Build Up w/Fullbacks - U18

Organization:

Area: 20y x 10y

Create two rows of players who work in pairs during the exercise.

Players jog around the cone and back, followed by performing a variety of dynamic movements, such as heel kicks, knee lifts, side steps, karaoke steps, skipping (include arm movements), backwards jogging and running, bounding steps, plant and cuts and so forth. 

When working with couples add shoulder bumps, circling around partner. 

Finish with several sprints of varying intensity.

Variation: Finish the warmup with a tag game.

Coaching Points:

• Proper execution of the movements.

• Focus and concentration.

Organization:

Area: Half field

Use a large goal with a GK and place two or three small goals or targets on the halfway line.  Use the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 positions (GK, defenders and midfielders). Instead of using small goals, the forwards could be the targets for the fullbacks to play into. The goalkeeper can play the ball on the ground or through the air.

Pattern 1 (purple): GK passes to the fullback. The fullback receives the ball forward, combines with a deep player and places the ball into a small goal. 

Pattern 2 (black): GK to the fullback. The fullback plays ball into 10, who passes to 6 or 8. The 6 or 8 pass the o deep going fullback, who passes into a small goal.  

Pattern 3 (red): GK to fullback. Fullback passes to 10. 10 passes to 6 or 8, who pass the ball to the forward running fullback on the other side, who passes the ball into a small goal on the halfway line. 

Variations: Start the pattern with a back pass from a defender of midfielder to the goalkeeper. To add some difficulty to the pattern, place obstacles on the field, such as mannequins, large cones or soccer bags. 

Focus Points: 

• GK passes with the correct speed to the correct foot, through the air or on the ground
• The fullback receives the ball forward and makes the ball pass ready with the first touch  
• Pass ball forward with the correct speed and to the correct foot
• Players moved forward when the ball goes forward
• Communication, verbal and nonverbal

Organization:

Area: Half field, full width.

The attacking team plays with a goalkeeper, four defenders and three midfielders.  The defending team plays with three defenders, one midfielder and one forward.  The attackers score on three small goals on the halfway line.  The buildup starts with the goalkeeper who tries to find one of the two fullbacks directly. 

In the beginning of the game the fullbacks are left open, and the first touch is free. After several minutes take this away and it becomes a regular game. 

Variation: 

Game: Keep track of the score. 

Focus Points:

• Take up the correct build up shape

• GK passes with the correct speed to the correct foot, through the air or on the ground

• The fullback receives the ball forward and makes the ball pass ready with the first touch  

• Pass ball forward with the correct speed and to the correct foot

• Players move forward when the ball goes forward

• Communication, verbal and nonverbal

Organization: 

Area: Half field plus 10 yards, full width

The attacking team plays with a goalkeeper, four defenders and three midfielders and score on three small goals.  The defenders play with four defenders, one midfielder and two forwards and score on the large goal. Regular soccer rules.

Variation: Instead of scoring on three small goals, set up a second large goal with a goalkeeper and play 8v8.  A goal only counts when all players of the scoring team are over the halfway line (use two large cones) at the moment of scoring.  

Game: Keep track of the score. 

Focus Points:

• GK tries to find the outside back directly

• Receiving into space

• Passing deep

• Players move forward when the ball moves forward

Organization:

Area: From goalbox to goalbox, full width minus 7y on each side. 

Two teams play in 1-3-3-2, 1-3-2-3 or 1-4-3-1 formation. 

Game: Keep track of the score. 

Variations: Goal counts double when it is scored within ten seconds of turn over. Goal only counts when the whole team is on the opponent's half when the goal is scored. Dribble or pass the ball in when it goes out of bound.