TheSide Step

Key Points

Run directly towards the opponent.
When about a metre away from the opponent, plant the forward foot firmly on the ground to one side, transferring the body weight to the foot as you do so.
Show the ball to the same side.
Then, push hard off the planted foot to spring to the other side pulling the ball back quickly at the same time.
Plant the opposite foot and continue forward in the new direction.
Note that the player should only use 4 steps in which to perform the technique.

Technical Drills

Drill 1 – Basic – Side Step No Ball

This is a basic technique to practice the side step without the ball.
Mark out a channel approximately 10 m long using cones.
Place 2 markers down the centre of the channel.
The players line up one behind the other at one end of the channel.
Each player in turn walks forward and side steps the central markers before continuing to the end of the channel and back to the end of the line.
The players should concentrate on holding the hands to one side as if showing the ball and planting the forward foot firmly to the side of the markers.
Continue the drill for a set time.

Drill 2 – Basic - 1 v 1 Side Step

This is a basic technique to practice the Side Step technique.
Divide the group into pairs, one ball per pair.
Ensure each pair has adequate space to perform the technique.
Player A in each pair stands feet shoulder width with the ball in the hand.
Player A then plants one foot to the side showing the ball at the same time.
Next, Player B in each pair runs at the ball, and as they do, Player A pulls the ball back and side-steps to the opposite side.
After 1 minute players switch roles.

Drill 3 – Basic – 4 Man Side Step

This is a basic drill to practice the Side Step technique.
Divide the players into groups of 4.
The players form a line approximately 3 to 4 meters apart, the first player facing the others.
Player A, with ball in hand, side steps each player in turn while walking.
Players B, C and D stand still throughout this part of the drill.
Once player A reaches the end of the line, all the players move forward and the ball is passed to Player B to repeat the drill.
Each player in turn moves to the top of the line and repeats the drill.
As the players become proficient, introduce jogging to increase the speed of the drill.

Drill 4 - Intermediate – Side Step Relay

This is an intermediate drill to practice the Side Step technique
Divide the players into groups of 6, one ball per group.
5 players line up behind a cone.
The sixth player from each group takes up position approximately 5 meters from the line of players.
Each player in turn jogs forward, takes solos the ball and side steps the player in the middle, who does not attempt to tackle.
The jogging player then goes to the end of the channel and returns to the end of the line for the next player to repeat the drill.
After a set time change the player in the middle.

Developing the Skill

Mark out a grid 15m long by 10m wide.
Place a number of hoops or obstacles within the grid.
Divide the players into 2 equal teams one at either end of the grid.
Give each player a ball.
On the whistle, all the players jog through the grid attempting to avoid the opposing team players and the obstacles.
If a player touches an obstacle, or a player from the opposing team, they must leave the grid.
Repeat the drill until all the players have left the grid, or for a set time.
To increase the difficulty of the drill, allow players to tackle each other.

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