3 Moves w/ J.B. Clarke (University of Tampa)

Three Moves is an individual dodging and finishing drill primarily for attackmen that develops the inside roll, rocker step, and question mark while teaching players to choose their move based on where they feel defensive pressure.

SET UP

Set up attackmen behind the goal with a coach positioned as the defender using a blocking pad to provide realistic body pressure. Players begin by working one move at a time, starting with the rocker step, followed by the inside roll, and then the question mark, completing multiple repetitions of each. The player initiates their dodge and makes contact with the pad, using that pressure to recognize where the defender is positioned on their body before executing the appropriate move and finishing at the cage. Keep the drill controlled enough to emphasize clean footwork and hand placement before increasing the pace. The drill can also be used with midfielders who may attack from behind through inverts or wing dodges.

COACHING POINTS & PRINCIPLES

• Feel the Defender: Don’t predetermine the move—recognize where the defensive pressure is on your body and use that information to decide between the rocker, inside roll, or question mark.
• Build Habitual Footwork: Repetition should make the footwork and handwork automatic, allowing the player to focus more attention on reading the defender.
• Create Separation: Use the defender’s pressure against them—for example, sell the rocker toward the end line to get the defender to step that direction, then re-attack the space toward the front of the cage.