Written by Dave Clarke
Movement Without the Ball
Movement to support the player on the ball is a key factor in possession soccer. An alert player off the ball will move to receive in space and fool the defenders.
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Coaching Objectives
In this drill look for good passing and receiving, you want players to anticipate passes into the squares that they can run onto, this means the player in possession needs to pass with accuracy and with good weight of pass. It's no good whacking the ball at each other and expect the receiver to control it.
- Beginner: Allow more touches and more time for attackers to pass into shaded areas.
- Intermediate: Limit touches to two per player and reduce time to pass into shaded areas.
- Advanced: Introduce a second ball for attackers to increase the challenge for defenders.
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 9 Players
- 2 sets of 3 Bibs
- 40x30 y
Technique Tips
- Passing: Use accurate, quick passes to exploit spaces in the defense.
- Movement: Constantly move into open spaces and be ready to receive the ball.
- Communication: Use verbal and non-verbal cues to coordinate movements and passes.
- Defending: Stay on your toes, anticipate passes, and position yourself to intercept effectively.
What the Players Do
Create three teams, one team tries to block and cut out passing moves (D=defenders) and two other teams have a ball each and must try to pass to a player who has moved into one of the shaded areas…Pass in Tight Areas
Keeping possession of the ball in tight areas like the penalty area is key to creating goal scoring chances.
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Coaching Objectives
Coaching first touch needs lots of repetition of the problem passes that players receive during a match. Having the ability to control poor passes is key to keeping possession and winning games.
ATTACKING
- Dribble using the leg furthest away from the defender and try to use the outside of the foot
- Try to take the defender into areas that are more attacking to take the initiative
- Use feints and skills to create space and give time on the ball
- Finish on goal as soon as possible
- Movement is key to keeping the defender at bay
- Be ready for quick transition if the ball is lost
DEFENDING
- Always know where the ball is and player they are marking
- Position the body sideways so reaction speed is faster
- Be on balls of feet so reaction also quicker
- Use defensive feints to trouble the attacker and cause mistakes
- When attacker is close eyes on ball not on player
- Don't jump in and make it easier for the attacker
- If beaten by the attacker's skill sprint to the goal to defend it
- The defence must keep their lines tight and narrow so as not to get beaten.
- It is very important that defenders win the second ball after an attacking player shoots on goal.
- Be ready for quick transition if the ball is won
Drill Setup
- 25 Mins
- 7 Players
- 1 Goals
- 3 Bibs
- Penalty Area y
What the Players Do
For this drill you need to use the penalty area coned off to focus on the area in front of goal, 7 players, a goal, bibs, cones and balls. Play for 25 minutes. The four attackers start with…Numbers Call and React
Two groups of players all given numbers and when the number is called the players with that number swap groups
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Coaching Objectives
Are your players listening and being alert to what is happening around them? Warm them up with this game which makes them listen out for their number.
Drill Setup
- 10 Mins
- Squad Players
- 20 x 20 y
Technique Tips
1. Stay on Your Toes:
- Maintain a light, toe-to-heel contact with the ground for swift movements.
- Minimize flat-footed steps to enhance agility.
2. Fluid Movements:
- Emphasize smooth transitions between steps for a flowing footwork pattern.
- Aim for a seamless connection with the rhythm.