SOCCER

Objective of the Practice:
This is a great possession exercise that emphasizes quick passing, movement and communication between players.

 

Field Preparation:
  16 Players (two groups of eight) Plus one striker (target man)
  Area 30 yards x 30 Yards
  Supply of Balls and Cones
  Colored Bibs

Coaching Points:
Divide group into two teams of eight. Identify teams using colored bibs. Place 4 players on each team in the square and place four players from each team outside the square (one on each sideline). Place a striker or target man inside a 5 yard square in the middle of the grid. Start off with free play (unlimited touches). Play 4 v 4 inside the square. The team in possession can use their team mates on the outside to keep possession. This makes it a 8 vs 4 situation for the team with the ball. If the defending 4 can win the ball, they can then use their four team mates to make it 8 v 4 in their favor. Every time a team gets 8 consecutive passes a goal is awarded. Every time a team can play a pass to the striker in the box a goal is awarded. Defenders cannot enter the strikers box.

  Progress this exercise by playing 'two touch" then "one touch"
  Progress this exercise by allowing an outside play to switch with and inside player. Cannot have 5 players in box.

Rotate outside player to inside.

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

Field Preparation:
12 Players (6 v 6)
  Area 30 yards x 30 Yards
  Supply of Balls and Cones

Coaching Points:
This practice is deigned to encourage player to think and react quickly. Quick decision making is vital in this exercise. Play 6 v 6 in the square. Identify each team by using different colored bibs. 

Perform the following exercises in this sequence during the game.

  Both teams have a ball each; pass the ball in a “one touch – two touch” sequence.  The passer must remind the receiver how many touches they have.

  Both teams have 2 balls each; pass the ball free play.

  Both teams have 2 balls each; pass the ball in a “one touch – two touch” sequence. The passer must remind the receiver how many touches they have.

  1 ball between both teams; Yellow can only pass to Blue and Blue can only pass to Yellow. The passer must remind the receiver what color they must pass to next.
  2 balls between both teams; Yellow can only pass to Blue and Blue can only pass to Yellow.  The passer must remind the receiver what color they must pass to next.
  2 balls between both teams; Yellow can only pass to Blue and Blue can only pass to Yellow.  This time using only “two touches”. The passer must remind the receiver what color they must pass to next.
  Free play 6 v 6 no restrictions. Score a goal for 8 consecutive passes.

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.