Fun Warm Up (dribbling)

Explanation: This is a fun introductory activity for young kids learning to dribble the ball. Set up a 30x30 square (depending on numbers) have all players lined up on the end line with a ball and two defenders in the center of the square.

The key to this exercise is to get past the defenders and to the other side, the main focus is on close control, change of direction and teaching young players to get their head up and see the field when running with a soccer ball.

On the coaches command players attempt to get from one side of the square to the other without the defenders kicking your ball outside the square. If an attacker is tackled they become defenders for the next round. The person tackled must sit down where they lost the ball and attempt to tackle players without standing up. The last player left wins.

Coaching Points:

• Change direction and pace to avoid tacklers
• Get your head up to see the defenders and 'sitters'
• Avoid the players on the ground

Possession v Goal Scoring

Set Up: This exercise takes place in a 30x 25 area, the red team is made up of 2 goalkeepers, 2 outfield players and 4 outside players. The blue team is made up of 4 players in the middle area.

Instruction: The red team is the possession team and they simply aim to keep the ball, it is a good idea to make this team up of midfielders and defenders. Have the 4 on the outside as defenders and limit them to 2 touch, which will teach the defense to get rid of the ball quickly. In the centre have the 2 red players as central midfielders who must be comfortable on the ball and be able to keep possession by making sensible passes. This drill is also good for working on your goalkeepers footwork. The blue team should be made up of 2 strikers and 2 wingers, there aim is to shut down the play, win the ball and quickly go for goal. They can score at either end,  encouraging change of pace and direction.

Coaching Points:

Possession Team:

• Keep the ball
• Outside players move up and down the line to support player on the ball
• Use the goalkeepers
• Firm and accurate passing

Attacking Team:

• Defend from the front - chase down the ball
• When you win the ball find the quickest way to goal
• Don't force the play, find a pass when needed
• Powerful and accurate shooting
• Strikers look for rebounds

Switch Player Roles When Neccessary

Organising the Defense

Age Group: 13-14 Years Old Ability Level: Beginner Gender: Boys

Equipment Required: Bibs, balls, cones

Aim of Session: Working with the defense both individually and as a team. This session mainly focuses on the defensive players but the attackers can work on trying to pull the defense out of the shape they are being taught.

Overview: It is important to teach defenders individually that tackling is becoming a thing of the past, if defenders dive into tackles and miss the ball the attackers will be past them. Individual defending is all about containing and if possible intercepting. The session will then look at basic defensive shape as a team and touch on the offside trap.

Learning Outcomes:

Defending as an individual:

• Do not dive into the tackle unless it is a last resort
• Contain
• Intercept

Defending as a team:

• Communicate
• Cover each other
• Deny attackers time and space
• Move up the field as a group

Set Up/Warm Up

Split the playing surface into thirds as shown below, with the middle third slightly smaller than those to the side. Depending on the ability and age of your players you must judge the size of the areas, here I have used the following dimensions: Middle area 20x10 and the side areas 20x15.

 Instruction: In the centre area one player works as attacker and one as the defender. On the outside one player has the ball and plays it into the attackers feet. The defender in the middle must contain the attacker. The attacker aims to turn the defender and pass/dribble to the player in the box at the other end. The coach may wish to introduce a rotation so all players work in different roles or simply keep attackers trying to move the ball and the defender trying to contain.

Defensive coaching points:

• Deny the player time and space the second he gets the ball
• Don't over commit
• Get side on and show the striker where you want him to go (to your strong side or away from goal)
• Don't dive into a tackle... CONTAIN
• If possible intercept the ball before the attacker receives it but again, don't over commit!

Drill 2 - Defense Working as a Unit

Instruction: Using the same set up, have your 4 defensive players line up in the middle area with a right defender, two central and one left defender. Split the attacking players evenly on each side of the defense. The aim of this exercise is for the attackers to pass the ball through the defense to the attackers on the other side. To do this they must pass the ball quickly up and down their own side to stretch the defense and create space to pass through to the other side. Defenders must stay inside the box.

Coaches Instructions:

This exercise is good for explaining to young defenders how to work as a unit. In the diagram above we have the ball with the right midfielder of the attacking team. Therefor the left defender should pressure the ball (denying time and space) the left central defender should move across to cover the left defender if he is beaten and the right central defender and right defender move across to cover the two striker. It is important to show the defenders that although they must keep an eye on the left midfielder he can be partially unmarked, as if the ball is switched to him the defense can move across.

Attacker: pass the ball quickly to stretch defense out of possession.

 If the ball is passed to the other side, defense must move across quickly to cover each other, communication and quick movement is massive to ensure efficiency.

Ball in the Center

Coaching points: When the ball is in the center, it is important that the closest defender shuts down the ball and the other central defender drops back to cover, if the ball is passed to the other center attacker then roles switch. See below.

 Progression: Once the coach has worked on the defense moving across and communicating as a unit, make the following progression. Allow striker the opportunity to dribble through the defense. This means if a defender is beaten there must be someone to cover. If the striker goes past the defender he must recover into the position of the defender covering him.

Possible Progressions:

Introduce Gk's at each side, when the ball goes through the defense the attacker must turn and quickly score, defense can chase them to pressure the attackers, but point out to the defense it is easier to stop the ball going through in the first place than to have to recover once it is past you.

Conditioned Game:

Simply line up attack v defense with a goalkeeper, attackers must score and the defense must clear the ball and move up the field - taking the attackers away from their goal (discuss offside and move onto this in more detail in next session)

Technical Pass and Move

Step 1

Set up: 30X 20 yard grid with 6 cones as shown. Players are split into two groups as shown.

Instruction: The player at the start of each line starts with the ball. Using the blue team as an example, the first player will pass a straight pass to the second blue player, who will open his body and pass the ball long and diagonal to the third player in the sequence who then dribbles the ball as fast as possible down the outside to join the other teams line. Both teams work at the same time to create a crowded area so passes must be precise.

Coaching points:

• Firm and accurate pass with the side of your foot
• Center player receive the ball side on
• Check-off the cone (defender)
• Put a name on your pass and shout for the ball
• Pass and move

Progression 1

Instruction: It is important to complicate drills to keep them interesting and continuously challenge players ability. Here we simply add a 'drop back' pass. Player 1 plays to player 2 who drops the ball back for player 1 to pass long to player 3. Player 3 then dribbles back as before and the rotation is the same.

Coaching Points: As before but now when player 2 receives the ball, get head up to see player 3 is marked (imaginary) so the ball must be dropped back to player 1 and player 2 must move off the ball to support player 3 when he gets it.

Progression 2

Instruction: Add another 'drop back pass' this time from player 3 to 2 (give and go) Perform the give and go around the cone which acts as a defender.

Coaching Points:

• Pass and support the pass
• Communicate
• Firm and accurate passing

Possible Progression:

With higher level teams you should encourage them to be creative and remove the sequence. Tell them the root the ball must travel but you don't care how it gets there. For example they are free to play it long first time, or perform a give and go around the cone or even dribble with the ball, emphasize the coaching points and tell players to mix it up by varying their passing range.

Keeping Possession (Diamond)

Age Group: 12-13 Years Old Ability Level: Beginner Gender: Boys

Equipment Required: Bibs, balls, cones

Aim of Session: The aim here is to help the team keep possession and for all players involved to be comfortable on the ball and not panic or waste possession. The drills involved in this exercise should also raise awareness within the players, they should realise the importance of creating width and depth in possession so they always have an option when they are on the ball. The exercise will also help support play and basic passing and moving.

Overview: Children at a young age should be taught the importance of possession, in soccer you need the ball!

If you have the ball the other team can't score, but more importantly... you can!

Drill 1 - Support Play (Create a Diamond) 

Instruction: Set up a field divided into thirds. The two end thirds should be roughly 25x20 with the centre section a lot narrower, 25x10. For the warm up simply use the 2 end sections and play games of 4 v 2 keep ball, with 4 players on each end of the area and 2 in the middle trying to win the ball.

  

Coach: In the diagram, the red player on the left hand line has the ball, the red players on the left and right must move down the line to come and support, when a pass is played to a new player the others in the team must react accordingly to make sure the person on the ball always has some one to pass too.

Demonstration: Show that if players do not move that the defenders will shut the person in possession down and win the ball. The team of 4 must create a diamond so that the person on the ball has an option to pass to left and right and long up the field. It doesn't matter who the two defenders pick up there will still be a person to pass to. Switch defenders accordingly.

Possible Progressions:

• Play 2 touch.

Drill 2 - Support Play Progressed

Instruction: As a progression we now take the structure away and the team must create diamonds and get into space in open play. Have 4 red players in one box, defenders in the middle (player 'R') and 4 blue players in the other end box. The red team start with the ball, passing and moving. One the coaches command 2 defenders can enter the red teams box to try and win the ball, the red team must keep the ball with good support play and shape (width and depth - diamond!). The red team can also use the blue players who should be getting into a position in their box to receive a pass (long ball up field). When the ball is played from the red square to the blue square, the 2 defenders re-enter the centre box and the other 2 defenders approach the blue square in an attempt to win the ball. How quickly can the blue team get into shape to support the player on the ball?

Possible Progressions:

Team must make 3 passes before passing long
The 2 defenders standing in the centre can intercept bad long passes

Coaching Points:

• Pass and support
• Decision making - always pass to a player in space
• Keep possession

Drill 3 - Possession Game

Set Up: Remove the middle line of cones and keep players with the same bibs on. Play 8 v 4. For example the red team and the blue team combine to play team 'R' If the team in defense win the ball the team that lost possession become defending team.

Coaching Points: Use the numbers advantage, 8 v 4! When a player is on the ball, 1 player support left and one support right with the other players in the team moving long and wide to pull away defenders and create space. If defenders don't follow you are open and should call for a pass.

• Move the ball quick
• Good first touch
• Play 2 touch where possible
• Don't waste possession!

Conditioned Game

Instruction: From the previous exercise give 1 player from team 'R' a blue bib and one a red. Now play 5 v 5 with two neutral players. The numbers advantage is now not as great and movement will need to be even better, you can gradually build up to 6 v 6 however working with a numbers advantage first to show the players successfull possession. Each team attempts to keep the ball from the other showing good support play and movement off the ball

Progressions:

1. 10 uninterrupted passes = 1 goal 
2. Add goals at each end - once a team makes 10 passes they can score in either net
3. Progress to a full no conditioned game

Coaching Points: Pass and move, support player on the ball, keep possession.

Playing a Through Ball to the Forwards

 Age Group: 12-13 Years Old Ability Level: Beginner Gender: Boys/Girls

Equipment Required: Bibs, balls, cones

Aim of Session: To play an accurate and well timed through ball for the forwards to run onto. This session will also aim to raise strikers awareness, movement and finishing.

Overview: You won't win any games if you don't score goals. This practice will improve combination passing, accumulating with the most important pass into the strikers. The through ball will be used to unlock defense and set a striker through on goal without being offside.

Learning Outcomes:

1. When to play the killer pass

2. Striker movement to get into dangerous areas and stay onside (timing runs)

3. Strike across goal

Drill 1 - Combination Passing and Movement 

Set up four cones in a diamond with one cone in the centre, cones should be at least 12 yards apart from each other. Have a line of players at the front and back cones of the diamond and 1 player on each side cone. Also have a player on each side of the centre cone facing the line of players, the player at the front of each line will start with a ball. The player at the front of the line passes to the centre player facing him, who controls and plays it out to the right. When the player on the outside receives the ball they play it to the front of the next line. Follow your pass.

Coach:

• Check off the cone (cone acts as a defender) 
• Receive the ball side on 
• Play 2 touch 
• Pass and move quickly

Possible Progressions:

• Receive the ball and drop it back for the person who passed you the ball to move it on (give and go)

Drill 2 - Timing the Pass and Run

Instruction: Same as before however the line of orange cones (3 across the centre) work as the offside line. Coach acts as a referee, player receiving the ball must stay on the correct side of the cones.

Coaches Instructions:

Time of Pass: Passer must get their head up and pass the ball when the running forward is onside and ready to receive the ball. Practice a firm and accurate pass.

Time of Run and Movement: When forward is ready for the ball, communicate. Time your run to stay onside and shake of defender. The coach should demonstrate disguising runs and pulling defenders out of position.

Drill 3 - Introduce Goalkeeper

Instruction: As before, the player in the centre receives the ball side on, gets their head up and looks to play the forward through on goal quickly. The forward runs on to the ball and tries to score against goalkeeper

Coaching Points: Time of pass and time of run (must stay onside). Pass into an area where the striker can run onto the ball and finish quickly. To challenge the striker set the stipulation of 2 touch finishing. Encourage the striker to finish across the goal into the far corner from the goalkeeper.

Conditioned Game

Instruction: Play 4 v 4/5 v 5 in a designated area in the centre of the field. Have 2 goals at each end of the field. To score in this game, the team must make 10 passes in the area, after 10 passes a player can make a run outside the box and towards goal. Continue with the same rule as the previous drill, the orange line of cones acts as an offside line, so the player must be onside when the pass is made. The striker has two touches to finish when he receives the ball outside of the box. As a progression a defender can be allowed to follow the striker out of the box to put pressure on the shooter.

Coaching Points: Time and accuracy of pass. Time of run and quality of finish.

Introductory Skill Session

 

Age Group: 8-9 Years Old     Ability Level: Beginner   Gender: Boys/Girls

 

Equipment Required: Bibs, balls, cones

Aim of Session: To learn, practice and improve basic technical skills. Passing/Dribbling/Turns

Overview: This session is designed as an introductory session, I have used this session to evaluate players I am working with for the first time to determine skill level and attitude towards learning. The drills start basic and progress to more complex skills and routines. It is easily adapted to increase the tempo for children who show signs of real understanding.

Learning Outcomes:

1. What part of the foot do we use to run with the ball

2. Different turns and skills

3. Good first touch is essential

4. Get your head up to find an open player

5. Pass and move

These concepts will be introduced gradually throughout the practice so not to overload the player with information and so they are given adequate time to work on each step, then hopefully with practice they will perform all of the above together successfully in the conditioned game.

Set Up/Warm up 

For this practice you will need to set up four areas 12x12 (depending on numbers) each area is separated, leaving 5 yards between each box. Set up different exercises in each box as a warm up, for example in box 1 have players with a ball each working on dribbling and in box 2 have 1 ball between the group working on passing and moving. Rotate players around the boxes on coaches command. Ideas for exercises:

• One bounce juggling
• Keep ball
• Dynamic stretches
• Throw - head - catch

Drill 1 - Dribbling and Turning

Instruction: Players line up between both sets of cones. The player at the front of the line will dribble the ball until he/she gets between  the cones and make a sharp turn, then pass back for the next player to go.

Coaches Instructions:

Running in a straight line: Push the ball forward with your laces, run as fast as you can forward, always keeping the ball close. Try and get your head up after every 2 touches.

Zig-Zag Running: Use inside and outside of both feet to move in a zig zag fashion up the line. The coach should give clear demonstrations and explanations of different variations.

Inside cut, outside cut, Cruyff turns: Again give clear demonstrations and emphasis exaggerating movements so to beat opponents.

Drill 2 - Dribbling, Turning and Passing

Instruction: The 4 players at the front of the lines will all go at the same time. They will attack the box in the centre (quick dribbling) then turn to their right and pass the ball to the player at the front of that line to go next. Again focus on correct dribbling and turning technique and now go over passing (inside of foot, standing foot faces the way you wish to pass)

Coaching Points: At first, tell all participants to wait for the coaches command before starting to dribble, as some players may be moving faster than the others. Then use this opportunity to test the players ability to get their head up and see the play. You can do this by allocating a 'trigger line'. Appoint one of the lines as the trigger line and tell the group that it is the responsibility of the player at the front of this line to shout 'GO'. So the player at the front of this line will receive a pass, quickly get there head up and look at the field and if the other 3 players have control of the ball and are ready to play they will communicate to the team by shouting 'GO'. (this builds confidence and teamwork).

Drill 3 - Further Progression

Instruction: A player is added to each corner of the grid (change this player every couple of minutes). All we are adding now is an extra pass and more communication. This time players will dribble the ball, make a sharp turn in the centre and look for this corner player (who eventually you can encourage to check off the cone into space) The player on the ball passes to the corner player and demands a 'give and go'. Once a successfully give and go has been completed the drill continues in the usual fashion.

Coaching Points:

• Attack the centre quickly
• Sharp turn
• Give and go with corner player
• Firm and accurate pass to the front of the next line
• Trigger line still starts the exercise with communication 'GO'

Conditioned Game

Instruction: The conditioned game is an overload of attacking players v defensive players to build confidence and success in young players trying to keep the ball when in possession. Have 2 players outside each side of the field playing as neutral (meaning they play for the team in possession) the neutral players cannot be tackles and depending on ability the coach can limit their touches of the ball. Play 4 v 4 inside the square when in possession is really 12 v 4, encourage players on the ball to pass, move and dribble to keep the ball. When a team successfully makes 5 passes they can score in either goal at both ends. It is important to coach that once 5 passes is made that does not mean we shoot the ball and loose possession, we keep the ball until there is an opportunity to score

Coaching Points: Keep the ball, pass and move, dribble when necessary.

Basic Warm Up

Set Up: Using a 20x20 area set up four cones in each corner with an equal amount of players at each cone. You will need two soccer balls for this basic warm up.

Instruction: The player at the front of the line passes the ball to the line opposite then runs as quickly as possible backwards to the end of his own line. This is repeated with the players receiving the ball and everything is to be done with 2 touches.

Coaching Points: Good first touch with instep, touch the ball forward so you can step onto the pass. Firm, accurate passes! Also stress running backwards as fast as possible to stretch the legs.

 

Progression - Dynamic Stretches

Instruction: The ball continues on it's path, always working up and down the line, this time the players will work side to side. When a player makes his pass he will then side step (dynamic stretch) to join the line to his side. Although this is done as a warm up, stress the importance of a good first touch and a firm pass. The pressure here is a bad pass will break the flow of the exercise.

Another Progression: This time the players will travel diagonally, working on high knees and high ankles across the playing surface. Control the ball, pass and then work diagonally stretching off and moving to receive the ball in your new position.

Final Progression: This progression increases the intensity to ensure all players are warm and muscles have been stretched ready for activity. Again the ball always travels in the same path (forward and backward) This time once a player passes the ball they must perform a sprint around the square to join the opposite line. At the coaches discretion you can also add the stipulation of one touch passing. This means if players don't time the pass well and run quickly the move is likely to break down. Can they perform the drill for 3 minutes without slowing the drill down? Allow time for further stretches at the end of the drill.

2 v 1 Decision Making in Attack

Age Group: 9-10 years old       Ability Level: Beginner       Gender: Boys

 

Equipment Required: Bibs, balls, cones

Aim of Session: To increase decision making in youth players in 2 v 1 situations. Learn how to use the numbers advantage in attack, when to pass or dribble? Running of the ball? Angle of the pass?

Overview: 2 v 1 situations happen all the time during soccer games. Decision making in these situations is vital to exploit the other teams defense and capitalize on the numbers advantage by scoring a goal. Coaching points:

Player off the ball:

1. Get wide to stretch the defender 

2. Be in a position where the player on the ball can see you

3. Move away to create a 1 v 1 for the player on the ball

4. Communicate

Player on the ball:

1. Decision making! Pass or dribble?

2. Fake to pass then dribble/vice versa

3. If you choose to pass stay open for the return

 

These concepts will be introduced gradually throughout the practice so not to overload the player with information and so they are given adequate time to work on each step, then hopefully with practice they will perform all of the above together to successfully go past there opponent in a 2 v 1 situation

Set Up

For this practice set up an area of 15x15 (may alter depending on age/ability of players), in the diagram I have 4 areas set up. In each area, on one side there are two goals at each side of the end zone - outlined by orange cones and on the other side there are small goals in the middle of the square. I have already set up my larger goals outside the practice area so I can introduce these at the end for the practice game.

Warm Up - Dribbling and Support Play

Instruction: Using two of the areas on the set up diagram (30x30square) have players in the square dribbling with the ball, working on close control, turns etc. On the outside have 2 or three defenders without a ball. On the coaches command the defenders must enter the box and try and steal the soccer balls and kick them out the square. This is good 1v1 practice. However when your ball is eliminated from the square you must quickly help a teammate out by supporting them and their ball (2 v 1) The exercise continues until the defenders get all the balls out the square. Change defenders each time.

Coaching Points: If your ball is kicked out the square react quickly to help a teammate. Call to let them know you are open. Pass and move, decision making.. pass or dribble?

Drill 1 - 2 Attackers v 1 Defender 

Instruction: Blue players act as defenders first. A blue player makes a good pass to one of the 2 red players lined up and quickly shuts the player down. The two red players must combined to go past the defender and finish with the ball under control over the blue players end zone (orange line in diagram). Give players a lot of shots to practice and switch players roles so everyone acts as attacking player with the ball, attacking player without the ball and defender.

Coaching Points: The attacker players will need to perform one of three things to go past a defender 2 v 1. A penetrating pass, a penetrating dribble, or a penetrating run.

• Penetrating pass - The off the ball attacker is open and a defense splitting pass will put him through

• Penetrating dribble - The on the ball player is 1 v 1 and can dribble the ball past the defender

• Penetrating run - Off the ball player has made a great run off the ball to take the defender away and leave space for the player on the ball to go through

Drill 2 - 2 Attackers v 1 Defender Progression 

Instruction: Using the same set up as before we now make things more challenging and give the players more to think about to increase decisions making. When the attacking players receive the ball they no longer must get over the orange line, but must get the ball through the mini goals at the opposing players end. This will encourage the attackers to get wide so to stretch the defense. Introducing the offside rule at this point is a good progression. It is a simple set up to show young players if the ball is passed when the second attacker is closer to the goal than the defender he is off course offside. Focus on the defender - instead of just clearing the ball, when he wins the ball can he start an attack? Simulate this by making the drill flow more - If the defender wins the ball, whoever he dispossessed must retreat out the game and another blue player must quickly come in and support to reverse the 2 v 1 in the other direction.

Coaching Points: Every couple of drills stop the drill and ask the players was that a penetrating run, pass or dribble? To aid there understanding and show the effectiveness of these methods. Communicate! If you are open for the ball signal using your hand to show were you are going to run. Speaking to each other is also great communication but introduce hand signals so not to give your move away to the other team.

Drill 3 - Introduce GK

Instruction: Another progression is to introduce the GK (use as many goals as possible to ensure maximum participation). A before the defender plays in the attackers who 2 v 1 try and score a goal.

Coaching Points: Get wide, decision making (penetrating pass/dribble or run?), do not be offside and communicate. It is also very important to stress that the attackers must use this numbers advantage while it exists, do not give the defenders time to get back and re-group then the 2 v 1 opportunity is gone. Score quickly, at the coaches discretion set time limits.

Conditioned Game

Instruction: Play a small sided games so 2 v 1 situations occur frequently. The condition on the following game is if you loose possession you as an individual must run around an outside marker before returning to the game. This means a defensive player will be out of the game for 6-7 seconds leaving the attackers with a numbers advantage.

Coaching Points: Quick decisions, exploit numbers advantage.

Posted 3 minutes ago by David Baird

 1 v 1 Attacking Principles

Age Group: 9-10 years old     Ability Level: Beginner     Gender: Boys

Equipment Required: Bibs, balls, cones

Aim of Session: To learn, practice and improve taking on an opponent in a 1 v 1 situation.

Overview: 1 v 1 situations happen all the time during soccer games, this practice is developed to build confidence in young players and help them practice (hopefully with some success) the key formula to going past a player when in this situation. When faced with an opposition player trying to steal the ball, it is a combination of three things you need to go past them;

1. Close Control

2. Change of Direction

3. Change of Speed

These concepts will be introduced gradually throughout the practice so not to overload the player with information and so they are given adequate time to work on each step, then hopefully with practice they will perform all of the above together to successfully go past there opponent in a 1 v 1 situation.

 Set Up 

This practice will involve players working in pairs. A player should partner up with someone wearing a different coloured bib and you will need one ball between two for this session. Pairs work together in a squared area, here I have used 10x10 but each individual coach will make a judgement on the dimensions for 1 v 1 situations depending on age and ability level of the group. Set up as many squares as required for this 1 v 1 session. I have already set up goals so not to disrupt the practice later.

Drill 1 - Close Control

Instruction: The red players starts with the ball, on the coaches command the red player must try and hit the blue players feet with the ball, without the ball going outside the square (this will stop kids kicking the ball too hard as if the ball goes outside the square they loose). As the blue player moves around the tight area to stay away from the ball this will encourage the player on the ball to keep the ball close in order to move/turn quickly and chase the player while keeping there head up and on the opposing player. Switch roles. (for young kids you can put a bib in as a 'tail' to catch instead of kicking the ball.)

Coaching Points: Red player keep the ball close to feet so you can move it quickly, encourage use of all parts of the foot (inside, outside, sole, laces).

Blue player never turn your back on the ball, keep your eyes on the ball and work on quick feet, fakes and explosive movement without the ball.

Drill 2 - Change Direction and Change Pace

Instruction: Player line up on opposite sides of the area, with the markers acting as an end zone. The blue player feeds the ball to the red and then acts as a defender shutting the ball down quickly. The red player must demonstrate good close control when he receives the ball and then the aim is to try and get past the approaching defender and stop the ball under control over the blue players end zone. Switch Roles

Coaching Points: Encourage the attacking player to go past defender quickly, first time! If you do not get past within 4 seconds in a game it is likely the chance will be gone as the other team will have time to get players back. To go past quickly - approach defender at 75% pace, change your direction when you get closer the player and change your pace to 100%. Encourage attacker to perform fakes (drop shoulder, step overs) and show them when you break these moves down they are essentially the same thing, change direction (fake one way and go the other) then change pace (to catch defender of guard and so he can't catch you once you are past)

Drill 3 - Attacking Competition

Instruction: This time players line up diagonally on opposite cones, the blue player passes to the red who is the attacker to start. The attacking player is attempting to go by the oncoming defender (blue player). The scoring system is as follows; the attacking player gets 1 point if he can successfully get to the cone to the right or the left with the ball under control and having not been tackled by the blue player. If the attacker can get to the cone behind the defender he will get 3 points. Each player has 5 goes and score is kept to determine a winner. This can easily be turned into a tournament with winners moving up grids.

Coaching Points: Close control, change direction, change pace! Attackers should control the ball quickly with there first touch taking them forward in the direction they wish to go, if they attack one marker and the defender follows, quickly change direction and pace to get to the other marker before the defender has time to adapt. If the defender does not fall for the attackers fake then the attacker has a head start on the marker he is already pursuing. Let players be creative, who can do double fakes and step overs, make up their own moves and give them names and try new things, perfect them before the next game.

Conditioned Game

Instruction: Once the skill of 1 v 1 attacking has been practiced, put it into a conditioned game for the players to use the skills they have learned in a game type atmosphere. Play a small sided game 4 v 4 or 5 v 5 with goalkeepers who you can rotate as desired. In this game if the team in possession pass the ball forward they concede a free kick, they can only pass back. This means the only way to get the ball up the field to approach the other teams goal is to dribble with the ball and beat players in the 1 v 1 situation practiced. It is also a good game to develop young players the concept of passing the ball backwards to go forwards.

 Coaching Points: Close control, change of direction and change of pace.