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
Partner Roll

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 attempt.

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