Go Forward #2 - U18

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: 20y x 18y 

On a split field, place small goals on each end line. The players start next to their goals. On the coach’s signal, the two 1v1 games start at the same time, with the attacker dribbling onto the field. When a 1v1 has ended (a goal is scored, ball went over the endline), those two players join the other 1v1 and make it a 2v2 on that field. When the ball goes over the sideline, dribble or pass the ball back onto the field. After each turn, switch sides.

Game: Keep track of individual and team scores.

Focus Points:

1v1 attacking and defending skills

Transition: 

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

After winning the ball try to score as quickly as possible. Go forward. 

After your 1v1 ends immediately join your teammate in the other 1v1 to create a 2v2. 

Organization:

Area: Double penalty box.

Two teams of three players. Two large goals with goalkeepers. On both sides one player starts with a ball. On sign of the coach, the player with ball starts to dribble and two 1v2s start at the same time. When one ball goes out of bounds or a goal is scored, the 1v2 joins in to make it a 3v3 right away. When the second ball is also out of play, the coach plays an extra ball in to start one more 3v3 game. 

Game: Keep track of the score. 

Focus Points: 

• In 1v2 immediate transition after losing the ball to keep opponent from scoring. 
• After scoring or when the opponent has scored, immediate transition to support your teammate(s). 

Goal: Improve the reaction of the players after winning or losing the ball. 

 Variation: Instead of starting with a 1v2 start with a 2v3 on both sides, what turns into a 5v5

Organization:

Area: Half field

Set up a field of 60y x 30y with two large goals to play 6v6 plus goalkeepers. Next to this set up a second field of 30y x 20y with two small goals. A feeder stands in between the two fields with soccer balls. Start the 7v7. When a goal is scored or when a corner kick is given, the feeder yells out "2", "3" or "4" and passes a ball on the small field.  From both teams, that number of players sprints over to the small field to start a small-sided game as quickly as possible. 

Focus Points:

• Immediate reaction when the coach yells out a number. 
• When the other team gets to the ball first: protect the goal, pressure the ball, win the ball back. 
• When your team gets the ball first, go forward towards the goal. Can you score quickly?
•  If not, keep ball possession and try to create scoring chance. 

Game: Keep track of the score. 

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.