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: 24y x 12y. 

Create multiple grids of 12y x 8y to play a series of 1v1 games lasting 60 to 90 seconds. A goal is scored by dribbling over the endline with full control of the ball. When the ball goes out of bounds, players dribble the ball back in. After each game, the players find another opponent. Everyone plays against each other at least once. Keep track of the wins. 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, zero points for a loss. One point for each goal scored.

Focus Points:

• 1v1 attacking; dribbling and 1v1 moves.

• 1v1 defending.

• Transition; explode after winning the ball, defend immediately after losing the ball. 

• Mentality: work hard all 90 seconds.

Organization:

Area: 20y x 12y

The teams start on opposite endlines with a line of players at each post. The defending team passes the ball across the field to the attackers to start the 2v2. After each turn, the players switch sides.

Game: Keep track of the goals scored. Which pair scores the most goals?

Focus Points:

• Dribbling technique.

• 1v1 moves.

• Passing technique. 

• Shooting technique.

Attacking

• Keep the field wide. 
• Go for 1v1 move or pass?
• Creative runs, overlaps, give and go.
• Finishing. 
• Value the ball.

Defending

• First defender runs to the attacker with the ball, but not too wild. Don't get beat with a pass or 1v1 move. Pressure the ball.
• The second defender gives cover to the first defender. 
• The first defender can force the ball to the sides or to towards the other second defender. 
• The first defender can turn the 1v1 into a 2v1, when you count the goalkeeper as a defender, by forcing the attacker with the ball to the sideline and making the angle smaller and smaller to help the goalkeeper.
• Win the ball back at the right moment. 

Transition Attacking to Defending

• Try to win the ball back as quickly as possible.  5-Second Rule. 
• Run to the player with the ball.
• Run after the player with the ball. 
• Make the field small together. 
• Protect the goal. 
• Block shots.

Transition Defending to Attacking

• Explode and quickly dribble forward or pass forward. 
• Try to create a scoring chance as quickly as possible. 
• Keep ball possession. 

 Organization:

Area: 30y x 18y

Play a 4v4 game, with two teams of three field players plus the GK. When the ball goes out of bounds, dribble or pass the ball back in.

Game: Keep track of the score.

Focus Points

• In ball possession get into a large diamond shape.
• Building up, find the extra player and space. 

 

Technical:

• Passing and receiving skills.
• Dribbling and running with the ball.
• Turning and shielding the ball.
• 1v1 skills, attacking and defending.
• Shooting, scoring. 

 

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.