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
4v2 Possession & Penetration
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 12W x 12L. Place (1) play on the outside of the space, on each side of the square. Position (2) defenders inside the space. The defenders may not leave the space, but can block, or intercept passes.
Goal: Four outside players (one on each side of the 12-yard square) keep the ball away from the two defenders trapped inside. The attackers score by stringing consecutive passes, holding possession for a set time, and splitting passes between the two defenders. The defenders score by deflecting or intercepting passes, or by winning the ball and dribbling out of the square under control.
Coaching Points
- Defensive pressure on the ball (speed, body stance, angle, distance)
- Approach quickly to the ball - long strides
- Slow down as you approach the ball - short, choppy strides
- Bend knees, weight on toes when pressuring the ball
- Move feet, hips, and head as the offensive player moves the ball
Activity 2
Small-Sided Activity
3v3 to One Goal
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 20W x 30L. Place (2) tall cones on each end-line 5 yards apart making (1) goal on each endline. Red v White. Score by passing the ball on the ground through the goal. Variations: Play for set period of time; Play to a specific number (#) of goals; Double points if goal comes after a steal; -Double points if a goal comes after an interception
Goal: Two teams of three attack the 5-yard cone goal on their opponent's end line and defend their own. A goal counts only when the ball is passed along the ground through the goal (not in the air). Goals are worth double if they come right after winning the ball by a steal or an interception, which rewards fast transition to attack.
Coaching Points
- Defensive pressure on the ball (speed, body stance, angle, distance)
- Who: The 2nd defender, or player who is closest to their teammate defending the ball
- Why: The 2nd defender can help to cover any mistakes made by the 1st defender
Activity 3
Expanded Small-Sided Activity
5v5 to One Goal
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Place (1) goal on each end-line for teams to attack.
Goal: Two teams of five play to a full goal on each end line, scoring by putting the ball into the goal. Goals count double when they come right after a steal or an interception, so winning the ball and attacking quickly is rewarded. Play for time or to a set number of goals.
Coaching Points
- Defensive pressure on the ball (speed, body stance, angle, distance)
- Who: The 2nd defender, or player who is closest to their teammate defending the ball
- Why: The 2nd defender can help to cover any mistakes made by the 1st defender
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.