Balderstone Sports Institute Football Academy players focused on one-touch techniques and decision-making during a practice session at Sandringham High School on August 21.

Running with the ball and conditioning exercises formed part of the team’s initial warm-up routine.
Head of strength and conditioning Julian Russ said the session was intended to be less intensive.

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“Today’s session will be light. We usually turn down the intensity; we started with a warm-up in the form of the boys passing the ball to one another in a circle, which targets their technical abilities.”

Russ added that players also had an opportunity to refine their one-touch technique and improve their comfort with the ball under pressure.

The squad later engaged in small-sided games designed to create pressure and quick decision-making scenarios.

“We also played a game where it was five against five, and had constraints on the game, where a player could only score after a one-touch finish with no goalkeepers.

The rule was each player in the team had to get an opportunity to touch the ball before a goal was scored, which creates an intensity demand from the players.”

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Russ noted that although the team had a slow start to the season following exams, the players were picking up momentum and showing improved results in training.

New player Joshua Mandepole said he was adapting well to the team and looking forward to the season.

“I’ve been exposed to new friendships and experienced coaches. The techniques I’ve learned so far are to be quick with the ball and pass the ball sharply after the first touch.”

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