Set Up:

Two lines of players are set up on the end line, just outside of the penalty area. Cones are set up just outside the corners of the box. Players will pass to the opposite line and then run around the cone to finish the next ball. In the diagram, Player 1 starts the drill by running around the cone to finish the pass from Player 2. Player 2 then makes his run to finish the pass from Player 3, and so on. GKs should switch out after three shots.

Organization:

Area: 40y x 25y

Three attackers start about 25 yards from the goal, with an attacker in the center and one on each sideline. The two defenders are positioned between the central player and the wingers, and the GK starts in goal. The attacker in the center begins play with a pass to either winger. When the defenders win the ball, they can score on the two small goals. When the ball goes over the sideline, re-start with a throw. The turn is over when the ball goes over the endline. After several minutes, switch positions and defenders become attackers.

Variation: Add another central attacker to make it a 4v2 towards goal.

Game: Create two teams and keep track of the score.

Coaching Points:

Defending

• 1st defender - Immediate pressure on the flank player.

• 2nd defender - Run towards the first post and protect the center.

Attacking

• Movement in front of the goal.

• Central attacker to first post.

• 2nd attacker to penalty spot.

• Winger - Cross the ball to the penalty spot area. Away from the goalie.

Organization:

Area: 40y x 25y

Four attackers start 30 yards from goal, using a center forward, an attacking midfielder, and two wingers. Three defenders start 15 yards from the goal, using a center back and two outside backs. The attacking midfielder passes the ball to a winger to start the 4v3. When the ball goes over the sideline, re-start with a throw in. When the defenders win the ball, they can score on the two small goals. The turn is over when the ball goes over the endline. After several minutes, switch positions.

Game: Create two teams and keep track of the score.

Coaching Points:

Defenders:

• Role of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defender.

• Transition to attack.

Attackers:

• Creativity.

• Give and Go, overlaps.

• Score.

• Transition.

Organization:

Area: Final Third

The five attackers start with two wingers, a center forward, and two attacking midfielders. The defending team starts with three backs and one midfielder. To begin play, the goalkeeper passes or throws the ball to one of the two attacking midfielders. Regular soccer rules apply. The defending team can score on the three small goals on the opposite end line. The turn is over when the ball goes over the endline or a goal is scored. After several minutes, switch positions.

Variation: Before shooting, the ball must be switched from one side to the other.

Game: Create two teams and keep track of the score.

Coaching Points:

Attackers:

• Keep the field wide, value the ball.

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

• Winger must attack the endline and try to cross the ball from the endline.  Runs from forwards and midfielder in the box.

Defenders:

• Pressure, cover, balance.

• Shift with the ball. 

• After winning the ball try to score a small goal as quickly as possible.

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.