the arm nearest the giver up at the chest, the other arm down at the belly. Close the pocket when the ball arrives.
• Look ahead, not at the ball, when you receive – the giver places the ball in the pocket.
• The gauntlet pokes at the ball; they don't tackle or hold the player.

Variations

Equipment

• 4 × Markers