If you have been watching the Euro 2020 tournament this summer, you may have noticed North Macedonia’s bizarre pre-match training routine. The training practice was new and adventurous with plenty of fans and pundits looking on with raise eyebrows.
North Macedonia’s training tactic certainly brought new eyes to the national team. However, many onlookers were left wondering how the pre-match practice helps players prepare for games. Having lost all three of their matches at the Euro 2020 tournament, North Macedonia’s players may wonder what the drill is supposed to improve before games.
North Macedonia cone race
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9AFIVd8K1s
Players were given large traffic cones and had to run to specific points on the pitch and pass a football between them using the cones. The drill is said to develop coordination, reflexes, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. Each of those skills are needed to execute the cone race drill effectively. The players ran in pairs and had to be in sync with each other. They also had to have good timing to get the ball to the other cone.
The cone race has to be completed at pace. By completing the drill with players racing around, it puts them under pressure just like in a football match. Players must also have good balance to complete the drill. While the drill offers up a few different ways to improve skills, one of the main reasons North Macedonia’s coaches may use the cone race is to help with players bonding. It is also a bit of fun.
Although the drill didn’t inspire North Macedonia to a win at the Euro 2020 tournament, it is possible that more teams will use the cone race before games — or at least in training. Youth coaches may adopt it for some fun at the end of training sessions. Or perhaps, coaches will leave the cone race on the school playground.