Me & My Shadow
Objective:
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A fun warm-up that teaches dribbling, change of pace and direction.
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Also encourages disciplined marking.
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Target:
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To lose the Shadow; conversely not to lose the Dribbler.
Organization
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In pairs with a ball between two.
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If there is an odd number make one a trio or coach joins in.
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On a signal the player with the ball (the Dribbler) tries to lose his/her Shadow.
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Shadow must be disciplined and persistent.
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After a few seconds the coach shouts "Change!" and the Shadow becomes the Dribbler, and vice-versa.
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Don't go for too long (30 seconds) as the activity is very demanding.
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Introduce other pairs activities in between the runs, e.g., try to head the ball back and forth; play Keep-Up; play Nut Megs (ball is played through the legs of straddling partner).
Teaching
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Try to burst away from the Shadow by change of pace and direction.
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Shadow tries to stay "touch tight."
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Progressions
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Shout, “Change Shadow!” and Shadow has to join another dribbler (there’s going to be one who will be last so try to ensure they don’t feel they have failed).
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Shout “Change Balls!” where the dribbler puts his/her foot on the ball and both the dribbler and shadow go for another ball.
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Or, “Change! Change!” where the dribbler changes with the shadow, but now the former dribbler must find another player with the ball to shadow.
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Add variety to the drill with your own ideas.
