SOCCER

Objective of the Practice:
This practice is designed to improve the penetration in passing.

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

Coaching Points:
Four players are positioned around the outside of a grid 10 yards by 10 yards. Use 4 cones to make a small square approximately 2 yards x 2 yards in the center of the grid. A defender is placed inside the grid.

The four outside players must try and keep possession until they can pass the ball through the center square.  The defender has to win the ball and prevent the players from passing through the center square. The defender cannot enter the center square. The outside players cannot enter the grid. Players in possession are awarded one goal for each time they penetrate the center square. The defenders should work with high intensity to ensure quick decision making by the players with the ball.

The player that gives away possession of the ball becomes the defender.

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 each time they penetrate the center square. The defenders should work with high intensity to ensure quick decision making from the players with the ball.