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 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 improve the technical ability of the “Push Pass” with an emphasis on “pace, accuracy and timing”. 

Field Preparation:
Area 10 x 10 yards. 5 players. 1 ball. Cones.

Coaching Points:
A grid is marked off 10 yards by 10 yards. A player is positioned on each side of the grid. One defender is placed in the center of the grid. Three resting defenders are stationed outside the grid.

The object of the practice is for the four players on the outside of the grid to keep possession of the ball without it being intercepted by the center defender. The outside players cannot enter the grid and the pressurizing defender cannot leave the grid. The outside players receive a goal for eight consecutive passes. Increase the number of passes per goal to challenge players. Coach can also place a condition of one or two touch passing. 

Rotate working defender with resting defender frequently to ensure high pressure. Rotate players so each player performs the role of the defender. 

The coach should emphasize the following coaching points: 

• Players should always be alert and light on their feet.

• Disguise your intentions before passing the ball by using head fakes and body feints.

• Deliver quality accurate ground passes to feet.

• Deliver a pass your partner can hit first time.

• Consider the speed of the pass, not too hard and not too soft.

• Offer a good supporting angle once you have passed the ball.

• Communicate with the player in possession of ball.

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 is a great practice to help improve quick passing and decision making. Emphasis is on 'one' and "two' touch passing, angles of support, disguise and communication.

Field Preparation:
Area 20 x 20 yards. 8 players. 1 ball. Cones. Colored bibs.

Coaching Points:
Play 4 v 3 in a grid 10 yards by 10 yards. The four player start with possession of the ball. Three defenders are placed inside the grid with a resting player on the outside.

The four player with the ball must attempt to achieve 10 consecutive passes to get a goal. The 3 pressuring defenders must try to win the ball. As soon as the 3 defenders win the ball the 4th resting defender enters the grid. They now become the attacking team. At the same time one of the attacking players must leave and they become the defending team. 

Start the practice with free play then develop drill by conditioning play to "two" then "one" touch passing.

• 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.