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 activity helps the player improve their volleying ball control skills under rapid repetition.

Field Preparation:
  Entire group divided into pairs
  20 x 20 Yards
  Supply of Balls and Cones

Coaching Points:  

Sequence:

Do sets of 2 minutes and swap roles with your partner. On each drill the player serves using both hands.

  Volley back using top of the foot. Work both feet.
  Volley back using inside of the foot. Take two quick side steps repeat using other foot.
  Catch ball using top of the foot and flick ball back up to server’s hands.

Objective of the Practice:
This exercise is great for improving each player ball control Emphasis is placed on cushion control using the head, chest thighs and feet.

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

Coaching Points:  
Four players are inside the square using one ball. The practice starts with the first player serving the ball with two hands to another player.  The receiving player must control the ball using his head, chest, things or feet and volley for another player to catch.

This sequence is repeated during the exercise.

Focus On:
  Be constantly moving, light on your feet!
  Good first touch, soft cushion.
  Communication.

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.