Blindman Guidance I: Last Second Handball

Focus

Skills under pressure, Fun.

Skills

Handballing.

Purpose

A player running with the ball is susceptible to being run down by an unsighted opposition player unless there is voice from teammates. This drill demonstrates how important voice is to a player by completely removing their vision and having them rely on a teammate's voice to talk them through their situation.

Players

10⁺

Ages

11⁺

Balls

Cones

Distance (max)

60m

Setup
Ideally you will bring 6 blindfolds, otherwise players can peel their guernsey back to cover their eyes. As this drill involves blindfolding players who run with the ball, it should only be performed on well-grassed ovals free of pot-holes or divots that could roll an ankle. Split into two teams. The first team form even numbers at stations (A) and (C), apart from 2 players who go to (E) as chasers of the opposition team. The second team is similarly positioned. The first players at (A) and (D) are blindfolded, the SECOND players at (C) and (F) are blindfolded.
Step 1
Blindfolded players (A) and (D) are each given a ball. On the whistle, they run with the ball towards their teammate at the other end. Meanwhile, (B) and (E) as chasers start their run towards them.
Step 2
As these players run, the players behind them at (A) and (D) must yell out instructions to keep running while they are free. (C) and (F) can also talk to ball carrier so they know where to run.

The idea is to keep talking so the player can get as close as possible to the target, increasing their likelihood of hitting it. This requires clear instruction from players at both ends.
Step 3
Once (A) and (D) are risk of being tackled by (B) and (E), voicing teammates tell them to handball. (A) must try to handball on-the-full to (C), whilst (D) tries to hit (F).

Receiving players must keep 1 foot on the cone at all times.
Step 4
If the handball goes to the players on the full, the team score a point. If the chasers can touch (they don't tackle or bump) the blindfolded player before they handball, or the ball misses the target, no point is scored.
Step 5
Once (A) and (D) complete their handballs:

They pass their blindfold to 2 new players and go to the FRONT of the line become the next handball receivers.

The pair that just received the handballs move to the back of the line, everyone else moves up one place.

(B) and (E) return to their end of their stations.
Step 6
The drill commences from the other end, with (C) and (F) running blindfolded towards (A) and (D). The next player at (B) and (E) chases.

Remember it's always the second pair in line who are blindfolded and start the drill.
Step 7
After a few minutes, rotate the chasers.