Compass Keepaway 4v1
Four outside players protect the ball in a compact square while one defender presses; each pass should move the defender and reveal the next support angle.
- 12 min
- 5–8 players
Drill · U15
Turn to Face Play
A central player changes body orientation after a short return, prepares the feet again and receives to face the opposite server.
- Duration
- 10 min
- Players
- 3–6 (ideal 3)
- Ball Mastery
- First Touch
- Scanning
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 3-player group is shown. Place two end servers on a diagonal, one central player and one soft mannequin marking the central turning reference. One ball begins at the near server. The mannequin is passive and has clear space on both sides.
Coaching points
- Setup: Place two end servers on a diagonal, one central player and one soft mannequin marking the central turning reference. One ball begins at the near server. The mannequin is passive and has clear space on both sides.
- Play: The central player receives a short pass and returns it, moves clear of the reference and repositions the feet to meet a second delivery facing the opposite server. Control and connect to that server for one quality point. Repeat from the other side after the sequence stops.
- Reset and rotation: With the ball stopped, rotate near server to centre, centre to far server and far server to near. Walk around the outside and rest after 45 seconds. Use both directions over the next bouts.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 3 players. With up to 6, use a second complete group in a separate area. Odd spare players rest off the area and rotate into a playing role every 45 seconds; everyone has equal turns.
- Coach focus: Scan the opposite destination before the second delivery. Turn the feet and hips into an available receiving shape; use a small adjusting movement rather than twisting from a fixed stance.
- Safety: Ground service, one ball, comfortable pace and no defender/contact. Use a soft mannequin or replace it with a flat marker; no fast footwork endurance demand.
Equipment
- Ball · 2 per group, including a spare
- Mannequin · 1 per group
- Flat Marker · 4 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 3 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier Pause between the return and second delivery so the receiver can face the new direction.
- Harder Reduce that pause only when control remains reliable; the central player still sets the tempo and may ask for more time.
