SOCCER

Objective of the Practice:
This practice is designed to improve each players technical ability in short range passing with an emphasis on “disguise, pace, accuracy and timing”.

Field Preparation:
Area 20 x 30 yards. 10 players. Balls. Cones. Colored bibs.

Coaching Points:
An area is marked out approximately 20 yards by 30 yards. Three inner grids are marked 10 yards long and 20 yards wide. Four players are positioned in each of the end grids. Two defenders are placed in the center grid. Defenders must wear different colored vests.

The practice starts with one group of four players keeping possession from the two defenders. The four players
must obtain a minimum of four consecutive passes then pass the ball to the opposite team. The two defenders
must try to win the ball. Rotate players so each player performs the role of the defender. 

The 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 his passing intentions using step-overs, body feints and head fakes. He must also have the discipline to hold on to the ball and commit the defender towards him.  If he releases the ball too early the defender will have less ground to cover to put pressure on the receiving player.