The Pick Up

Key Points

Move to the ball, placing the supporting foot alongside and a little ahead of it.
Bend the back and knees.
Place the hands in front of the ball in a cupped position with the fingers spread.
Bring the lifting leg forward, scooping the ball forward into the cupped hands.
Draw the ball into the body to secure possession.

Practice the Technique

Circle Lift

Drill 1 – Basic – Circle Lift

Mark out a circle using cones.
Place a number of balls evenly spaced around the circle.
Ensure each player has adequate space to perform the technique.
Each player walks around the circle performing the crouch lift.
After securing possession, players place the ball on the ground in a stationary position.
Continue the drill for a set time.

Drill 2 - Intermediate – Opposed Crouch Lift

Divide the players into groups of 3 pairs, one ball per group.
Using cones, mark out a distance of approximately 10 metres.
Beginning with the first pair, Player A throws the ball out in front, running after it to crouch and lift the ball into the hands.
Player B provides opposition without physically tackling the player or the ball.
Player A then passes the ball to the next pair who in turn complete the drill.
When performing the crouch lift, each player must retain focus on the technique while under simulated pressure from their partner.
Continued the routine for approximately 1 minute.

Develop the Technique

Fun Game 1 – Partner Lift

Mark out a grid 15m x 15m using cones.
Divide the players into pairs with 1 ballper pair.
On the sound of a whistle, the player with possession rolls the ball forward for their partner to chase and pick up using the Crouch Lift technique.
Encourage constant changes of direction.
Ensure each player practices securing the ball after the lift, before rolling it for their partner.
To increase the difficulty of the drill, the second player may attempt to tackle the ball as the first player attempts the crouch lift.

Fun Game 2 – Crouch Lift Contest

Mark out a grid 15m x 15m using cones.
Divide the players into equal teams, one designated the attacking team and one the defending team
Place a number of balls randomly throughout the grid.
On the whistle, the attacking team must pick up as many balls as possible in 30 seconds.
Each defending players may pressurise the attackers, but may not guard the ball.
The coach can further heighten the intensity of the game by reducing the number of balls.
Each team switches roles after 30 seconds.