Reaction and Press - U18

Organization

• Area: 10 x 10 yards

• Setup: Each player has a ball and dribbles freely inside the grid.

• Activity: The coach stands outside the grid and calls out a 1v1 move, fast footwork skill, or turning move.

  • Players immediately perform the skill, then resume dribbling at a pace faster than walking.

  • Use juggling as an active rest or recovery activity.

Variation

• Instead of the coach, a player can call out the skill or command.

• Add additional cues such as “Take Over”, “Speed Dribble”, or others — encourage creativity.

Focus Points

• Dribbling Skills: Keep the ball close and under control.

• Turning Skills: Use both feet and multiple turns (inside, outside, drag back, Cruyff, etc.).

• 1v1 Moves: Execute with speed and confidence.

• Ball Mastery: Continuous touches, rhythm, and coordination.

• Spatial Awareness: Dribble into open space, avoid bunching, and maintain awareness of others.

Organization:

Area: 12y x 10y

Set up a small field with a large goal on one endline and large cones on the other. The defender passes the ball from the halfway line to start the 1v1. The attacker tries to score on the large goal. After winning the ball, the defender scores by dribbling over the endline. Switch positions after each turn.

Variation: Use a GK and rotate positions; the attacker becomes the GK, the GK the defender, and the defender the attacker.

Game: Keep individual or team scores.

Focus Points:

Defending

• Block shots.
• Protect your own goal. 
• Pressure the ball and win it back.

Attacking

• Touch the ball forward as you receive and try to score as quickly as possible. 
• If the shot is not possible, beat the defender with a 1v1 move.

Transition Defending to Attacking

• After winning the ball, quickly score with a dribble over the endline. 

Transition Attacking to Defending

• Immediate reaction and try to win the ball back as quickly as possible. 

Organization:

Area: Half Field

Create two teams of five and place a neutral player near each sideline. During play, one team tries to keep possession using the neutrals and the goalkeepers to create a 9v5 advantage. When the defenders win the ball, they can try to score in either of the large goals. Switch roles after a goal is scored or after a certain amount of time.

Game: Play two times six minutes. Keep track of the score and see which team gets the least goals against in 12 minutes.

Coaching Points:

Attacking Team:

• Make field large and play in ball possession

• After your team loses the ball, immediately BLITZ.

• When you win the ball during the blitz: One touch in transition.

Defending Team:

• Stay together, work together, work hard and attack the ball at the right moment; bad pass, pass through the air, when ball is in corner.

• When you win the ball, quickly try to score.

Organization:

Area: 40y x 25y

Two teams play 5v5 (4+GK), starting in 2-1-1 formation. When the ball goes out of bounds, restart with dribble or pass.

When working with multiple teams, rotate teams in and out when a goal is scored (winner stays on) or every couple of minutes.

Place the resting team on both sidelines with soccer balls, so they can bring in a ball quickly when they go out of bounds. This will keep the game tempo high. 

Game: Keep track of the score.

Coaching Points:

• When the opponent is in possession, make the field small.

• When your own team is in possession, make the field large.

• After losing the ball, try to win it back as quickly as possible.

• After winning the ball try to go forward as quickly as possible to create a scoring chance. Ten Second Rule. 

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.