Written by Dave Clarke
Transition Through the Gate
A dynamic exercise focusing on possession retention, strategic passing, and defensive pressure in a segmented playing area.
Coaching Objectives
Develop players' ability to maintain possession under pressure, execute precise passes through designated gates, and enhance defensive tactics to disrupt opponent play.
Drill Setup
- 15 Mins
- 15 Players
- 10 Bibs
- 45 x 20 y
Technique Tips
- Passing Accuracy: Focus on crisp, accurate passes to maintain possession.
- Off-the-Ball Movement: Encourage constant movement to create passing options and disrupt defensive setups.
- Defensive Positioning: Defenders should anticipate passes and position themselves to intercept or apply pressure effectively.
What the Players Do
Split the area into three zones with outer zones of 20 yards and a middle zone of 5 yards. One team starts as defenders with 3 players in the middle zone and a player at each end of the area outside…Creating Overloads With 4v3
Get players supporting defence as well as attack by creating overloads and using intelligent tactics to defend two goals
Coaching Objectives
The focus within this drill is to creative effective overloads whilst the defensive side manages with fewer players.
Drill Setup
- 15 Mins
- 10 Players
- 2 Goals
- 4 Bibs
- 30x20 y
Technique Tips
- Defenders: Focus on positioning, communication, and staying compact.
- Attackers: Emphasize quick, accurate passing, movement off the ball, and finishing.
- Goalkeepers: Encourage anticipation, quick decision-making, and effective communication with defenders.
What the Players Do
Set up by using an area of 30x20 yards with two goals at one end. You need bibs, balls and four equally spaced cones at the end opposite the goals. Divide players into two teams, one attacking…Creating Successful Transitions
Turnovers happen repeatedly within a game and players need to be prepared for transitions when they occur, especially when the opposition is switched off
Coaching Objectives
Attackers need to combine quickly to take advantage of overloads when counter attacking whilst defenders need to organise to cope with this pressure.
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 16 Players
- 2 Goals
- 7 Bibs
- 60x40 y
Technique Tips
- Passing Precision: Focus on sharp, accurate passes, especially the initial pass from the attackers by the goal to their teammates in the other half.
- Positioning: Attackers should spread out, utilizing width and depth to stretch defenders and create space.
- Communication: Clear verbal and non-verbal cues between attackers will improve coordination and increase goal-scoring chances.
- Quick Reactions: Goalkeepers and defenders must be alert and anticipate attackers’ movements, keeping body positions open for quick adjustments.
What the Players Do
Set up by using an area of 60 x 40 yards, split into two halves, with a goal at each end. You need balls, cones, bibs and two goals. Split your players into two teams of 8, each with a…Continue Reading For Free
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