Dealing with a Numerical Disadvantage

Organization:

Use large cones as starting points for the two lines, and for a gate set up five yards away from the start. A line of small cones is placed at each end, in line with the players' dribbling runs.

Description:

Players receive passes made thru the gate and dribble towards the opposite end. When they reach the other end, they make their pass thru the gate and run over the short line of cones, moving laterally with high knees.  

Focus Points:

• Running onto the pass.

• First touch.

• Running with the ball.

Set Up:

Part One: Player 1 dribbles from the end line towards the opposite goal, and then combines with Player 2. After the combo, Player 1 passes up to Player 3, who lays the ball off to Player 2 for the finish. Player 1 rotates into the center, and the drill continues, starting with Player 4. Players 3 and 5 remain in their positions during the drill as the other four players shuttle back and forth across the field.    

Part Two: Defenders are added in each half of the field, and the drill begins in the same pattern as the previous finishing drill. After the players combine in the center, the ball is passed into the attacking half to create a 2v1 to goal. Again, Players 3 and 5 remain in their positions (along with the defenders) as the other players shuttle across the field. During the drill, players switch into different roles every 5 minutes.

Coaching Points:

 1.  Communication – Make the verbal and visual cues early so that all three attackers know which combination is on.  

2.  Runs Off the Ball – Stay away from the midfield line and create space that you can run back into in order to receive.

3.  Decision Making – Both attackers in the 2v1 should be looking for quick finishes on goal, with a minimum amount of passes made.  

Progressions:

1.  Two teams play 4v4, with 2v2’s in each half. Players can follow their own pass across to create a 3v2 advantage.

Set Up:  

There are 17 players set up in the attacking third, with the attackers starting at the cones, and the defenders starting near the penalty spot. To begin play, the Feeder passes to any of the three attackers, and the defenders can move with his first touch. Play continues 3v2 from there. If the defenders win the ball, they can score in the two small goals set up outside of the penalty area. On goals or balls put out of play, the Feeder re-starts the drill with the next set of players.

Coaching Points:

1.  Close the distance while the ball is moving, and then stop 3-5 yards from the attacker.

2.  Shut down the passing lanes with a curved run, and force the attacker to play 1v1.

3.  The goalkeeper must send defenders to the ball quickly and aggressively.

Progressions: 

1.  A third defender comes onto the field after the third pass.

Organization:

Area: 30y x 20y

Players start next to the goals. The game starts with an attacker dribbling the ball onto the field and shooting from halfway the field (1v0). After the shot, two players run out to receive a ball from the goalkeeper and then start a 2v1 into the opposite direction. Upon completion, two new players quickly run onto the field to make it a 3v2 in the other direction. Upon completion, one player runs onto the field to create a 3v3 game. The game is over when a team scores. The other team then starts the next round with the 1v0. When the ball goes out, restart play by dribbling or passing the ball back onto the field.

Variation: Game can go up to 4v4. After 2v3 play 4v3 to 4v4.

Game: Keep track of the goals scored.

Coaching Points:

Attacking: Build Up

Transition: Attacking to Defending; Quick reaction after losing the ball

Defending: Pressure / Cover / Balance principles, 1v1 Defending, staying compact.

Transition: Defending to Attacking: Explode and quick first pass in transition.

Technical:

• Passing and Receiving

• Moves and Dribbling

• Finishing

Tactical:

• Team Shape

• Movement to keep ball possession. Use goalie.

• Defending:

• Can we turn a 2v1 into a 1v1 by forcing opponent to the side.

• Recognizing the moment of pressure, winning the ball

Organization: 

Area: Half field, five to eight yards less than full width.

Create two teams and play seven plus a goalkeeper. Both teams play in a 1-3-1-3 formation.  

Game: Keep track of the score.

Variations: 

1. Add a player and play in a 1-3-2-3 formation

Focus Points:

Defending:

• Make fields small together. 
• Role of defenders: pressure, cover, balance.
• Shifting, sliding, pushing up, dropping off.
• Keep correct distances between the defenders.
• Win the ball back at the right moment. 

Attacking:

• Make the field large.
• Value the ball but playing deep goes over playing wide. 
• Support the attacker on the ball. Make creative runs. 
• Try to beat opponent in 1v1s or with quick combination plays
• Create scoring chances and score. 

Transition:

• After losing the ball, win it back as quickly as possible. Five Second Rule. 
• After winning the ball, explode, go forward and try to create a scoring c hance within 10 seconds.