1

PART 1 – DEFENDING & GOALKEEPING

2

Goalkeeper - Shooting Angle (GK)

Setup

Position 6-10 servers across the outer edge of the penalty area in front of the goal. Each server should start with a ball.

Instructions

The servers should push the ball to the left, right or straight at the goal then shoot. Instruct the goalkeeper to adjust their positioning according to the position of the ball. The goalkeeper should then set their feet and get into ready position and make the save. The goalkeeper should quickly set for the next shooter and repeat.

Variations

N/A

Coaching Points

Good, Quick footwork (do not cross feet when shuffling)

Good angle and positioning on moving ball - instruct them to stay between the ball and the goal

Make sure they set their feet to get ready for the shot

They should react quick to the shot

Make sure they catch the ball clean with good hands

Soccer Drill Focus

o Goalkeeping Drills

3

Goalkeeper Warm-up Drill (GOALKEEPING)

Setup

This warmup will only require a goal and about 6 or so soccer balls. Make sure the goalkeeper has performed jogging, stretching and some light catching before performing this warmup.

Instructions

From the side of the goal, approximately 7 yards from goal, the coach should gather 6-7 soccer balls with one in hand. On the coach’s command, instruct the goalkeeper to sprint out to touch the soccer ball you are holding, then quickly back peddle towards the goal (while keeping their eyes on the ball in your hand). As the keeper back peddles towards the goal throw a high lofted ball at the goal where the goalkeeper must punch over the cross bar or catch it. After the ball is caught, the coach throws a ball towards the near post in which the keeper must quickly react and push the ball past the post out of touch or catch the ball. The coach then quickly throws another ball towards the far post and the keeper must again catch or push the ball past the post. After this ball is caught the coach then shoots the next ball on goal and the keeper must make a save again.

Now move to the other side of the goal and do it again. There is a lot of movement for the keeper involved in this warm-up, so be sure not to tire your keeper. This drill is designed to be dynamic and fast paced, so make sure to instill that in your keeper prior to beginning the drill.

Variations

Move back 3-4 yards and play every ball as a shot from the ground.

Play more high balls where the keeper has to move backwards towards their goal.

Coaching Points

Quick footwork and movements.

Cut off angles since shots are from sides.

Keep Shoulders square to the ball.

Quick recover from shots and being ready for rebounds

Make sure keeper is correctly judging high balls

4

4v4 Zone Game (PRESSING/CLOSING DOWN/PASSING)

Setup

Create a grid that is approximately 24 x 15 yards, and split it into three 8 x 15 zones (increase size of area if more players are involved or low skill level). Divide the players into three teams of 4. Coaches may want to keep the defenders in one team the midfielders in another and attackers in the other as this helps the group work together as a unit. Place each group of four players in each zone.

Instructions

The 4 players in the middle zone are split into 2 teams of 2, one pair will be tasked to close down in the right hand zone and the other pair in the left hand zone. The play starts in the right hand zone with the four\r\nplayers focusing on keeping possession but looking for the first good opportunity to pass the ball into the feet of a player in the left hand zone, while being closed down by the pair from the middle zone.(The pair that are left in the middle zone are tasked with trying to intercept the pass when it goes from the right hand zone through the middle zone into the left hand zone). Once this has been achieved swap. After 5 mins. the players in the R/H zone go to the L/H zone, the players in the L/H zone go into the middle (not forgetting to split these four players into 2 teams of 2 one to close down in the R/H zone and one to close down in the L/H zone) and the players in the middle go into the R/H zone. Now start again.

Coaching Points

While the exercise is going on encourage the players to do the following:

1. Support every pass they make 2. Communicate with each other i.e. tell each other if there is a "Man on" or if they have got

"Time". 3. Encourage good movement off the ball it is very important the players in the end zone that

aren't waiting to receive the ball put themselves into good areas to make it easy for the boys who aren't rying to make the pass.

4. Stress the importance and show the benefits of closing down the opposition and limiting their options.

5

4v4 Playing Wide Out of the Back (DEFENDING)

Setup

Create a grid approximately 40X25 yards. Create a small goal on the endline with two cones. Create two 7 yard channels along the outsides of the field on the center line. Split the players into 2 teams of 4.

Instructions

Each team has a goal to defend. Scoring is achieved when the ball is won in the back half of the field and played wide through a channel. Players are not allowed to go forward unless it is passed or dribbled through the channel first.

Variations

o Limit players number of touches o Add a 2nd ball o Ball must be PASSED through the channel

Coaching Points

o Once the ball is won, players must quickly open up for their teammates which will allow for quick switch (changing the point of the attack).

o Players should be thinking a step ahead of the play. o Once the ball is won defensively, keep possession and get out of the back by going wide.

Soccer Drill Focus

o Dribbling Drills o Passing Drills o Receiving Drills o Possession Drills o Defending Drills o Attacking Drills

6

Defensive Overlapping Drill (DEFENCE/MIDFIELD)

Setup

This is a great drill to teach fullbacks to overlap midfielders and getting the defenders into the attack. This is a great starting point to teaching defensive overlaps.

Instructions

The ball will start with the right fullback player (1) who passes to the ball to the right midfielder player (2). The right fullback (1) makes a overlapping run around the outside midfielder player. The right outside midfielder player (2) passes to the checking forward player (4). The forward player (4) drops the ball off to the center midfield player (3) who plays a ball towards the right corner flag onto the run of the right defensive player (1). The right defensive player should prep the ball and cross the ball into the two forwards (4) & (5) who have advanced towards the face of the goal.

Variations

Add players to run the same pattern on the left side of the field.

Add passive defensive players to simulate pressure on the attackers.

Coaching Points

Quickly get into attacking half of field.

Good timing of runs.

Precise passes and 1 and 2 touch passing.

Soccer Drill Focus

o Passing Drills o Crossing Drills

7

5v2 Rotating Defenders (PRESSING/PASSING)

Setup

1. Create a grid that is approximately 15X15 yards. 2. Place 5 attackers inside the grid in an alternate jersey. 3. The remaining players pair up as defenders behind one corner cone with the supply of balls.

Instructions

1. The first pair of defenders passes a ball into the 5 attackers. 2. The defenders immediately step into the grid and become defenders creating a 5v2 inside the

grid. 3. The 5 attackers attempt to put together a set number of passes. If this is achieved the two

defenders do pushups. 4. The attackers continue passing until the defenders win the ball, or the ball is knocked out of

play. 5. Once the play is dead, the next pair of defenders plays into the same 5 attackers, and play

resumes.

Variations

o Adjust grid (larger grid = easier for attackers but harder for defenders; smaller drid = harder for attackers but easier for defenders)

o Introduce splits (split defenders, defenders do 10 pushups every split) o Adjust the number of attackers (4 attackers vs 2 defenders)

Coaching Points

o Vision o Changes in the direction and speed of play o Appropriate use of 1st touch o Appropriate use of short or long passing o Good passes to feet o Good first touch towards space o Good decision making (make play easy) o Speed of play/decisions

8

Four Corners Aggressiveness and Fitness Drill (TACKLE/DEFEND)

Setup

Create a grid that is 30x30 yards. Create 4 teams and have them stand at each of the four corner cones. The coach stands outside the grid near the middle of 2 side cones with a large supply of soccer balls.

Instructions

The coach plays a ball into the center of the grid and shouts out a command (such as “GO”) to begin play. The first player in each of the 4 lines must sprint after the ball in attempt to reach the ball first. Once the ball is won cleanly, the player must hold possession from the other players for 5 seconds before passing the ball back to the coach. If any player steals the ball from the person in possession, that player will then attempt to hold possession for 5 seconds. A team scores a point by successfully holding possession for 5 seconds and making a return pass to the coach. The first team to reach 5 points wins.

Variations

o The coach can play different types of balls such as flighted balls, bouncing balls, rolling balls, balls with large amounts of top or back spin.

Coaching Points

o Players should be taught to go after the ball aggressively with speed, determination and vigor.

Soccer Drill Focus

o Dribbling Drills o Receiving Drills o Fitness Drills

9

PART 2 – PASSING & MIDFIELD

10

Accuracy Passing Under Pressure (PASSING/MIDFIELD)

Setup

Set up a field that is 20X20 yards. Four players should be in each of the corners with the remaining two players in the middle of the grid. One of the two players are working while the other person rests with their hands on their knees. Two balls are used and the ball starts in opposite corners.

Instructions

Player 1 passes the ball towards the player resting, the working player jumps over the player resting and receives the ball and knocks it to the player to his right. As soon as the working players plays the ball back, the player on the other side of the grid plays a ball towards the resting player and the working player jumps him again, receives the ball and passes to the player on his right. The play continues in this manner. Each player should work for 60 seconds. Rotate all players.

Variations

o Play 1 or 2 touch o Use inside and outside of foot o Move close and serve with their hands for volleys

Coaching Points

o Good first touch o Good work rate along with accurate passes

Soccer Drill Focus

o Passing Drills o Receiving Drills o Fitness Drills

11

Trapping with Passive Opposition (PASS/RECEIVE/MOVE)

Setup

Set up players into groups of three. One server, one receiver working on control and trapping, and one player as a passive defender. Server is 10 yards from the receiver and defender.

Instructions

The server plays a ball into the receiving player. The passive defender stands close enough to touch the receiving player and tries to distract the receiving player. The passive defender should not attempt to win the ball at this point. The server should play to chest, thigh, or feed at speficied by the coach. Serves to the chest and thigh should be thrown, and trapping with the feet should be served by the feet.

After the ball is trapped and under control, play back to the server and repeat.

Variations

Allow the defender to apply minimal pressure.

Increase defensive pressure

Coaching Points

How to Trap with the Chest How to Trap with the Thigh How to Trap with the Inside of the foot How to Trap with the Outside of the Foot How to Trap with the Instep of the Foot How to Trap with the Sole of the Foot

Soccer Drill Focus

o Passing Drills o Receiving Drills o Warm up Drills

12

Angle of Support Possession Drill (PASSING)

Setup

Set up a grid that is 10 X 10 yards. Organize the team into groups of three players per grid. Each of the three players should position themselves near 3 different corners of the grid with one ball.

Instructions

The instructions are simply to never leave an empty cone adjacent to the player with the ball. For example, say the drill begins with a player at position 1 in possession of the ball while players at 2 and 4 start at the cones adjacent to the player at 1. The player at position 1 can pass to either of the players at positions 2 and 4. If the player at position 1 passes to the player at position 2, the player at position 4 must quickly move to position 3 in order to support the player in “un-defended space”. The play continues with no defensive pressure and players are allowed to pass to either supporting player. This soccer drill is simple, however, players will have to pay attention to the ball movement and often anticipate the next move in order to move to space quicker.

Variations

Play in 1 or 2 touches.

Add a defender

Coaching Points

Make sure players are thinking and moving quickly to the next supporting position.

Explain Defended Space (see diagram)

Help players with good angle of support

Soccer Drill Focus

o Dribbling Drills o Passing Drills o Receiving Drills o Possession Drills o Defending Drills o Attacking Drills o Warm up Drills

13

Split the Defenders Passing Game (PASSING)

Setup

Make a grid approximately 18x18 yards. Split team into three teams of two players per grid. Build multiple grids for additional games.

Instructions

2 teams work together on the outside of the grid while the 2 defenders work on the inside of the grid. The four players on the outside keep possession and keep the ball from the defending team in the grid. The outside team scores a point when the ball is passed between two defenders (SPLIT) and is received by their teammate across the grid. If a player on the attacking team makes a mistake, he and his partner become the defenders and the team winning the ball comes outside the cones and joins the other attackers. When the defensive team gets split, they have to win the ball 1 extra time. So for example, say the 2 defenders get split 2 times before winning the ball, they must win the ball 3 times before switching with the attackers.

Variations

Limit the number of touches per possession

Play the same game, but expand the grid 3-5 yards on all sides and have the players play inside the grid instead of outside the grid.

Coaching Points

Make sure the attacking players are moving for their partners and opening up in space.

Make sure balls are passed with good pace and on target

Encourage players to communicate verbally and with their body and hands.

Soccer Drill Focus

o Dribbling Drills - Possession Drills o Passing Drills - Defending o Receiving Drills - Attacking

14

3v1 Early Support (SUPPORT/PASS/MOVEMENT)

Setup

Create two 12X12 grids with one common side. Split into 2 groups of 3 players (3 red and 3 yellow). Place3 red and 1 yellow player in one grid and the remaining 2 yellow players in the other grid.The single yellow player in the red grid will start as defender.

Instructions

Play a 3v1 in the first grid, focus on early support, good angles, good distance, and giving the player with the ball two passing options.

The defender's objective is to gain possession and pass to a player on their team in the other grid. If this happens, that defender joins his team in the grid and the person who caused the turnover also joins the grid and becomes defender. In the new grid play 3v1 again.

Variations

limit the number of touches

Coaching Points

1. Early support - start supporting before the ball is received. 2. Good angle - support in undefended space where the pass cannot be intercepted by the

defender. 3. Move without the ball 4. Support both sides of the attacker with the ball. 5. Focus on a good first touch in space towards a supporting player. 6. Use deception when playing.

15

Soccer Tennis (PASSING)

Setup

Build a court that is 12 X 24 yards (2 12 yard squares). Assign a team of 3 players to each of the 12X12 grid. Please note: The size of your court will depend on the number of players and can be made larger or smaller depending on the number of players playing and their age.

Instructions

To begin the game, instruct the serving team to have one person start serving the ball from behind the back line. The server must volley or half volley the ball to their opponents side of the court. The receiving team has one bounce and two touches to receive the ball and play it back to their opponent’s side of the court, however, the ball doesn’t have to bounce and the ball can be played in 1 touch. If the ball does touch the ground twice, or is knocked out of the playing court, a point is awarded to the serving team. Keep score just like you would in tennis.

Variations

Based on the skill level of the players, adjust the touch/bounce limits

Coaching Points

HAVE FUN

This is a great way to let kids experiment with controlling/judging flighted balls

Soccer Drill Focus

o Warm up Drills o Fun Soccer Drills

16

Four Corners Passing Game (PASSING/MIDFIELD)

Setup

Create four grids that are about 5x5 yard grids and set them about 40X40 yards apart on all sides. Split the group into two teams and put one team in an alternate color.

Instructions

Instruct the teams to pass among their team to keep possession while attempting to score a point by passing the ball to a teammate that is inside one of the smaller grids. The teams can score in any of the corners, however, they cannot score in the same corner twice in a row.

Variations

Do not allow players to stand inside the grids waiting for a pass. Instead, instruct the players to work on timing of the runs and timing of the pass to connect inside the grid.

Change the scoring rule to where the goal is scored only when a give and go is performed with the player that is in the grid.

Coaching Points

Focus on the weight and accuracy of the passing

Make sure players without the ball are supporting the player with the ball at all times

Make sure the timing of the runs and timing of the pass are in sync.

Make sure players change the point of attack and are not forcing passes into congested areas

Soccer Drill Focus

o Dribbling Drills o Passing Drills o Receiving Drills o Possession Drills o Defending Drills o Attacking Drills

17

4v4 + Target Players with 2 Goals (PASSING)

Setup

Create a field that is suitable for 4 vs. 4 soccer game, approximately 30X40 yards. Create two windows about 5 yards wide on the right and left side of the end line. Split the players into two teams of five. Set up a 4 v 4 inside the grid. The additional player will be the target player who will start on the end line outside the cones on the end their team is attacking. You should have a supply of balls for this 4v4 soccer game.

Instructions

Teams play a normal 4v4 soccer game, however, in order to score the attacking team target player must move behind one of the two windows and receive a pass through that window and be able to maintain a controlled possession. Once the goal is made the attacking player who passed to the target player now becomes the target player and they switch roles. The defending team takes possession and the game continues.

Variations

Add a third window in the center of the end line.

If you want to focus on target players you might instruct the players to not rotate and allow one player to work as a target player longer.

Coaching Points

4 vs. 4 Offense Game:

Vision - players should be able to look up and read the game with their eyes since the number of players are limited. Player's heads should be on a constant pivot.

Communication - make sure players are communicating both verbally and non-verbally.

Support - make sure players are using the entire playing area (width and length) to get into good supporting angles. Create passing options that allows the receiving players the most time and space. 4 vs. 4 Defensive Game:

Good Defensive Principles - pressure, cover, balance; Get as many people behind the ball as possible

18

5v2 Angle of Support Passing Drill (PASSING)

Setup

Create a grid approximately 12x12 or 10x10 yards depending on the skill level of the players. Put 2 defensive players inside the grid in one color and the remaining 5 players along the outside of the grid. Make sure you have a good supply of soccer balls to keep the drill flowing.

Instructions

Instruct the 2 defensive players to stay inside the grid and attempt to break up any passes from the 5 outside players. Outside players play keep away from the 2 inside players in attempt to complete 10 consecutive passes.

Variations

Limit the outside players touch to 2 touch.

Coaching Points

Coach should focus on: Angle of support, angle of passes, weight of passes, quality of 1st touch, playing on toes and early support as well as good communication.

Soccer Drill Focus

o Passing Drills o Receiving Drills o Possession Drills o Attacking Drills o Warm up Drills

19

PART 3 – ATTACKING & SHOOTING

20

Attacking from the Midfield (MIDFIELD/ATTACKING)

Setup

Divide the field into 3rds using cones. In the defensive third have a keeper in the goal and 2 defensive players who play against 2 attacking players. In the middle third have 4 attacking midfield players and 3 defensive midfield players. Have the defensive players wear an alternate jersey. The play begins with the coach on the side line.

Instructions

The coach starts the play by serving a ball into the attacking midfielders. When the attacking mid players gain possession, the attackers should penetrate and attack immediately. The mid field player that passes to an attacker in the attacking third should step in and play 3v2 (in the attacking third). If the defensive players win the ball, they should play keep-away from the attacking team.

Variations

o Instead of making the person passing into the attacking 3rd step into the attack, make the furthest player from the ball step in and attack.

o Increase or decrease the number of players. o Change the numbers to focus on offensive attack or defensive shape.

Coaching Points

o Proper spacing and angles to receive passes (support). o Good movement from attackers checking into the midfield players. o Make sure the midfield players are getting into the attack and playing off the attackers and getting

forward (attack). o Quickly swing the ball through the midfield to take advantage of number up situations.

Soccer Drill Focus

o Passing Drills o Possession Drills o Attacking Drills

21

Trapping and Controlling the Ball with Back to Goal (ATTACKING/PASSING)

Setup

Create a grid approximately 20X30 yards with an 8 yard goal on the end line. A server (player 1) starts at the top of the grid with the attacker (player 2) about 5 yards in front of the goal facing the server. Have the defender (player 3) start at the corner of the end line near the goal.

Instructions

The server (player 1) plays a ball into the attacker (player 2). The defender (player 3) immediately puts the attacker (player 2) under pressure. The attacker must check in (move towards the ball being passed to him) and make a decision to: a) turn and beat the defender (1v1) and have a shot on goal. b) play the ball back to the server and play 2v1.

Variations

Good control and turn, shield or pass back to the server.

Quick control and movement forward.

First touch is into space away from advancing player.

controlling player must decide to dribble or pass

make sure player is controlling the ball properly

Coaching Points

Introduce additional players

Soccer Drill Focus

o Dribbling Drills o Passing Drills o Receiving Drills o Possession Drills o Attacking Drills

22

Quick Transition Game (PASSNG/ATTACKING)

Setup

create a 35X45 yard field with two goals in either end with two goalkeeper in each goal. Split up the team into 3 teams of 4 players and give each team a color (Blue, Red, & Yellow).

Instructions

To start, have the Yellow team attack against Blue team and the Red players start with two players at each of the two goals acting as neutral supporting players to both colors playing. If the Yellow team scores on the Blue team, the Yellow team has to quickly retrieve the ball from the goal and attack the goal on the opposite end-line. The Blue team steps off to become the supporting players along the outside while the Red team steps on the field to play against the Yellow team. Continue to rotate off the team getting scored on with the supporting team. The first team to 5 goals wins.

Variations

Make supporting players play in 1 touch.

Make the attackers have to play through the supporting players before they can score a goal

Coaching Points

Focus on basic Defending Principals.

Focus on basic Attacking principals.

Encourage players to play thorugh the supporting players to make play easier.

Make sure supporting players are moving to good space/angles to properly support the play.

Soccer Drill Focus

o Dribbling Drills o Passing Drills o Receiving Drills o Crossing Drills o Fitness Drills o Possession Drills

23

2v2 Dribbling to Beat the Defender (ATTACKING)

Setup

Create a 30X10 yard grid and divide it into 3 10X10 grids. Two attackers start at the top of the grid with one defender should start on the side of the 1st middle line, and another defender starts on the opposite side of the next line. A goal with a goalkeeper should be placed at the end line. You can also use a Pugg Goal in place of the larger goal and goalkeeper.

Instructions

Instruct player "A" to pass to player "B" and attack the goal on the opposite goal line. Player "C" and "D" become active when the 1st pass is made from Player "A" to player "B". Player "C" is limited to grid "1" and player "D" is limited to defend in grid "2". Player "A" and "B" must combine efforts and the player in possession must be willing to take more risks. The supporting player must offer good support angles and distance to the player in possession. A shot can be made once a defender has been beaten. Coaches should encourage players to beat the defender and finish with a shot.

Variations

Use the Pugg Goal in place of the larger goal and goalkeeper

Remove grid restrictions on defenders.

Coaching Points

Approach when on the dribble

Changing direction to beat the defender

Change pace after change of direction go get past defender

Supporting player must help player in possession

Finish with a shot

Soccer Drill Focus

o Dribbling Drills o Attacking Drills o Shooting Drills o Goalkeeping Drills

24

Crossing Game (ATTACKING/CROSSING)

Setup

Using half of a field, move the goal to the midfield line facing a goal on the end line. using 4-5 cones on each side, create a 10-yard wide channel along each touchline. Two teams of 4 will play in the middle. Each team has one player in the channel, and the goals should have a goalkeeper in both nets. One team will start with the ball, and the remaining balls should be placed behind the goal.

Instructions

Instruct the players to play 4v4 in the middle area and 1v1 on the flanks in either channel.

The ball must be served from a channel to score a goal.

When the ball is in the channel, the channel players should play 1v1 until one of the player’s breaks into the offensive end of the channel. At this point, the defender should allow the cross. The four middle players become near post, far post, trail and supporting runs. Play is continued.

Variations

o Increase or decrease the number of players in the middle o Use wall passes, takeovers or overlaps. o Rotate channel players.

Coaching Points

o Proper service of crosses from flanks. When to serve on the ground, when to knock back, and when to drive hard.

o Make sure attackers are making proper runs.

Soccer Drill Focus

o Dribbling Drills o Passing Drills o Receiving Drills o Crossing Drills o Possession Drills

25

Flighted Balls in the Box (ATTACKING/SHOOTING)

Setup

Divide the team into 3 equal lines. Group A is on one corner of the penalty box near the end line. These players should have a large supply of soccer balls. Group B is on the other corner of the penalty box near the end line and Group C is at the top of the penalty box semi-circle. Also have your goalkeeper in the goal.

Instructions

The first player from Group A serves a flighted ball across the face of the goal to Group B who takes the ball out of the air with a good control touch and passes the ball to Group C. Group C then takes a shot on goal. The players should rotate A, B then C.

Variations

o Restrict the number of touches (one-touch)

Coaching Points

o Focus on quality of flighted balls, control touches and shots. Players should learn to be more comfortable in front of the goal and focus on finishing the ball.

Soccer Drill Focus

o Receiving Drills o Crossing Drills o Attacking Drills o Shooting Drills o Goalkeeping Drills

26

Attack vs. Defence Shooting and Defending Drill (SHOOTING)

Setup

Create a grid that is as wide as the penalty box, and approximately 25-30 yards from goal. Place a goalkeeper in the goal and split the remaining players into two groups (Red and Yellow). The two groups will line up on opposite sides of the file on the cone set farthest from the goal. Make sure that every player has a ball.

Instructions

On the coach’s command, the first player in the Red group dribbles the ball with speed at the edge of the penalty box and quickly has a shot as they approach. Immediately after the Red player shoots, the first player from the yellow group dribbles at the penalty box as the Red player defends his attempt. After the Yellow player shoots, they immediately defend the next red player who is now attacking. Repeat this rotation throughout the drill.

Variations

NONE

Coaching Points

Attacking:

Make sure the attack is quick, controlled and the player gets the shot off quickly

Put the shot on target even when under pressure.

Dribble with speed.

Defending:

Transition Quickly from Offense to Defense

27

4V4 With 5 Goals Inside The 18 (SHOOTING/ATTACKING)

Setup

This is a 4 v 4 game inside the 18 yard box with a keeper in the big goal and 4 small goals (or Pugg Goals) set up on the sides of the 18 (each corner).

Instructions

The X''s are trying to score in goal 1 or goal 3 and the O''s are trying to score in goal 2 or goal 4. A goal scored in the small goals counts as 1 point. Both the X''s and the O''s can score in the big goal (protected by the keeper) with a header or volley. Scoring in that goal counts as 2 points. This game does an excellent job or working on spacing and runs (an X might start by goal 3, draw a defender to her and then make a far post run to receive a cross from a teammate by goal 1) as well as finishing, communication and vision. When the keeper makes a save she plays the ball toward the top of the 18 in the middle to create a 50/50 ball.

Variations

o You can limit their touches to 1 or 2 touch. o You may add perimeter players at the top of the box to keep the pace of the game up. o Have perimeter players serve first time for an opportunity on the big goal.

Coaching Points

o Creating finishing opportunities o Switching the point of attack o Vision of surrounding players (both offensively and defensively)

Soccer Drill Focus

o Dribbling Drills o Passing Drills o Heading Drills o Crossing Drills o Defending Drills o Attacking Drills o Shooting Drills o Goalkeeping Drills

28

Cross - Finish Under Pressure (ATTACKING)

Setup

This drill will require the attacking third of the field with a full size goal and a goalkeeper.

There should be a large supply of balls at the cone of player.

Split the team up evenly among each of the four cones positioned near midfield as seen in the diagram.

Instructions

1. Player 1 plays a firm ball into the corner of the field for player 3 to run onto. 2. As player 3 leaves his cone, player 4 also leaves his cone to put pressure on player 3, in

attempt to deny the cross. 3. Player 2 also leaves to defend player 1 on the cross. 4. Player 3 crosses the ball into player 1 who attempts to finish on goal. 5. Rotate players so that they play both offense and defense on all of the spots.

Coaching Points

Attackers: Firm ball to get the ball deep towards the end line. Quick prep touch and cross from the wingers. Good timing on the runs and anticipate the cross. Defenders: Sprint to close down the crosser quickly while getting the inside position. Track runners and get inside position. Clear balls up and outside.

Soccer Drill Focus

o Crossing Drills o Attacking Drills o Shooting Drills

29

Team Tactics Dribbling in the Attacking Third (ATTACKING)

Setup

This drill requires the attacking third of the field with a full size goal.

Split the team into 6 attackers, 6 defenders, a goalkeeper and a server.

The server will start around midfield with a supply of balls.

Defenders are instructed to play tight man-to-man defense.

Instructions

1. Attackers move to get free from their defender in order to receive a pass from the server. 2. As the attacker receives the ball, they must immediately face his defender before dribbling. 3. Their decision at this point should be

a. take a shot if an opportunity exists. b. pass to a player in more advantageous spot. c. dribble to beat the defender.

Variations

Remove restrictions on the defenders.

Coaching Points

Tight defense will create a risk in going forward, but a risk that must be taken in order to score.

Players work together to create space.

Decisions

Players should dribble in the offensive third when a shot or pass is not available.

Beat the defender and get to the space behind

There is no support.

30

2v2+1 (2 vs. 2 plus target attacker) (ATTACKING/DEFENDING)

Setup

Create a grid approximately 30X40 yard grid. Set up a goal on one end of the grid. Assign a goalkeeper, a target player in red, and four defenders in yellow. With the remaining players create two lines at the top of the grid opposite the goal.

Start with two defenders in the middle of the grid about 18 yards from goal. The other two defenders are resting on the outside of the grid on both sidelines.

Instructions

Start the drill by having the goalkeeper punt a ball to the top two attackers. The two attacker’s join with the target player to form a 3v2 (2v2+1 target player) situation. The attackers attempt to score while the 2 defensive players work together to stop the attack. If the defenders win the ball, they should clear the ball past the line where the additional attackers are standing. If the defenders are successful at clearing the ball the attacking players (minus the target player) should do 10 pushups. If the defender attempts to clear the ball and is not able to clear the ball far enough to cross the line, the attacking team continues their attack.

Once the ball is out of play or deemed dead by the coach, the goalkeeper should punt a new ball to the next group of attackers, and 2 new defenders step in and become defenders.

Coaching Points

Offensively:

Play to the target player quickly without forcing the ball.

Make sure players without the ball make good supporting runs.

Attackers should focus on getting into situations to get a shot off quickly.

Make sure attackers combine passes and build up the attack.

Defensively:

Make sure the target player is marked and the closest player to the ball pressures the ball.

Make sure to maintain good defensive positioning (pressure and cover). Don’t get stuck defending side-by –side, or attacked in a straight line.

Make sure defenders work together as a group of 2.

Good defensive posture when defending the ball.

31

Power/Finesse Finishing Competition (SHOOTING/FINISHING)

Setup

With a keeper in the goal, have the remaining players line up behind a cone set up 25 yards from goal.

Instructions

Players are played a ball from the coach on the ground to the first player in line, so the shot takes place around the edge of the penalty box. The coach then follows up with a tossed ball that must be volleyed or headed in the goal. If a player makes both shots, they choose another player to be challenged. The challenged player must make both goals, otherwise, they are out. If the challenged player does make both shots, the original shooter is out.

Variations

o Instead of letting the younger players choose, make them challenge the next player in line.

Coaching Points

o Good Striking Body Posture o stay under control on flighted balls (composure) o Have players land on kicking foot when striking first ball

Soccer Drill Focus

o Heading Drills o Crossing Drills o Shooting Drills o Goalkeeping Drills o Fun Soccer Drills

32

Winger Taking on Outside Fullback (ATTACKING/DEFENDING)

Setup

This drill requires the attacking third of the field with a full size goal.

Split the team into 6 attackers, 6 defenders, a goalkeeper and a server.

The server will start around midfield with a supply of balls.

Mark off a lane from each sideline that is 15 yards wide.

Place a left winger in the left lane and a right winger in the right lane.

Place 1 defender in each of the two lanes so the wingers play a 1v1 on each side.

The remaining players (4v4) should be positioned in between the two lanes.

Instructions

1. The outside fullbacks are the only players that are allowed in the lane. 2. The server plays the ball into one of the two outside wingers to begin the game. 3. Instruct the outside fullback to let the winger turn before he applies pressure to the winger. 4. The winger will then play 1v1 against the outside back. the winger's job is to beat the fullback

down the line. 5. Only after the defender is beaten can the winger pass into the 4v4 in the middle of the field.

Variations

Only allow a cross from the winger after they beat the defender and focus on crossing and finishing.

Coaching Points

Get wingers comfortable turning towards the goal and attack the space behind the defender.

Take on the outside fullback.

Soccer Drill Focus

o Dribbling Drills o Passing Drills o Crossing Drills o Attacking Drills

33

Head/Chest Game (HEADING/CHEST)

Setup

Have the team form a circle around the coach, facing the coach. Only the coach needs a ball.

Instructions

The coach will always throw the ball towards the players head as if the player is going to head the ball. The coach yells "HEAD" or "CATCH" to the player he is tossing the ball to. The player must quickly react to the coaches command and perform the event the coach yells. If the coach yells "HEAD" the player must head the ball back to the player. If the coach yells "CATCH" the player must catch the ball and return it to the coach. If the player performs the wrong action, that player sits and only standing players are active. The last player standing wins the round.

Variations

o To really get interesting, have the players do the opposite as this adds an interesting twist to this soccer game

o Use other body party (keep it simple)

Coaching Points

o Just HAVE FUN!

Soccer Drill Focus

o Heading Drills o Fun Soccer Drills