Soccer training should not only be performance-oriented but also varied and playful. A creative training method by Max Schäfer (coach of ETB SW Essen Women) is the football version of Ludo or Parcheesi.
In this approach, technical exercises such as passing, sprints, or dribbling are combined with a dice game.
The result is a training competition that increases enjoyment while simultaneously improving football skills.
Game Procedure
The basic idea combines classic technical drills with the a well-known board game.
- First, the players complete a technical task, for example, eight precise passes.
- Then, they sprint to the dice table.
- There, they roll the dice to move their game pieces toward the finish line.
- The winner is the one who gets all their pieces home first – combining technique, speed, and a bit of dice luck most effectively.
This type of training creates a motivating competitive atmosphere while promoting precision, fitness, and reaction speed.
Variations
To make the training even more varied, the procedure can be adjusted:
- Instead of a pure sprint, players can perform a dribbling exercise with the ball before rolling the dice.
- Other technical drills can be integrated instead of passing.
- The number of passes can be adjusted flexibly to make the training easier or more challenging.
- Several teams can compete against each other at the same time, making the competitive situation even more exciting.
Advantages of this Training Method
This creative exercise combines many positive aspects:
- Fun and variety in training
- Development of technical skills (passing, dribbling)
- Improvement of speed through sprints
- Enhancement of concentration and reaction ability
- Social interaction through playful competition