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:
This practice is designed to improve each player’s ability in ball control. The emphasis is placed on “Cushion Control using the Chest”.

Field Preparation:
Grid 10 x 10 yards. 2 players. Cones. 1 Ball.

Coaching Points:  
Two players per grid, with one ball. The grid should be 10 yards x 10 yards. The players are positioned facing each other about 5 yards apart. The player with the ball starts the practice by serving the ball above head height for their partner to control using the chest. The player controlling the ball should constantly be moving to get the chest under the flight of the ball.

On contact with the ball, the player immediately withdraws the chest, taking the pace off the ball, and cushioning it down to the ground. The player then passes the ball back to the server to repeat drill. Ensure that the serve is a high "looped" serve and not shallow. Players can keep score, one point for every successful control. Alternate roles so each player performs the drill.

Objective of the Practice:
This practice is structured to improve the technical ability of the “Cushion Control using the Chest”. 

Field Preparation:
Grid 10 x 10 yards. Small group of players. Cones. 1 Ball.

Coaching Points:  
A small group of players are positioned in a grid 10 yards x 10 yards. The server throws a high looped pass to the receiving player. The ball should be served approximately 5 yards in front of the server. With a correct serve the receiving player is always encouraged to come and meet the pass.

The players alternate receiving the ball from the server. The receiving player must prevent the ball from hitting the ground by controlling the ball using the chest. After successfully controlling the ball the player must pass the ball back to the server.

The player receives a point for each successful control and pass back to the server. After each pass the receiver must turn and join the end of the group.

The coach should emphasize correct technique and slowly build up the tempo to game speed. Care must be taken to emphasize quality over speed. Create a competition between groups. Keep score and award points for the first team to reach 20 good controls and passes or the team who can perform the most controls and passes in one minute. 

Objective of the Practice:
This practice is designed to improve each player’s controlling technique while turning with the ball.

Field Preparation:
Grid 10 x 10 yards. 2 players. Cones. 1 Ball.

Coaching Points:  
Two players are positioned in a grid 10 yards x 10 yards. Each player has a ball. The first player starts the practice by playing the ball into the center of the grid. The player follows the pass, controls and turns as quickly as possible and returns to their starting position. Their partner then repeats the practice. 

The speed of the practice should be increased gradually.  

The coach should emphasize the following coaching points: 

• Pass the ball firmly into the center of the grid.

• Control and turn ball using either the inside or outside of the foot.

• Get the ball out of the feet far enough to enable to run comfortably in the intended direction.

• Get the head up and scan the play as the ball is directed out of the feet.

Objective of the Practice:
This practice is designed to improve each player’s ability to control a pass played on the ground.

Field Preparation:
Grid 10 x 20 yards. Small group of players. Cones. 1 Ball.

Coaching Points:  
Small group of players per grid, using one ball. The grid should be 10 yards x 20 yards. The players are positioned
at one side of the grid facing the server. The player with the ball starts the practice by passing the ball to the server. The player follows the pass and receives a return pass from the server. The receiving player must control the ball as economically as possible, turn and pass to the next player in sequence. The player then returns to the starting position and the practice is repeated. The speed of the practice should be increased gradually.  

The coach should emphasize the following coaching points: 

• Demand the ball from the server. Call for the pass.

• Control and turn using either the inside or outside of the foot.

• Turn quickly and get the ball out of the feet.

• Try to turn and pass in two touches.

• 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.