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
Individual Defending Cone
Setup: TRAINING AREA - 10W x 15L. Place (1) cone at each end of the space. Player with the ball should try to dribble forward and knock over the cone. If the defender wins the ball, they can advance to other opposite cone.
Goal: The attacking player tries to dribble past the defender and knock over the cone at the far end. If the defender wins the ball, they become the attacker and try to knock over the cone at the opposite end. Players swap roles after each turn.
Coaching Points
- Cover the space with long strides, and decrease speed/strides as you approach the ball
- Angle of approach for defending should force the ball in ONE DIRECTION - angle, or curve run
- While defending, slow down, get down, stay down - bend knees, place weight on toes to adjust feet/body as the ball moves
Activity 2
Small-Sided Activity
3v3 Score on Four Goals
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 20W x 30L. Place (2) cones 3 yards apart in each corner forming a "goal" for a total of (4) goals. Red players to white. While the ball travels, the team who did not receive the ball runs on to defend against the team in possession. Both teams score by passing/shooting the ball through the "goals."
Goal: Both teams can attack any of the 4 corner goals at any time. The team without the ball must immediately press to defend. Score by passing or shooting through any of the cone goals. The team with the most goals at the end wins.
Coaching Points
- Player closest to the ball = 1st defender (pressure direct the ball)
- Player closest to the pressuring defender = 2nd defender (support the ball)
- Player furthest from the ball = 3rd player (balancing defender)
- "Fishhook" defensive shape (NIKE SIGN)
Activity 3
Expanded Small-Sided Activity
4v4 Four Goal Game
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Place (2) cones 3 yards apart in each two corners forming a "goal" for a total of (4) goals. Score by passing the ball through the goal
Goal: Both teams attack and defend all 4 corner goals simultaneously. Score by passing the ball through any of the cone goals. Teams must organize their defensive shape to cover multiple goals while looking for attacking opportunities.
Coaching Points
- Player closest to the ball = 1st defender (pressure direct the ball)
- Player closest to the pressuring defender = 2nd defender (support the ball)
- Player furthest from the ball = 3rd player (balancing defender)
- "Fishhook" defensive shape (NIKE SIGN)
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.