Barcelona’s authentic method – Level 1 (2 de 3) Laureano Ruiz Pedro Mendonça

Description: Game similar to Nº 6. The players take 3 touches with their strong foot, 1 with the other foot, 3 touches with the thigh of the strong foot, 1 with the other, and 2 with the head. Note that to go from one body part to another the player must catch the ball with the hands. It can be a group competition or among a few players. In case of improvement the number of touches should be progressively increased. Objectives: Ability. Balance. General Coordenation. Mental Control. Most Frequent Challenges: Re-starting with the weaker foot after the ball hits the ground. Not increasing the number of touches when the player meets the challenge easily. Pedro Mendonça Game nº7 ( Years Old)

Image: Pedro Mendonça Game nº7 ( Years Old)

Description: Field of 12x12 meters. Six players. 2 players chase the other 4 holding a vest on hand. The pursuer that touches a runner exchanges functions. The field has “safe houses” where a player may go in to rest. Objectives: This game is similar with soccer: movement, changes of pace, direction, accelerations, stoppages, etc., and of thinking (control of the situation, analyses, speed of decision, etc). Most Frequent Challenges: There are players who want to be “safe” and others never: the coach must be very focused on each player’s capability. Two players may not chase the same “runner” Pedro Mendonça Game nº8 ( Years Old)

Image: Pedro Mendonça Game nº8 ( Years Old)

Description: Make a 5 meters radius circle with 6 cone/discs with a cone in the center. Each cone has 2 players. At the coach’s signal one player from each station runs to the center cone, steps on the ball as it gets near and turns back to his original cone. Once arriving at the original cone they step on the ball so the team mate may take-off. The coach stops to address number of runs per team, allow the players a rest, and make any coaching points (successes and corrections). This repeats two more times, winning the team with more runs. Objectives: Carrying the ball, body and ball control. Stoppage, turning, and acceleration. Most Frequent Challenges: Turning before reaching the middle cone. Not stepping on the ball to turn. The most common mistake is to improperly step on the ball – must be in front of it not on the side. Pedro Mendonça Game nº9 ( Years Old)

Image: Pedro Mendonça Game nº9 ( Years Old)

Description: 4 to 6 teams of 3 players each. A player takes off with the ball towards the cone 5 meters away, goes around it and returns to the original point passing the ball to the next player. Once all 3 players have completed the exercise the fastest team gets 3 points, the second 2 and the third 1. Wins the team with the most points. Objectives: Carrying the ball. Speed. Change of direction and teaming. Most Frequent Challenges: Players rather than carrying the ball, kick it. Don’t get the ball to the team mate but pass it in advance. Some players get annoyed. Coach them. Pedro Mendonça Game nº10 (8 Years Old)

Image: Pedro Mendonça Game nº10 (8 Years Old)

Description: Foot-tennis played in a 18x6 meters field. The field is divided by a net of 1.5 meters in height. 3 to 4 players per team. The game is started always by a header. After the ball is served it must clear the net and hit the other half’s ground. Each player can have up to 5 touches, but we accept bounces. Players rotating positions. Objectives: Improved general technique: control, ability, header, etc. Positioning. Focus. Most Frequent Challenges: Not starting from designated zone and conditions. No changing positions. Not letting the ball bounce on services. Let the ball bounce more than needed in the run of play. Not all players be involved in the game. Pedro Mendonça Game nº11 ( Years Old)

Image: Pedro Mendonça Game nº11 ( Years Old)

Description: In a 5x5 meters field, play a 3v1 keep-away. Since the objective is to support the ball carrier, the team mates must ‘show’ to get the pass; the ball carrier must take 3 touches before passing. If the defender intercepts the ball he replaces the player who lost possession or the one who did not ‘show’. Objectives: Sense of passing and showing. “Stealing” possession. Most Frequent Challenges: Missing the 3 touches rule. Players not showing to receive the pass. Defender does not pressure the ball carrier hence the game loses rhythm. Pedro Mendonça Game nº12 ( Years Old)

Image: Pedro Mendonça Game nº12 ( Years Old)