Technique training

There are different levels of agility, change of directions or manoeuvrability that players utilise during a game all of which are a change in direction in response to a stimulus. Examples include:

• a cut
• a step
• a curve
• a complete change of direction

Examples are not limited to that list and each will have its own technical demands and ideal body positions (Joyce and Lewindon 2014). There is no ideal technique for the different levels of agility and this is mainly due to different body shapes and sizes between players. There are however, key technique points that should be considered to ensure a successful change of direction performance:

• A low centre of mass
• Leaning the body in the direction the player wishes to travel

A low centre of mass is achieved by bringing the body closer to the ground. This makes it easier to transfer force effectively from the ground to the body and change direction. Leaning the body in the direction you want to go helps pull the body in that direction. To accelerate players lean forward, to decelerate players sit back and rearward lean and to change direction players lean the body to the direction they wish to travel.