Organization:

Area: 15y x 15y

Set up a square of small cones with a large cone in the center. Players start at the outside cones. The first two players opposite each other dribble to the center cone and make a 1v1 move close to the cone. After the move, they continue to dribble to the other side. When they finish, the other two corners start. Players must make sure to go in the same direction with their move (right or left) at the cone otherwise they bump into each other.

Moves: Step Over, Scissors, Sidestep, Drag/Push, Matthews and so forth.

Focus on technical execution of the dribble and the 1v1 move. Explode after making the move. 

Organization:

Area: 20y x 10y

The players are 1v1, with the attacker scoring on a small goal while the defender scores on a large goal with a goalkeeper. The game starts with the attacker dribbling the ball onto the field. For U12 age groups: after shooting at goal, the attacker becomes the goalkeeper. When the ball goes over the sideline, dribble the ball back in. The turn is over when a goal is scored or the ball goes wide over the endline. Rotate positions after each turn.

Game: Players keep track of the number of goals they score.

Focus Points:

• Dribbling skills, 1v1 moves, finishing.
• 1v1 defending.
• Quick transition from defending to attacking. 
• Quick scoring - 10 Second Rule
• Quick transition from attacking to defending.
• Run to the attacker with the ball and pressure the ball.
• Try to win the ball back within 5 seconds. 

Organization:  

Area: 20y x 20y

Set up a field with one small goal and one large goal. One player starts as a goalkeeper. The defenders start next to the small goal. The 1v1 begins when an attacker dribbles the ball onto the field and attacks the small goal. When the defender wins the ball, a second defender runs onto the field to create a 2v1. The defenders have ten seconds to score a goal. Switch sides after five minutes.

Game: Play two x five minutes and keep track of the score

Focus Points:

• Dribbling skills, 1v1 moves, finishing.
• 1v1 defending.
• Quick transition from defending to attacking. 
• Quick scoring - 10 Second Rule
• Quick transition from attacking to defending.
• Run to the attacker with the ball and pressure the ball.
• Try to win the ball back within 5 seconds. 
• 1v2 defending. Cut off passing lane between the two attackers. 
• Force the attacker on the ball to the side of the field. 
• Make angle to the goal smaller and smaller to make it easier for the goalkeeper to make a save. Work together, 
• Block shots.

 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.