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 practice is designed to improve the tactical understanding of the 2 v 2 situation with an emphasis on “disguise, pace, accuracy and timing”.   

Field Preparation:
Area 20 x 20 yards. 8 players. Balls. Cones. Colored bibs.

Coaching Points:
Eight players are positioned in a grid 20 yards x 20 yards. A player is positioned at each corner of the grid. Four players are positioned inside the grid, in teams of two. The practice starts with a ball played from one of the end players to either of the pairs in the grid. Whichever pair wins the ball must try to turn and play a pass to the players at the opposite end of the grid. If the same pair are successful they then receive the ball back from the end player and try to repeat the practice to the opposite end of the grid. 

The two players not in possession must try to win the ball and find one of the corner players with a pass. A goal is scored for each successful pass. A goal cannot be scored in succession from the same side. Back passes can be made.

Players in the center should work for approximately 5 minutes then rotate with players in the corners. The four players in the corners of the grid should constantly be looking for passes from the central players.  When passing a ball to a central player he should tell the player to "hold the ball, turn, man-on or play the ball back".

Objective of the Practice:
This practice is designed to improve “forward” passing for players. 

Field Preparation:
Center grid is 20 x 20 yards, end grids 10 x 20 yards. 12 players. Balls. Cones. Colored bibs.

Coaching Points:
Use two teams of six players. Four players in each team are positioned and restricted to the center grid. Two players on each team act as “target players” and are placed in the end grid on the same side as their team.  Center grid is 20 x 20 yards, end grids 10 x 20 yards.

The coach begins the practice by serving a lofted ball into the center grid. Both teams fight for possession. Once a team has possession the object is to play the ball forward to one of the two “target players” as quickly as possible using the minimum amount of passes. A goal is scored by successfully passing the ball to the target player’s feet.  

Players should use various techniques such as dribbling, turning, crossover runs and the “wall pass” to position themselves for forward passes. The coach should keep the service rapid as soon as a goal is scored.

Rotate target players with two central players every five minutes.

• 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.