Set Up:

Diagram 1: Two pairs of players are stationed at opposite ends, passing back and forth across the field. When the deep player receives (Player 1), he plays an up and back combination with his support player (Player 2) and then passes across to the other pair. He can play long to the opposite deep player (Player 4) or short to the support player (Player 3).

Diagram 2: If Player 1 plays the short ball to Player 3, Player 2 must run into the center to receive a back pass from Player 3. From there, Player 2 plays the last pass across to Player 4. The sequence begins again from there with an up and back combo between Players 3 and 4.

Coaching Points:

1    Passing Angles – Play the back pass off to the side, leading your partner into that space.

2    Ball Striking – Long passes should be struck with the instep, putting back spin on the ball.

3    Vision – Before striking the pass, look up one more time and check for the target.  

Progressions:

1   Add another player on each end, continue drill in two groups of three.                                                                                

Organization:

Area: 25y x 15y

Place two small goals on each end line of a narrow field. One attacker starts high up the field with a defender in back. The other two attackers start down low on the opposite end line, and the other defender starts in the center. The 3v2 begins with a pass from the coach to one of the low attackers. When the ball goes out of bounds, the attackers must pass the ball back in. The defenders can dribble the ball back in.

Game: Keep track of score.

Focus Points:

Attacking:

• Deep player stays deep, moves left/right to get open.

• Think Deep!

• Good possession-play in the buildup to prepare for deep ball.

• Direct play or receive first?

• Movement of the attacker after the layoff

• Keep the field large. 

Defending:

• Pressure on the ball.

• Cut off the passing lane to the deep player.

• Tight on the receiver of the long ball.

Transition Attacking to Defending

• Try to win the ball back as quickly as possible. 5-Second Rule. 
• Make the field small.
• Pressure the ball.
• Protect own goal.

Transition Defending to Attacking

• Explode away after winning the ball, quick pass or dribble into space. 
• Make the field large quickly.
• Create a scoring chance as quickly as possible. 

Organization:

Area: 30y x 20y

The teams play 4v4 with small goals in each corner. Each team stations a player between the two goals to be the bouncer for the team. When players score directly from a pass from their bouncer, the goal counts double. Rotate bouncers every couple minutes. When the ball goes out of bounds, pass the ball back in.

Game: Keep track of the score.

Focus Points:

Attacking:

Goal: Build up, create scoring chances and score goals. 

• Make the field large and create space in depth and width. 

• Look to play the ball deep; go forward. Find the bouncer.

• Keep ball possession

• Maintain a good team shape / formation

Defending:

Goal: Disrupt the buildup, win the ball back, avoid goals against.

• The whole team makes the field small by moving towards the ball (High Pressure).

• Pressure the player on the ball.

• Mark tight in the area of the ball.

• Positional or zonal marking further away from the ball. 

• Stay active as long as possible. Back pressure) 

Transition Attacking to Defending:

• Win ball back as quickly as possible - 5 Second Rule.

• Protect your own goal quickly.

• Be organized defensively while attacking. 

Transition Defending to Attacking:  

• Quick goal-oriented action. Try to create a scoring chance as quickly as possible -10 Second Rule. 

• Explode and connect the first pass after winning the ball. Reaction.

• While the other team is in ball possession, certain players should anticipate the possibility of a turnover and to ATTACK. 

Game:

Keep track of the score. 

Organization:

Area: 40y x 25y

The two teams play with four field players and a GK, with wall players next to both goals. Players can use the wall players when attacking. When the ball goes out over the sideline, pass the ball back in. A goal counts double when it is scored directly off of a pass from a wall player. After a goal is scored, rotate wall players in.

Game: Keep track of the score.

Coaching Points:

Transition when losing the ball:

• Reaction! 5 second rule. Blitz. Keep pressuring.

Transition when winning the ball:

• Explode! Quick pass or dribble into space.

• Players away from the ball move and create space quickly.

Organization:

Area: 60y x 40y

Create two teams and play 7v7 (six plus a GK), with both teams playing in a 1-2-3-1 formation. Regular soccer rules apply.

Game: Keep track of the score.

Coaching Points:

Attackers:

• In ball possession, make the field large and get into the correct build up shape.

Defenders:

• When the opponent has the ball, make the field small by moving towards the ball and pressuring the ball

Transition: 

• After winning the ball, look to play the ball forward, one touch in transition, or explode with a dribble into space. 
• After losing the ball, try to win the ball back asap.