Play-on around the Mark

Focus

Skills under pressure, Defensive, Contested ball.

Skills

Mark Contest.

Purpose

After marking the ball, players should move the ball quickly before defenders can occupy the space ahead. This drill teaches players to gain time and space by playing-on from the mark, as well as getting leading teammates to lead towards their preferred kicking leg.

Groups of

Ages

13⁺

Balls/grp

Cones

Distance (max)

60m

Step 1
Simulating a mark or free kick to (A), they backpedal away from (B) who is standing the mark, then wheel onto their preferred kicking leg, to which (C) or (D) have lead

Either (C) or (D) will be on (A)'s preferred side, this player should lead, the other should defend
Step 2
Players (C) and (D) compete for the mark
Step 3
Regardless of whether the leading player has marked the ball, they're awarded a free-kick to be taken as near to the cone as possible, and step 1 is repeated with (C) or (D) wheeling onto their preferred leg and kicking to leading (A) or (B)

Players should start on random sides so the same player isn't leading every time