Organization:

Area: 20y x 20y 

Set up two rows of cones about 12 yards from the goal. The activity starts with a pass from the endline to the shooter. The shooter then dribbles through the cones and finishes. After shooting, each player becomes the goalkeeper. You can also set up a short line of players to rotate into the goal.

Game: Keep individual or team scores.

Focus Points:

• Dribbling technique. Use inside /outside of the foot 

• Passing technique, with the correct speed to the correct foot 

• Communcation: ask for the pass

• Shooting technique. Inside foot, placement

• Scoring

Organization:

Area: 20y x 15y

The defender dribbles onto the field and passes the ball across to the attacker to start the 1v1. If the defender wins the ball, they can score on the other goal.

Variations: The defender makes a 1v1 move before passing the ball to the attacker. Score on small goals without goalkeepers.

Game: Players keep track of the goals they score.

Focus Points:

• Passing and receiving technique.

• Dribbling technique.

• 1v1 attacking and defending.

• Shooting technique.

• Scoring.

• Score as quickly as possible after winning the ball from the attacker. 

Organization:

Area: 20y x 12y

The teams start on opposite endlines with a line of players at each post. The defending team passes the ball across the field to the attackers to start the 2v2. After each turn, the players switch sides.

Game: Keep track of the goals scored. Which pair scores the most goals?

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, when you count the goalkeeper as a defender, by forcing the attacker with the ball to the sideline and making the angle smaller and smaller to help the goalkeeper.
• 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 20y

The attacking team starts with two plus the GK in its own half versus two defenders. In the other half, three attackers play versus two defenders and a GK. Play starts in the defending half, with the attackers looking to pass to a teammate in the other half. When successful, the attackers can finish on goal. When the defenders win the ball, they can go into the other half and create a 4v2+GK. When the ball goes out of bounds, pass or dribble the ball back in.

Game: Play two games of five minutes, switch sides, and keep track of the score.

Focus Points:

• Building up in 3v2 and creating scoring chances in 3v2+GK.
• Keeping field wide in attack. Value the ball.
• Role of first and second defender.  

Technical Skills:

• Passing and receiving (furthest foot, and receiving forward into space)
• Dribbling skills
• 1v1 skills, attacking and defending.
• Shooting, finishing

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: 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.