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: 20y x 30y

The teams play 2v2+GK. A defender begins play by dribbling the ball onto the field and making a 1v1 move before passing the ball across to an attacker. The turn ends when a goal is scored or the ball goes over the end line. Continue the game when the goalkeeper makes a save. When the ball goes over the sideline, players can pass or dribble the ball back in. Players switch sides after each turn. Rotate goalkeepers every couple minutes.

Game: Keep track of the score. Switch sides after six minutes.

Focus Points:

• Dribbling technique.

• 1v1 moves.

• Passing technique. 

• Shooting technique.

Attacking

• Keep the field wide. 

• Go for 1v1 move or pass?

• Creative runs, overlaps, give and go.

• Finishing. 

• Value the ball.

Defending

• First defender runs to the attacker with the ball, but not too wild. Don't get beat with a pass or 1v1 move. Pressure the ball.

• The second defender gives cover to the first defender. 

• The first defender can force the ball to the sides or to towards the other second defender. 

• The first defender can turn the 1v1 into a 2v1 (defender + goalkeeper) by forcing the attacker with the ball to the sideline. Make the angle for the shot as small as possible. Guide attacker to and over the endline. 

• Win the ball back at the right moment. 

Transition Attacking to Defending

• Try to win the ball back as quickly as possible.  5-Second Rule. 

• Run to the player with the ball.

• Run after the player with the ball. 

• Make the field small together. 

• Protect the goal. 

• Block shots.

Transition Defending to Attacking

• Explode and quickly dribble forward or pass forward. 

• Try to create a scoring chance as quickly as possible. 

• Keep ball possession. 

 

 

 Organization:

Area: 30y x 18y

Play a 4v4 game, with two teams of three field players plus the GK. When the ball goes out of bounds, dribble or pass the ball back in.

Game: Keep track of the score.

Focus Points

• In ball possession get into a large diamond shape.
• Building up, find the extra player and space. 

 

Technical:

• Passing and receiving skills.
• Dribbling and running with the ball.
• Turning and shielding the ball.
• 1v1 skills, attacking and defending.
• Shooting, scoring. 

 

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.

• 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. 

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.