Key Points

• Run directly towards the opponent.
• When about a metre away from the opponent, plant the forward foot firmly on the ground to one side, transferring the body weight to the foot as you do so.
• Show the ball to the same side.
• Then, push hard off the planted foot to spring to the other side pulling the ball back quickly at the same time.
• Plant the opposite foot and continue forward in the new direction.
• Note that the player should only use 4 steps in which to perform the technique.

Practice the Technique

Drill 1 – Basic – Side Step No Ball

• Mark out a channel approximately 10 m long using cones.
• Place 2 markers down the centre of the channel.
• The players line up one behind the other at one end of the channel.
• Each player in turn walks forward and side steps the central markers before continuing to the end of the channel and back to the end of the line.
• The players should concentrate on holding the hands to one side as if showing the ball and planting the forward foot firmly to the side of the markers.
• Continue the drill for a set time.

Drill 2 – Basic – 4 Man Side Step

• Divide the players into groups of 4.
• The players form a line approximately 3 to 4 meters apart, the first player facing the others.
• Player A, with ball in hand, side steps each player in turn while walking.
• Once player A reaches the end of the line, all the players move forward and the ball is passed to Player B to repeat the drill.
• As the players become proficient, introduce jogging to increase the speed of the drill.

Drill 3 - Intermediate – Side Step Relay

• Divide the players into groups of 6, one ball per group.
• 5 players line up behind a cone.
• The sixth player from each group takes up position approximately 5 meters from the line of players.
• Each player in turn jogs forward, takes one bounce and side steps the player in the middle, who does not attempt to tackle.
• The jogging player then goesto the end of the channel and returns to the end of the line for the next player to repeat the drill.
• After a set time change the player in the middle.

Develop the Technique

Fun Game 1 –  Step in Time

• Mark out a grid 15m long by 10m wide.
• Place a number of hoops or obstacles within the grid.
• Divide the players into 2 equal teams one at either end of the grid.
• Give each player a ball.
• On the whistle, all the players jog through the grid attempting to avoid the opposing team players and the obstacles.
• If a player touches an obstacle, or a player from the opposing team, they must leave the grid.
• Repeat the drill until all the players have left the grid, or for a set time.
• To increase the difficulty of the drill, allow players to tackle each other.