Organization:

Area: 15y x 10y

Set up groups of two or three players starting at the cones. The players dribble up to the large cone, make a 1v1 move, and then turn and dribble back. They perform moves and turns that they already know and add one or two new ones.

Variation: After their turn, the player passes the ball back to the next player. Players call out the 1v1 move and turn they must make.

Game: Relay Race.

Focus Points:

• Dribbling technique

• 1v1 moves

• Turning technique

Organization:

Area: 25y x 12y

Divide the field into four zones. Three players are stationed in each zone, but one player must step out of the zone while defending. The team in possession plays the ball back and forth from zone to zone past the two defenders. The two defenders try to ‘close the door’ and intercept the ball. After they win the ball, their third player steps back in and the 3v2 goes the other way. Rotate players around in zones.

Game: For every successful connection between two attacking lines, the team gets a point. The team with the most connections wins.

Coaching Points:

Defenders

• Stay together and quickly shift with the ball to avoid and intercept the pass from the attackers.

• Work hard.

Attackers

• Pass the ball quickly to each other to create space between the defenders and the option to split the defenders with a pass. 

• Pass the ball with the correct speed to the correct foot,

• Receive the ball with the furthest foot.

• Drop off a little bit when the player next to you has the ball. This will make it easier to receive and pass the ball. 

Organization:

Area: 30y x 20y

The attacking team starts with two plus the GK in its own half versus two defenders. In the other half, three attackers play versus two defenders and a GK. Play starts in the defending half, with the attackers looking to pass to a teammate in the other half. When successful, the attackers can finish on goal. When the defenders win the ball, they can go into the other half and create a 4v2+GK. When the ball goes out of bounds, pass or dribble the ball back in.

Game: Play two games of five minutes, switch sides, and keep track of the score.

Focus Points:

• Building up in 3v2 and creating scoring chances in 3v2+GK.
• Keeping field wide in attack. Value the ball.
• Role of first and second defender.  

Technical Skills:

• Passing and receiving (furthest foot, and receiving forward into space)
• Dribbling skills
• 1v1 skills, attacking and defending.
• Shooting, finishing

Attacking:

Goal: Build up, create scoring chances and score goals. 

• Make the field large and create space in depth and width. 
• Look to play the ball deep; go forward.
• Keep ball possession
• Maintain a good team shape / formation

Defending:

Goal: Disrupt the buildup, win the ball back, avoid goals against.

• The whole team makes the field small by moving towards the ball (High Pressure).
• Pressure the player on the ball.
• Mark tight in the area of the ball.
• Positional or zonal marking further away from the ball. 
• Stay active as long as possible. Back pressure) 

Transition Attacking to Defending:

• Win ball back as quickly as possible - 5 Second Rule.
• Protect your own goal quickly.
• Be organized defensively while attacking. 

Transition Defending to Attacking:  

• Quick goal-oriented action. Try to create a scoring chance as quickly as possible -10 Second Rule. 
• Explode and connect the first pass after winning the ball. Reaction.
• While the other team is in ball possession, certain players should anticipate the possibility of a turnover and to ATTACK. 

Organization:

Area: 40y x 25y

Two teams play 5v5 (4+GK), starting in 2-1-1 formation. When the ball goes out of bounds, restart with dribble or pass.

When working with multiple teams, rotate teams in and out when a goal is scored (winner stays on) or every couple of minutes.

Place the resting team on both sidelines with soccer balls, so they can bring in a ball quickly when they go out of bounds. This will keep the game tempo high. 

Game: Keep track of the score.

Coaching Points:

• When the opponent is in possession, make the field small.

• When your own team is in possession, make the field large.

• After losing the ball, try to win it back as quickly as possible.

• After winning the ball try to go forward as quickly as possible to create a scoring chance. Ten Second Rule. 

Organization:

Area: 60y x 40y

Create two teams and play 7v7 (six plus a GK), with both teams playing in a 1-2-3-1 formation. Regular soccer rules apply.

Game: Keep track of the score.

Coaching Points:

Attackers:

• In ball possession, make the field large and get into the correct build up shape.

Defenders:

• When the opponent has the ball, make the field small by moving towards the ball and pressuring the ball

Transition: 

• After winning the ball, look to play the ball forward, one touch in transition, or explode with a dribble into space. 
• After losing the ball, try to win the ball back asap.