Written by Dave Clarke
Close Out Space in Midfield
This is a tactical game where teams close out space in defensive midfield then win the ball and counter attack
Coaching Objectives
One team closes space in defence and one team closes space in midfield. To coach it you need players to block passing routes and fill holes when defenders leave the space. Make it hard for opponents to penetrate.
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 8 Players
- 3 Goals
- 4 Bibs
- 40 x 30 y
What the Players Do
Create two teams of four players, one team attacks the big goal and one team attacks the two mini goals. Teams need tactics to defend the different goals. There are no goalkeepers so players must…Pressing Triggers In Midfield
Player understanding is key to tactical use of a mid block – the progressions in the drill help to show how much easier it is to press and be success when the block is structured with players recognising cues and triggers to win the ball back
Coaching Objectives
- 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
- 20 Mins
- 16 Players
- 2 Goals
- 8 yellow 8 Blue Bibs
- 20 x 32 y
What the Players Do
Create four zones 6 yards wide. Begin the practice with all players locked to zones to show how without pressing players must move to block passing routes by clever positioning. It is much harder to…Press Teams That Play Out
This is a tactical game against teams that play out from the back. The idea is to press the play to cause mistakes and win the ball
Coaching Objectives
Midfielders/attackers should use pressing, interceptions and tackling and cause the defenders to make mistakes when receiving a pass from the goalkeeper.
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 13 Players
- 1 Goals
- 6 Bibs
- 40 x 30 y
What the Players Do
You need two teams of 6 plus a goalkeeper. One team attacks one defends to start with. The attacking team works in groups of 4 with two resting players in each attack. The four attackers are…Continue Reading For Free
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