Team A
Team B
Goalkeeper (Team A)
Goalkeeper (Team B)
Joker: An extra attacking player who always plays for whichever team has the ball, so the team in possession is always a player up.
Ball
Cone
Pass
Dribble
Run
Shot
Activity 1
Technical Warm-Up
Zone Penetration Dribbling
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Make (3) zones in the space. The endzones of the space = 30W x 10L, with the middle zone = 30W x 20L. Each player has a ball in the space. On coach's command players are to dribble under control into a new zone. In order to enter the zone they perform a move: Step over & go; Scissors; Double Scissors; Outside or Inside foot cut; Drag-push-go
Goal: On the coach's signal, each player dribbles from their current zone into a new zone by executing one of the designated moves (step over, scissors, double scissors, outside or inside cut, drag-push-go) to enter the new zone under control.
Coaching Points
- First touch should be into space with the outside of the foot (laces) - quickly accelerate to ball
- Take a touch with each step (outside of the foot)
- Keep weight on toes, knees bent to change direction quickly
- What: Dribble to penetrate into a new zone/open space
- Where: The angle of the 1st touch when penetrating should allow the player to dribble at speed with long strides
Activity 2
Small-Sided Activity
4v4 Three Zones One Goal
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Make (3) zones in the space. The end zones of the space = 30W x 10L, with the middle zone = 30W x 20L. Each player has a ball in the space. Place (2) cones on the end-line 8 yards wide making (1) goal for each team to attack. Players can not enter the final attacking zone unless it is with the dribble. When the offense dribbles in to the final attacking zone, only (1) defender can follow. This will set up a 1v1 in the attack space. Red (4) v White (4). Score by dribbling through the cones
Goal: Attackers build through the middle zone and must dribble (not pass) into the final attacking zone to score by dribbling through the cone goal. Once an attacker enters the final zone, only 1 defender may follow, creating a 1v1 finishing situation.
Coaching Points
- Head up as the ball travels to you to receive the pass
- Position the body with open position to attack multiple angles, and weight on toes
- When: The moment the player with the ball identifies available space to attack & enter
- Why: Space behind the defender allows for more scoring chances if successful dribble penetration occurs
Activity 3
Expanded Small-Sided Activity
4v4 Three Zones One Goal
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Make (3) zones in the space. The end zones of the space = 30W x 10L, with the middle zone = 30W x 20L. Each player has a ball in the space. Place (1) goal on each end-line for each team to attack. Players can not enter the final attacking zone unless it is with the dribble. When the offense dribbles in to the final attacking zone, only (1) defender can follow. This will set up a 1v1 in the attack space. Players can shoot the ball in the middle zone of the space. Red (4) v White (4). Score by shooting the ball through the goal.
Goal: Teams score by shooting into the goal. Players may shoot from the middle zone or dribble into the final attacking zone (1v1 against the one allowed defender) to shoot. The final zone can only be entered via dribble, not a pass.
Coaching Points
- If there is space behind the defender = dribble penetration
- If there is space in front of the attacker = dribble to shoot on goal
- Allow the ball to be received across the body - Push ball out away from the body to take space (dribble or shot)
- Take touch with inside of the foot away from pressure - backwards, or side ways to maintain possession
Activity 4
Game
Goal: Apply what you practiced today in a real game.
Finish with a 9v9 game applying today's formation and focus. If you have fewer players, play the largest small-sided game your numbers allow. Reinforce all the points above.