Team A
Team B
Goalkeeper
Joker (+1, always plays for the team with the ball)
Ball
Cone
Pass
Dribble
Run
Shot
Activity 1
Technical Warm-Up
Dribbling Moves in Space
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. All players in the space have a ball at their feet. Freely dribble throughout the space, performing individual moves. On coaches command players can perform: Inside-Outside, Step-over & go, pull-push-go, outside cut, inside cut, etc.
Goal: Each player dribbles their own ball around the whole space, keeping close control and their head up. On the coach's call, everyone performs the named move (inside-outside, step-over and go, pull-push-go, outside cut, inside cut), then accelerates the ball into open space. There is no scoring: the aim is clean, confident repetitions of each move.
Coaching Points
- Dribble with the outside of your foot to accelerate into open space with the ball away from your body (toe down, heel up)
- Dribble with the inside of your foot to change directions, or maintain possession closer to your body to keep it away from your opponents (heel down, toe up)
- Where: Into open space by changing direction and speed
- When: The moment space becomes available and I recognize that I can enter it
Activity 2
Small-Sided Activity
4v4 Endzone Soccer
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Build a small "endzone" at each end of the field = 30W x 5L. Score by dribbling into the endzone. Players can only enter the endzone if they are dribbling the ball, or recovering defensively after the person dribbling the ball. 1pt. = dribble into endzone under control; 2pts = beat (1) opponent, and dribble into the endzone under control; 5pts = beat more than (1) opponent, and dribble into endzone under control; **Play to 10pts.
Goal: Teams score by dribbling the ball under control into the endzone they are attacking; you may only enter an endzone while dribbling the ball, or while recovering to defend the dribbler. Points reward beating opponents on the way in: 1 point for dribbling in under control, 2 points if you beat one defender first, and 5 points if you beat more than one defender first. First team to 10 points wins.
Coaching Points
- Keep your head up when receiving the ball, or in possession to identify areas of the field to penetrate with the dribble
- If there is space behind a defender, look to dribble and change direction to unbalance the defender
- What: Recognizing 1v1 situations to try and beat your opponent
- Where: Open space in front, and behind the defender
Activity 3
Expanded Small-Sided Activity
5v5 to Two Goals
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 50W x 60L. Place (1) large goal at one end of the field and (3) small goals made from cones at the other end of the field, approximately 3 yards wide. Position balls at each of the field for easy access. Play for set period of time, or number of goals (determined by coach). Players scoring on the small goals, score by passing the ball through the cones. 1pt. = score a goal; 2pt = beat (1) opponent, and score a goal; 5pts = beat more than (1) opponent, and score a goal
Goal: One team attacks the single large goal by shooting into it; the other team attacks the three cone goals by passing the ball through any set of cones. Either way, points reward beating defenders before you finish: 1 point for scoring, 2 points if you beat one opponent first, and 5 points if you beat more than one opponent first. Play for the time or number of goals the coach sets.
Coaching Points
- Dribble with speed & change directions when attacking open space, or an alone defender
- Look to pass, and keep possession if there are several defenders around/near the ball
- Who: The player with the ball
- Why: Taking players off the dribble will open up space for teammates throughout the rest of the field
Activity 4
Game
Goal: Apply what you practiced today in a real game.
Play a scrimmage with the biggest teams possible, or play small-sided if you have fewer players or less space. Reinforce all points above.