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 speed of each players decision making when passing the ball.

Field Preparation:
Practice grid approximately 10 yards x 10 yards, 2 balls, 5 cones, four players.

Coaching Points:
Four players are positioned within a grid (3 attackers + 1 defender). The three players must try to keep possession from the defender using 2 balls. The three players in possession may move anywhere within the grid. The defenders goal is to "tag" (not tackle) the players in possession. The defender can be identified by using a colored vest or by having them hold a cone. Once a player is tagged by the defender they switch roles. A goal is scored for every ten passes the attackers can make.

The supporting player without a ball must always work to offer the deepest and widest possible angles for the
players in possession. The supporting player should ask themselves two questions when supporting the player in possession:

• How wide can I get to give the best possible passing lane?

• How far from the player can I get to give the maximum time on the ball when the pass is received?

   

The player in possession must have the discipline to hold on to the ball and commit the defender towards them. 
If they release the ball too early the defender will have less ground to cover to put pressure on the receiving player.

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

Field Preparation:
Area 10 x 10 yards. 4 players. 1 ball. Cones. Colored bibs.

Coaching Points:
Three players are positioned within a grid 10 yards by 10 yards. The three players must try and keep possession from the defender. The three players in possession may move anywhere within the grid. The defender's goal is to disposes the players in possession. 

The two supporting players must always work to offer the deepest and widest possible angles for the player in possession.

The supporting players should ask themselves two questions when supporting the player in possession: 

• How wide can I get to give the best possible passing lane?

• How far from the player can I get to give the maximum time on the ball when the pass is received?

   

The player in possession must look to disguise their passing intentions by using step-overs, body feints and head fakes.

They must also have the discipline to hold on to the ball and commit the defender towards them.  If they release the ball too early the defender will have less ground to cover to put pressure on the receiving player.   Players in possession are awarded one goal for 10 consecutive passes. Rotate working defender with resting defender frequently to ensure high pressure. Rotate players so each player performs the role of the defender.

Objective of the Practice:
This exercise is designed to work on each players’ quick decision making and passing skills.

Field Preparation
  4 Players
  Area 10 x 10 Yards
  Supply of Balls and Cones

Coaching Points
There are four players inside the square with 2 balls. Three players work on the sides of the square and one player woks on the inside. The practice starts when player “1” passes to player “2” (center player). After passing the ball player “1’ must quickly run to the open cone. Upon receiving the ball, player “2” has to quickly identify the free player and pass the ball to him. After releasing the ball, player “2” receives a pass from player “4”. The practice then is continued in this manner. The center player is always looking to receive the ball and pass to the open player. The outside player is always looking to pass and move to the open cone.

Focus On:
  Quality “first touch”.
  Accuracy and Pace of the pass.
  Disguising the pass.
  Explosive movement with the ball.

Objective of the Practice:
This practice is designed to develop quick exchange of the ball when in possession, with an emphasis on penetration.

Field Preparation
  16 Players (two groups of eight)
  Area 30 yards x 40 Yards (4 zones)
  Supply of Balls and Cones
  Colored Bibs

Coaching Points
Divide group into two teams of eight. Identify each team with colored bibs. Place four players on each team in different zones as in the diagram above. Use one ball. The object of this game is for the four players with the ball to try and penetrate the opposing four players and find one of their team in the opposite zone. If the opposing team intercepts the ball, they now try to penetrate by passing the ball. Play unrestricted then develop to “two touch”. Change zones.

Focus On:
  Quick movement off the ball.   
  Vision and communication.
  Quality First Touch, especially from target striker in box.

• 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.