Exercise 2. Footwork – Practicing Steps with a High-quality LFT Position

Theme: Footwork

Category: Technique training

Objectives: Improve Leg, Feet and Torso quality (LFT) of inside step and crossover step in the frontal defending position.

Procedure

  • Task

    • Move sideways in both directions (coach or a player decide direction)
    • Practise inside step
    • Practise crossover step
    • Practise combination of inside and crossover step

  • Testing

    Let the player test different LFT positions to feel the differences of each position:

    • On your toes
    • Wide leg position + parallel stance
    • Wide leg position + angled stance

  • Practicing

    Practicing good LFT quality and finding your optimal defending position.

Variations

Repeat the same exercise in:

  • The side-on defending position by working in the longitudinal direction
  • The slanted defending position by working in the slanted (45 degree) direction

 

Organisation

  • 6-8m between the cones

Coaching Points

Good LFT quality (working conditions): 

  • Leg width
  • Feet position
  • Torso Position
  • Technical execution

Commence at a slow pace and place more emphasis on technique over speed. Gradually increase the pace.

More excercises

1. Position

Testing and Practising Defending Positions

2. Footwork

Practicing Steps with a High-quality LFT Position

3. 1v1

Against Right Facing Attacker 20m From Goal

4. Marking

Marking During a Throw-in in your own half.

About the Author

Anders Giske

Anders Giske is a football (soccer) coach and founder of the blog: Giske Defending - The Ultimate Learning Centre to Football Defence Skills. He is a former professional footballer with many years’ experience playing in the Bundesliga and for the Norwegian national team. Learn more about him here and connect with him on Facebook and LinkedIn