EVASION / ROLL OFF

Key Points

• Take the ball into the hand approaching the opponent
• Plant the right foot forward towards the opponents left shoulder while transferring the ball to the left side
• Engage the opponent in a side to side charge
• Using their shoulder as a hinge, roll off by swinging the left leg around and pivoting on the right foot
• Plant the left foot on the ground and transfer the ball back to the outside of the body, now the right side
• Bring the right leg around and accelerate away
• Use the solo run to clear the opponent.

Technical Drills

Drill 1 – Basic 

• This is a basic drill to practice the roll
• Divide the players into pairs
• Ensure each pair has adequate space to perform the technique
• One player each pair performs the roll technique off their partner without a ball
• The technique should be performed at a walking pace initially allowing the players to focus on planting the correct foot and rolling in the correct direction
• The players should practice the technique off both sides
• After a set number of attempts reverse the roles
• As the players become more competent the pace should be increased gradually
• As the players develop introduce a ball
• The players should be encouraged to take the ball into the hand approaching their partner, keep the ball to the outside of the body during the tackle and solo the ball as they move away
• The pace of the drill should be reduced to allow the players to become comfortable performing the technique with a ball before gradually building it back up again

 Drill 2 –Intermediate – Tackle Bag Roll

• This is an intermediate drill to practice the roll technique.
• Mark out a zig zag formation using 5 cones, each approximately 8m apart
• One player holding a tackle bag is positioned at each of the 3 middle cones
• These players must hold the tackle bag correctly using a sturdy grip, keeping it high for protection and with one foot forward to brace themselves
• The remaining players line up at one end of the formation

• Each player in turn jogs through the formation practicing the roll with the right and left shoulder at each alternate tackle bag
• Initially the players may not be required to play the ball but as they become comfortable with the drill they should play the ball particularly focussing on using the solo as they move away from each tackle.

Drill 3 – Advanced – Roll and Shoot

• This is an advanced drill to practice the roll technique.
• Mark out a grid approximately 10 to 15m square as shown
• Mark out a goal area 10 meters from the grid
• Divide the players into attackers and defenders, with one goalkeeper
• Each defender enters the grid in turn to be approached by an attacker who must perform the roll before moving away and shooting on goal
• The defender remains stationary providing token opposition initially but may continue to tackle the player to increase the difficulty of the drill
• Rotate the players after a set number of attempts.