Dragback Turns | Catalan Skills Masterclass

Coach Mentor Programme: Do you need help with coaching? Do you want to learn from coaches with thousands of hours of experience? The Catalan Coach Mentoring Programme has been designed to help grassroots coaches improve their game. Get in touch today - Email [e-mail]
In this video, we take you through a full spectrum of Dragback Turns, how to coach them from simple to extremely advanced, and ensure kids can implement the skill on both feet.

[@BrandonCostlowBIM]

I know this is late but I loved your "North to America" comments. Living in the US, I definitely understand the genuine advice. I know folks had trouble with this perspective, but I love seeing how constant your movement is during the practice. The kids know you are constantly there to instruct, assess, correct and encourage. Maybe don't make this the standard, but maybe do more videos where you show this perspective sprinkled in??

[@CatalanSoccer]

Thanks Brandon! Yeah we loved the way a POV camera helps but it’s also hard to track the session, a blend of two camera angles seems to work best!

[@MikeBaas]

I wish this video had a third person view of you doing the skill, Catalan Ben!

[@CatalanSoccer]

Hey Mike! Thanks for the comment! We’ve just purchased a Second GoPro for the channel for this exact reason! Thanks for the feedback 🤙🏻

[@ridhwannadat8607]

Amazing sessions, where/when do you coach? Would love to bring my 8 YO to some sessions.

[@chaidaro]

very good session

[@johnwellmeier9781]

I have to ask then. Why if they use the right foot to pull back do they have turn left? Why can't they urn right if it's easier/more comfortable? Genuinely curious as this is the first time I've heard of a right/wrong way.

[@CatalanSoccer]

Thanks John, there are two different turns that are essentially 2 different skills. The exit (spin direction) of the turn can have an impact on the next touch. If you where shooting with your next touch, then this version of the dragback would help. Your body rotation is spinning into the shot. Especially if you turn using your stronger foot. With a drag turn that goes under the nose, this lends itself to a turn that is followed by a pass or low power touch. So both turns have their uses, but the next touch or action should determine which direction they rotate from the turn. Good question!

[@scojosa]

I love your videos but this one is impossible to watch from this perspective.

[@nofurtherwest3474]

Hard to follow since the camera is moving all over the place

[@wf2247]

First to comment

[@pettdogg8943]

Love your content but I’ve just discovered I get motion sickness when watching from this perspective 🤮

[@CatalanSoccer]

Hence why we haven’t posted another video like this! Too difficult to follow along 😥

[@pettdogg8943]

@@CatalanSoccer My lads 4 and just started football at local team really basic things at this stage but he’s doing really well so far . Any tips on things I can be working on him with on an individual basis to help him going forward ?

[@CatalanSoccer]

The sole of his foot rolling the ball in all directions. Most kids at that age kick and chase, being able to put his foot on the ball and change direction will be massive for his development! The most important part is to keep it fun, if he associates fun with football he will fall in love with the game and play for a long time. If things are too serious or repetitive he will find something else. So keep it light hearted and playful!

[@pettdogg8943]

@@CatalanSoccer Great to hear as we’ve been working on those things . And great tip about keeping it fun . Sometimes I find myself taking it to serious with him and your spot on he looses interest at that point .

[@CatalanSoccer]

Remember it’s a game. Like hide and seek, it’s only fun when we treat it like a game. Make it a story, make it a super hero challenge, make it whatever he likes but there’s a football involved too. I play with my toddler a game called hide the ball. He dribbles it to anywhere in the house or garden and hides it then I have to dribble my ball around to find his. Then we swap. He’s taking hundreds of ball touches without even realising!