The Mixer - Handball

Description

The Mixer Handball drill is a fast-paced, high-energy activity designed to develop players' ability to receive handballs with their hands out in front and run through the ball. The drill encourages players to constantly scan their surroundings, avoid clashing with other players and develop quick, clean hands when receiving the football.

Coaching Instructions

  1. Set up a designated playing area using cones to create a circle or rectangle. Place a smaller circle of cones in the middle of the area to create the 'Mixer'.

  2. Partner players up, with one player holding a football on the outside of the area and their partner starting without a football inside the middle mixer. Ensure outside players are spread evenly around the area.

  3. Players inside the mixer move freely around the area, looking to receive as many handballs as possible. After receiving each handball, players must return to the middle mixer before running out to receive from a different handballer.

  4. Encourage outside players to deliver accurate handballs to players on the move rather than stationary targets.

  5. Rotate roles regularly so all players get an opportunity to practise both handballing and receiving.

Key Coaching Points

  • Awareness: Scan the area before running to receive the ball and identify available teammates. Avoid running into other players.

  • Hands out in front: Present a clear target with strong hands out in front and fingers spread when receiving the handball.

  • Run through the ball: Accelerate through the football when receiving. Avoid jumping or stopping to collect the ball.

  • Quick hands: Focus on clean, controlled hands and being ready to receive the next football.

Progressions

  • Introduce one or two defenders into the area to create pressure and challenge players' awareness.

  • Players must complete five consecutive clean handball receives without dropping the ball.

  • Limit players to two seconds in possession before returning to the mixer.

  • Challenge players to complete as many clean handball receives as possible within 60 seconds.

  • This drill can be progressed with groundballs or kicking.