Written by Dave Clarke
Defenders Working in Pairs
This is a great way to get defenders working together to prevent goals being scored. Use this drill to keep your goals against column empty
Coaching Objectives
Players learn that in pairs one player presses the ball with the other player covering the space in behind goalside of the first player and in a position to see the player and their own goal – so they need a side-on stance. The idea is to prevent direct attacks on goal forcing play away from danger areas with good pressing
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 5 Players
- 1 Goals
- 2 Bibs
- Penalty Area y
What the Players Do
Use an area coned off from the 6 yard box of the penalty area to the 18 yard line using he goal with a goalkeeper. Two attackers start either side of the 18 yard line with two defenders starting…Block Passing Routes
Blocking passing routes makes it harder for teams to pass through the middle and get the ball into a striker. Stop the striker getting the ball and you stop them scoring goals.
Coaching Objectives
Players will improve their ability to maintain possession under pressure, time passes to bypass defenders, and move effectively to support progression. Players will improve their ability to maintain possession under pressure, time passes to bypass defenders, and move effectively to support progression.
For this drill you need to create an areas 15 x 10 yards split into three zones with 8 players, bibs, cones and balls. Play this drill for 15 minutes
Drill Setup
- 15 Mins
- 8 Players
- 2 Bibs
- 15 x 10 y
Technique Tips
- Disguise passes to beat the defender in Zone 2.
- Encourage body shape that opens up the field when receiving.
- Players should scan before receiving to prepare next action.
- Firm, accurate passes increase tempo and prevent interceptions.
What the Players Do
Start with three attacking players and one defender in the first zone, one defender in the middle zone and two attackers in the last zone and a target man on the end line. The aim is for the…Block the Centre
A tactical possession game that develops passing, movement, and awareness using zonal restrictions and neutral players.
Coaching Objectives
Develop players’ ability to maintain possession, switch play, and identify passing lanes under pressure while enhancing spatial awareness and support play.
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 12 Players
- 6 Bibs
- 30 x 20 y
Technique Tips
- Always scan the field before receiving.
- Use open body position to receive and play forward.
- Quick, short passes to draw defenders out.
- Diagonal movements create passing angles.
- Magic men: focus on supporting from behind and providing overloads.
What the Players Do
You need two teams of four players with two players from each team in each half of the pitch and they must stay in those zones. Two magic men play for the team in possession who can go anywhere with a…Continue Reading For Free
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