Throttle backpedal
Why it works
A backpedal fails when the speed changes, because young defenders stand up to go faster and then cannot turn. Driving the pace with the ball, faster, slower, faster, makes them hold the same hip height through every change, which is the thing that lets them break when the receiver does.
Run it
5 MINFive minutes, four reps each, two breaking each way. It is a technique drill, so stop it as soon as the pedals get sloppy rather than at the clock.
Say this
“Same height, every speed.”
A backpedal that rises when it speeds up has to sink again before the break, which is a step the receiver gets for free.
“Weight on your toes, chest over your knees.”
A defender on his heels cannot push off to break forward or sideways.
“Open the hips, do not cross over.”
Turning the hips first is what lets a defender run at full speed out of the pedal.
Good looks like
- Head height stays level from the first step to the break.
- Pace visibly changes when the ball goes up or down.
- On the point, the hips turn before the feet move.
- Every player breaks the same direction the ball pointed.
The mistakes
Players popping up tall as the ball goes up. Hold a hand flat at their shoulder height; nobody may touch it.
Say: “Same height, every speed.”
Leaning back and reaching with the feet. Have them pedal with a hand on their knees for the first rep, then take it off.
Say: “Weight on your toes, chest over your knees.”
Crossing one foot over the other while still facing forward, which trips young players. Freeze on the point and check the hips face the direction of the ball.
Say: “Open the hips, do not cross over.”
Walk backward instead of pedalling, and only point the ball, with no speed changes. The single lesson is to turn the hips before running.
Add a third command, a ball thrown at a receiver beside the coach, so players have to drive forward out of the pedal and break on the throw as well as the point.