Chances are if you have played any football growing up, you have taken part in a training session, if not many, where cones have been used.
From my experience, I can’t recall too many times where I haven’t trained for football, and they were not used.
That is because their use is quite important, and if used properly along with the right drills, it can positively impact your growth as a footballer.
Now you may be wondering what football cones are, why are they so widely used and if it’s even worth going out and getting some for yourself.
In this post, I will break down what you need to know and a few potential recommendations from one footballer to another.
Table of Contents
What Are Football Cones?
Football Cones are primarily used in football sessions and can be used for many reasons. The most common use for training cones is mapping out drills, but they can also be used as a goal or just mark out an area.
For instance, if your coach wants to do a session focusing on fitness, then this is when cones will almost always be required.
This is to map it out so that players know where they need to run, either to and from or in-between.
While the screenshot below is of a running track, it gives you an idea of how they work, as the cones show the runners which line to keep to.
You will find that almost all football clubs use them; however, sometimes they aren’t needed if a session consists of playing a warm-up match or using the lines on a pitch to create drills.
What Type Of Cones Are Used In Football?
Since cones are used as markers, every football club or person will use different items as each will have their preferences.
But generally speaking, the cones used frequently are saucer ones, which are shown in the image above, which have a small dome shape and are typically brightly coloured.
Now while these are popular, you can get them in different shapes. The ones below are also a popular choice as being tall, they stand out.
However, there tends to be a limit on the size, as it’s all about having cones that easy to pack away and carry.
This is why you wouldn’t find a traffic cone, for example, used for football training since it’s just too over the top.
How Are Football Cones Arranged For Training?
Football cones are one of the easiest equipment to set up, as all you need to do is place them on the ground.
The problem, if you can call it that, is knowing where to put them down.
A football coach wouldn’t come to a training session to teach a club with cones, however, without knowing what to do.
They would have the drills all planned out in their head and would have a good idea of how they would like the training session to go.
The planning starts from either using drills taught or by looking up ones online.
This is how a coach will know exactly where to put cones on the pitch for a drill.
For example, one drill that comes to mind that is very easy to set up is shuttle runs.
As shown in the video, you would be placing cones in a straight line, normally 4-5 with 10 meters between them.
It doesn’t have to be entirely accurate. It can be done roughly by taking a big step of around a meter.
I have taken part in hundreds of training sessions, and while I have had various coaches, the preparation is always the same.
Are They Worth Buying?
While most football clubs have cones as part of their equipment, you shouldn’t need to turn up to training with them.
All you will need is a pair of football boots for that, and you should be good to go.
However, why they could be very much worth buying is for your own personal training.
If you don’t live near a football pitch, for instance, and have just one field, you could create fitness drills for yourself to help build up your match fitness.
This is something I have done myself to keep my levels of match fitness up, as while going out running at night or even jogging will keep you fit.
Nothing replaces short sprints.
As that’s what’s required of a footballer constantly throughout a match.
Not a consistent speed.
With that said, you may not even need cones if you want to train your match fitness.
As you could use other items to mark outdistances, even as a basic as a jumper.
So essentially, it all depends on whether you want them and how seriously you’re taking your football.
How Much Are Football Cones?
The cost of cones depends on the quantity of them you are buying.
From looking online, you will find the lowest you can expect to pay for some decently made cones is £10.
Depending on the make and also the amount of them you can spend as much as £40, however since we are just talking about cones going all out is likely, not necessary.
You also, though, don’t want cones that will easily snap because I know first hand that if you tred on a cone with metal studs too many times, it will end up splitting into two.
I found that if you are interested in buying cones, you can get better deals if you buy in bulk.
If your a coach who takes training for a whole squad, then going bulk may be the way to go.
On the other hand, if you are looking for some for your personal training, then you’re likely only gonna need a few.
Finishing Off
That brings us to an end. I do hope this gave you a good idea of what football cones are, their uses and how they can be a handy piece of equipment no matter the training.
If there are any questions you would like to throw my way, then you can do so below 🙂
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