SOCCER

Warm Up:
Refer to the “Warm Up” section for a variety of fun warm up activities for your team. Use a combination of exercises “with” and “without” the ball. Relate the warm up to the skill of the day. Be creative, energetic, and make the warm-up a fun start to the practice session.

Objective of the Practice:
To improve the timing and accuracy of the pass.

Field Preparation:
Practice grid approximately 10 yards x 10 yards, 2 balls, 4 cones, four players ( 2 pairs)

Coaching Points:
Four players are positioned within a grid and divided in pairs. Red v Yellow. The two yellow players pass the ball back and forth. They are restricted to a maximum of 2 touches. The two red players must try and hit the ball as it travels across the middle of the grid. Once the red players hit the ball they swap roles with the yellow players. All players should be on the balls of their feet and not flat footed. Pass the ball firmly and accurately on the ground. Concentrate on the "timing" of the pass. If you pass the ball too late or too early you will miss the target. Strike the ball with the inside of the kicking foot through the horizontal mid-line of the ball.

The head should be kept steady and eye's fixed firmly on the ball.  The follow through is in the direction of the intended target.

Objective of the Practice:
This practice is designed to improve the technical ability of the “Push Pass” with an emphasis on accuracy.

Field Preparation:
Two players are positioned opposite each other in a grid 10 yards by 10 yards.

Three sets of cones are placed down the center of the grid.

The cones should be positioned as a set of three, set of two and a single cone.

Coaching Points:
Players work as a team to knock down all the standing cones. First objective is to knock down the set of three cones. After this is completed they knock down the set of two cones. Finally the competition is completed when the last single cone is knocked down. The targets get more challenging as they reduce in size. 

Divide your group into pairs and have them compete against each other. 
First pair to eliminate all six cones wins. Repeat practice several times.

Objective of the Practice:
This practice is designed to improve the correct mechanics involved in the execution of the  “Push Pass.”

Field Preparation:
Area 10 x 10 yards. 2 players. 1 ball. Cones.

Coaching Points:
Two players are positioned in a grid 10 yards x 10 yards. One player acts as a server, the other as the receiver. The server passes the ball into different areas of the grid for the receiver to chase, turn, and pass back to the server. 

The coach should emphasize the following coaching points: 

• Work at a high intensity.

• Turn as economically as possible when controlling the ball.

• Place non-kicking foot along side the ball, not too close so that it will prevent the natural swinging motion of the kicking leg.

• The ankle of the kicking foot must be firm.

• Use a slight drawback of the kicking foot.

• Strike the ball with the inside of the kicking foot through the horizontal mid-line of the ball.

• The head should be kept steady and eyes fixed firmly on the ball.

Alternate player’s roles every 60 seconds. 

Objective of the Practice:
This practice is designed to improve the correct mechanics involved in the execution of the “Push Pass".

Field Preparation:
Area 10 x 10 yards. Small group of players. 1 ball. Cones.

Coaching Points:
Two groups are positioned at each end of a grid 10 yards x 10 yards. The first player with the ball passes to the player opposite. After passing, the player sprints to the opposite end of the grid and joins the back of the line. The receiving player repeats to continue the sequence. 

The coach should emphasize the following coaching points: 

• Concentrate on quality ground passes to feet.

• Deliver a pass that the receiver can play using "one touch".

• Accelerate explosively without the bal

• Divide the players into two equal teams with goalkeepers.
• Each field should be approximately 40 yards x 60 yards.
• Use corner flags or cones as goals.
• Total time, 20-30 minutes.
• At the end of your session, review all coaching points made during the practice.