5-Second Rule #2 - U18

Organization:  

Area: 15y x 15y

Two players stand across from each other in the center of the grid. One is the cat, the other is the dog. When the coach yells out CAT, that player tries to tag the dog before the dog can run to the end line. When the coach yells out DOG, that player tries to tag the cat before the cat reaches the endline. Switch partners after several turns.

Variation: Make the grid longer.

Focus Points: 

• Reaction.
• Enthusiasm.
• Fitness - Reaction and sprint capacity.

Organization:

Area: 40y x 25y

Create three teams of five and place several cones along the sidelines. The teams spread out and pass a ball around to each other as they move. After striking a pass, players run around a cone before rejoining the play. After a certain amount of time, the coach calls out a number and that team tries to score on either goal. The other two teams defend the goals. Play until completion, then restart the game with passing.

Variation: When defenders win the ball, they attack immediately. Keep playing until the ball is out of bounds.

Coaching Points:

• Immediate reaction when the coach yells out a color, also from the team that has to score.

• Collectively BLITZ.

• Yell BLITZ when you start blitzing.

• Don’t stop pressuring the ball.

• When winning the ball back, one touch in transition.

• Try to find a teammate with a good pass right away.

Organization:

Area: Half Field

Create two teams of five and place a neutral player near each sideline. During play, one team tries to keep possession using the neutrals and the goalkeepers to create a 9v5 advantage. When the defenders win the ball, they can try to score in either of the large goals. Switch roles after a goal is scored or after a certain amount of time.

Game: Play two times six minutes. Keep track of the score and see which team gets the least goals against in 12 minutes.

Coaching Points:

Attacking Team:

• Make field large and play in ball possession

• After your team loses the ball, immediately BLITZ.

• When you win the ball during the blitz: One touch in transition.

Defending Team:

• Stay together, work together, work hard and attack the ball at the right moment; bad pass, pass through the air, when ball is in corner.

• When you win the ball, quickly try to score.

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.