
Square Pegs Chipping
Objective:
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To improve aerial ball control and to develop the chip pass.
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Target:
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To enjoy improving these challenging techniques and to try to get to (or to stay at) the King’s Court.

Organization
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Using markers/grids, organize six-yard squares six yards apart.
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One player passes to partner in opposite square.
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Organize squares to accommodate all players. If odd number, coach joins in.
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For pass to count as “accurate” it land in the opposite square without touching the ground in between.
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Each player is allowed a maximum of three touches in their square (one to control, one to set up the pass and the third to chip the ball.
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Use the King’s Court game system to make it a fun challenge for the players (see King’s Court). 3- to 4-minute rounds.
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Adjust size and distance of areas to ability of players.
Teaching
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Encourage the receiving player in most instances to control the ball before it touches the ground (with thigh or chest).
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Use the second touch to nicely set up the ball for the chip.
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Before starting King’s Court allow them some time to practice their chipping technique (kicking foot under the ball, stubbing action with limited follow through).
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Receiver must be very alert and quickly moving into the line of the ball to improve chances of control.
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Progressions
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Is the progression from the Square Pegs (Ground Pass) of the U11 and is very challenging.
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Make the squares bigger if it is too challenging.
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Consider having three squares (three players) working together in a triangular set up to produce a change of direction.