CROUCH LIFT

Key Points

• Move to the ball, placing the supporting foot alongside and a little ahead of it.
• Bend the back and knees.
• Place the hands in front of the ball in a cupped position with the fingers spread.
• Bring the lifting leg forward, scooping the ball forward into the cupped hands.
• Draw the ball into the body to secure possession.

Practice the Technique

Drill 1 – Basic – Circle Lift

• Mark out a circle using cones.
• Place a number of balls evenly spaced around the circle.
• Ensure each player has adequate space to perform the technique.
• Each player walks around the circle performing the crouch lift.
• After securing possession, players place the ball on the ground in a stationary position.
• Continue the drill for a set time.

Drill 2 - Intermediate – Opposed Crouch Lift

• Divide the players into groups of 3 pairs, one ball per group.
• Using cones, mark out a distance of approximately 10 metres.
• Beginning with the first pair, Player A throws the ball out in front, running after it to crouch and lift the ball into the hands.
• Player B provides opposition without physically tackling the player or the ball.
• Player A then passes the ball to the next pair who in turn complete the drill.
• When performing the crouch lift, each player must retain focus on the technique while under simulated pressure from their partner. 
• Continued the routine for approximately 1 minute.

Develop the Technique

Fun Game 1 – Partner Lift

• Mark out a grid 15m x 15m using cones.
• Divide the players into pairs with 1 ballper pair.
• On the sound of a whistle, the player with possession rolls the ball forward for their partner to chase and pick up using the Crouch Lift technique.
• Encourage constant changes of direction.
• Ensure each player practices securing the ball after the lift, before rolling it for their partner.  
• To increase the difficulty of the drill, the second player may attempt to tackle the ball as the first player attempts the crouch lift.

Fun Game 2 –  Crouch Lift Contest

• Mark out a grid 15m x 15m using cones.
• Divide the players into equal teams, one designated the attacking team and one the defending team
• Place a number of balls randomly throughout the grid.
• On the whistle, the attacking team must pick up as many balls as possible in 30 seconds.
• Each defending players may pressurise the attackers, but may not guard the ball. 
• The coach can further heighten the intensity of the game by reducing the number of balls. 
• Each team switches roles after 30 seconds.