Organization:

Area: 12y x 12y

Play a tag game whereby players are safe from the tagger when they jump on the back of another player, like a horse and jockey. They can only stay on the back of the horse for five seconds. When a player is tagged, he/she becomes the new tagger. Players cannot jump on the same horse twice in a row and the tagger is not allowed to wait next to a horse and jockey. With a large group, make the field bigger and add a second tagger.

Focus Points:

• Enthusiasm and fun. 

• Obey the rules.

Organization:

Area: Defensive Third

Set up four defenders and two midfielders in a 4-2 shape. To start, the ball goes from right central defender (RCD) to the right back. The RB dribbles forward, makes an outside turn and passes the ball back to the RCD. The RCD opens up and passes the ball to the left central midfielder who is coming back. The RCM moves high when RCD receives the ball. LCM passes to the LCD, who passes the ball to the left back. The LB dribbles forward, makes an outside turn and passes the ball back to the LCD, followed by a pass to the RCM, and so forth. Players switch positions every couple of minutes.

Variations:

-The central defender passes the ball to the high midfielder, who bounces the ball back to the low midfielder. The low midfielder opens to the outside back, who dribbles up and makes an outside turn to pass the ball back to the central defender.

-Central defenders can open with a long pass to the outside back on the opposite side. Outside backs can bounce the ball back to the central defender instead of dribbling up and making an outside run.

Focus Points:

• Pass with the correct speed to the correct foot.

• Bounce with the correct speed to the correct foot.

• Receive with the correct foot.

• Open up.

• Make sure outside backs and midfielders make the correct runs according to the position of the ball.

• Timing of runs.

• Concentration, focus.

Organization:

Area: Half field, less than full width.

The teams play 6v4, with the attacking team scoring in the two small goals on the halfway line. When the defenders win the ball, they attack the large goal with the GK. The attacking team plays with a goalkeeper, four defenders, and a central midfielder. The defenders play in a diamond formation. Play begins with a goal kick from the GK. From there, the attacking team builds up and tries to create scoring chances. Attackers re-start with a throw in, but the defenders can dribble or pass the ball back in. Switch roles after several minutes.

Game: Create two teams, switch roles after five minutes. Keep track of the score.

Coaching Points:

Tactical Attacking:

• Outside backs (2 and 3) go low or high depending on which central defender has the ball.

• Central defenders (4 and 5) tilt (drop) when the other central defender has the ball. Switch play, break the vertical line (BVL) or find a midfielder.

• Midfielder 6 tries to find the ball and moves the ball, opens up or goes forward.

Technique:

• Pass with the correct speed to the correct foot. Receive with the furthest foot to open up.

Team Defending:

• 9 makes an L-Run; gets in between the central defenders and then presses the ball.

• 11 and 7 start pinched in and invite a pass from the central defender to the outside back. Pressure the ball at that moment. Do not pressure the central defender.

• Midfielder slides over to the side of the ball and picks up 6 or 8 or cuts off the passing lane forward.

Organization:

Area: Half field

The attacking team plays with a GK, four defenders and two midfielders, trying to build up and score on the small goals. The defenders play with three forwards and two midfielders, looking to win the ball and score on the large goal. The game always starts with a goal kick from the goalkeeper. When the ball goes over the sideline, both teams must throw the ball back in. Switch roles after several minutes.

Game: Keep track of the score.

Coaching Points:

Forwards Pressing When Build Up Starts:

• CF 9 makes an L-Run when the goalie passes the ball to one of the central defenders; gets in between the central defenders and then pressure the ball.

• Wingers 11 and 7 start pinched in, leave the outside defender ‘fake’ open, and invite the pass from the central defender to the outside back. Pressure ball at that moment. Be on at the feet of the outside defender when he/she receives the ball.

• When the ball goes to the outside back, the winger on the weak side pinches to center of field. Another option could be that the winger goes towards the nearest central defender, but only if our midfield is strong and marking their midfielders. Wingers do not pressure the central defender when they build up.

• Midfielders mark their midfielders. Force turnovers, score goals.

Defenders + Midfielders Building Up:

• Movement as in W-passing. Create flow. Look to go forward and score, value the ball, be patient, keep ball possession.

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.