VAA Soccer

Spring Player Clinic – 2006

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions for Clinic Coaches

Introduction

            Welcome to the first semi-annual VAA Players Clinic.  We have created this drill and lesson plan to provide age-specific exercises for players at various skill levels.

            The clinic will last 3-hours.  The children will be at each station for about 25 minutes.  They’ll have 5 minutes to move between stations and get some water or snacks.

            The 5 skill stations are:

 

Grade 1&2 Players

Introduction

These players are beginners.  There will be a huge difference between players in ability, attention span and coordination levels.  Realistically they are:

For these players we are going to keep all the games and drills very basic.  The exercises will mainly have one ball per player or one ball per two players.

Station 1: Passing, Trapping and Throw-Ins

Exercise 1

Divide players into two lines (A&B).  Lines about 20 feet apart.  Each player about 5 feet apart.  Pair up players.  Pass back and forward.  Observe and coach on technique.  Allow several touches.  Discourage backing up and kicking.  Encourage players to move to the ball.  Every few passes, have Line A shift right one player so the players change partners frequently.

Some players will be able to do a push pass (side of foot).  Some won’t.  Try to get them to make either push pass or instep pass.  At this point let them stop the ball anyway they can, but if you see a child using inside or outside of the foot to stop the ball, point that out and praise them.

After players have passed a number of times, have them switch to throw-ins.  Be sure the ball is held evenly in both hands.  The ball should be brought back over the head, touched to the back of the neck, and thrown straight ahead without spinning.  Players can step forward and drag the back leg, but both feet must remain on the ground during the throw.  This is a very important skill!

Duration 10 minutes.

Water Break – 1-2 minutes

Exercise 2 – Pass by Numbers

a.         Break the players into groups of no more than 6.  Set up several mini-fields about 10ydsX10yds.  One group to each mini field.  In each group have the children number off from 1-6.    Instruct the groups to begin moving around.  Hand ball to player 1 in each group.  Have 2 call out their number.  1 runs to 2 and hands ball to 2.  3 calls out – 2 hands the ball to 3 and so one.  Do this several times – Until each group has this down pat.

b.                  Same as a. but now players use their feet.  1 moves with ball at their feet and gives it to 2.  2-3 and so on for several repetitions.   At this point we are not looking for passes.

c.                   Same as b but now tell players they can be no closer than 3 big steps.  So now the players must kick the ball to each other.  Give them direction as the exercise progresses to help them succeed.  Praise children who try to direct the pass to their target player.  If a player receives the ball with inside or outside of foot point that out to the group.

 

Duration 5-10 minutes.

Water Break – 1-2 minutes

Exercise 3 – 2v2 Passing

Set out as many 10ydx10yd grids as needed.  Divide players into teams of two.  Let friends pair up if they like, but make sure that no-one is left standing without a partner.  Two teams in each grid.  This is competitive.  One ball in each grid.  Team that makes the most passes wins.  If ball goes outside the grid – ball goes to opposing team.  Players to keep passes low.  Hand ball – ball goes to opposing team.  Players can steal the ball.

Points to watch for and praise.  Team members spreading out and moving.  Players pass ball quickly.  Move with the ball to get free then get rid of it.  Players not kicking ball blindly.

Duration 5 minutes.

Station 2: Working with the Non-Dominant foot

It is important for players of all ages to learn to work with both feet.  These exercises will use ONLY the non-dominant foot.  Some players will find it difficult to do anything with the non-dominant foot!  Be patient and give praise for correct actions.

1.      Basic dribbling – emphasize good form using the inside of the foot (more advanced, or older, players can use the outside or other surfaces of the foot).  1 ball per player.  Only use the non-dominant foot!

a.       slow dribble – have players dribble from one side of the field to the other and back.

b.      Faster dribble - have players dribble from one side of the field to the other and back.

  1. dribbling relay race.  3 teams of 5-6 players each.  First player in each line starts from the starting line, dribbles around a cone (multiple cones for older players) and back to the start.  The player leaves the ball for the next teammate, high-five’s the teammate and the second player goes.  First team to have all players complete the race is the winner!  Only use the non-dominant foot!
  2. basic passing – have each player with a partner.  Players pass the ball back and forth using only the non-dominant foot.
  3. speed shot at the wall – set up 3-5 balls in a row in front of (and parallel to) the shooting wall.  1st player runs up and passes/shoots each ball in rapid succession into the wall using only the non-dominant foot.  Quickly reset for the next player.
  4. (alternative drill) Dribble and shoot – 3 teams of 5-6 players each, each team in a line at the starting line and each player with a ball.  Go – 1st player from each line dribbles toward the goal and shoots (dribbling and shooting only using the non-dominant foot), then runs back and high-fives the next player in line.  The first team to score 5 goals wins.
  5. (if time) 3v3, 4v4 or 5v5 opposite foot keep away – divide the group into 3’s, 4’s or 5’s as appropriate.  Play small-sided keep away with all players using only their non-dominant foot.  This will probably work easier if a team can be all lefties or all righties.  A team scores a point for 3 consecutive completed passes.

Station 3: Footskills & Dribbling

With this age group we are simply going to do a series of dribbling games and exercises.  Most children of this age group do not yet have the coordination to do footskill exercises.  Throughout each of the exercises look for, praise and point out the use of:

·        front, and sides of foot to control ball

·        players cushioning the ball

·        players pushing rather than kicking the ball

·        players keeping ball in close while in traffic.

 

If you have players toe kicking the ball way out in front of them – try to discourage that by quietly pointing out them players having more success using other techniques.

Exercise 1 – Follow the Leader

Pair players up.  Each player with a ball.  Unlimited area (within reason)  Player A begins to dribble with ball, player B follows dribbling ball.  Players have to cover as much ground as possible.  All the other pairs are doing this at the same time.  When you call switch Player B leads and Player A follows.

Duration 5 minutes

Exercise 2 – Square Dance

All players in a 15x15 yd grid.  Each player with a ball.  Players instructed to dribble with the ball – must keep moving.  Whenever they get close to another player they must turn with the ball to avoid a collision.

Variation 1.  Introduce cuts with side of the feet.  Demonstrate quickly.  Have children try it a couple of times.  Then proceed with exercise.  Each time you yell cut – the children must cut to the left or right with the ball.

Variation 2.  Introduce drag back and turn around.  Foot on top of the ball.  Drag ball behind player.  If player drags ball back with rt. Foot then player turns around to the right.  If player drags the ball back with their left foot then player turns around to the left.  Emphasize arms out for balance.  Let the players practice a few times then proceed with exercise.  When you yell turn then players must do the drag back and turn around with the ball.

Once they show some semblance of getting this then mix up cuts and turns.

Duration 5 minutes.

Water Break – 1-2 minutes

Exercise 3 – Pac Man

Exercise Duration 5 minutes

Water Break 1-2 Minutes

Exercise 4 – Get-out-of-Here

 

This is pretty tiring so you’ll want lots of subs.  Maybe set-up two fields. 10ydX20yd.

Duration 10 minutes.

Station 4: Goalkeeping & Defense

Basic goalkeeping.  Goalkeeper should have an “athletic” stance (feet comfortably apart, knees bent, on balls of feet, lean slightly forward, elbows bent, hands in front ready to catch the ball).

1. Drill 1 - each child will stand opposite a partner, with one ball for each pair of players. The first player will roll the ball to the second, and that player will practice scooping the ball and bringing it into the body. Then player 2 will roll the ball to player 1. As they get the hang of it, players can throw the ball more to the side, bounce it, throw harder, etc.

(5 min)

2. Drill 2 - same as drill one, except each player will be on their knees and we will practice diving to save the ball using a pendulum roll. The key is to roll on the side of the body on the rib cage, and not on the front or the back. The arm closest to the ground should be extended so the player doesn't land on the elbow.  (5 min)

3. Catch – a goalkeepers’ fingers should be curved and strong so that the ball is caught in the fingers and not in the palm.  2 players face each other and pass (with the hands) and catch the ball back and forth, while shuffling across the field. (5 min)

4. 1v1 defense - Using cones create 2 or more rectangular zones 15yd x 5yd. Players line up on the short sides, one side is O and one is D. Go - O tries to dribble (don't shoot) past the D to the other end of the rectangle. D tries to contain or steal.
a) first no instruction (see what they do naturally)
b) D must get in the way. D should always be between the O player and where they are trying to get.
c) watch the ball and the player's hips. Don't fall for eye/head fakes. (10 min)

5. (if time remains) 4v4 – set up 10yd x 20yd rectangles for 4v4 games.  Create 2 cone goals on each end (narrower) line (one near each sideline).  Each team’s goalkeeper must defend both goals!  Emphasize good defensive play.

Station 5: Shooting!

  1. static shooting – demonstrate proper shooting form using the laces part of the foot.  Have 3 lines spread out near the top of the goal box (closer to goal than the Penalty Spot).  Go – first player in each line shoots at the same time, then retrieves their ball and returns to the end of a different line.  Then the next 3 shoot. (5 min)
  2.  run and shoot – set up 4 lines 20-30 yds away from the goal.  Go - the first player from all 4 lines dribbles quickly towards the goal and shoots from outside the goal box.  The idea is to be shooting on the run.  The 4 players retrieve the balls and return to the back of a different line.  Then the next 4 shoot.
  3. Quick Shot - two lines 20-30 yds away from the goal. One coach on each side of penalty area. Coach executes centering pass to one of the players (as they are running toward goal) and player shoots directly from the pass (one touch - no dribbling). Both players must move toward the goal. Retrieve ball and go to other line. Rotate players to the coach position so they make the pass.
  4. (if time remains) 4v4 scrimmages with corner goals – set up 2 rectangles with corner goals.  Assign 2 opposite goals to each team.  Play 4v4.

Grade 3&4

Introduction

Children in this age group are ready to learn.  They are far more coordinated that the Grade 1&2 players, have longer attention spans and developing some stamina.  They need to learn by demonstration and doing. 

Station 1: Passing, Trapping and Throw-Ins

1.                  Warm-up – Pass by numbers

Divide players into groups of 5-7.  Have the players in each group number off from 1 – x.  Assign each group to a roughly 10yd x 10 yd area.  Give ball to player 1 in each group.  1 passes to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4 and so on.  Players in motion – cover as much of area as possible.  Players call out their numbers as their turn to get ball comes up.  Praise players for showing for the ball.  Emphasize push passing, ball on the ground, 1-2 touches to control, heads up to look for target.

 

Duration 5-10 minutes.

 

2.      Pass and Move  

Solid arrows are path of players. Dashed arrow is path of ball.  Players on corner of 5 yd X5yd grid marked by 4 cones.  One ball.  Ball given to one player.  Player passes ball left or right along edge of grid and then exchanges places with diagonally opposite player.  So we have square passes along the side of the grid and diagonal runs through the grid. 

                     A                                                         B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                     C                                                         D

 

Start slow and then keep increasing speed.  As the game progresses players should be passing to open corners anticipating the arrival of the moving player. 

 

Set up multiple grids so everybody can play.  You might want to have one or two subs per grid.

 

In our diagram C passes to A, then C runs to position B and B runs to position C.  Player A then passes either to the C or B position and A and D do diagonal runs to trade places.

 

Duration 10 minutes with breaks.

 

3.  Pass and Receive

In this exercise – set up a 10x15 yd grid.  Most players inside the grid.  5-8 players (T) outside the grid.  Each player outside the grid has a ball.  Players inside grid in motion.  T players pass to player in grid who must receive the ball turn and pass to a different T player.  Frequently rotate T and O players.  Look for good ball control.   Quick turns with the ball.  Heads up play.  Accurate passes on the ground.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


                        T                                15 yd                              T

 

 

T                                                                                                                               T

 

 

T                                                                                                                             10 yd

 

 

 

 

 

 


                                    T                                                    T

 

 

 

Duration 10 minutes.

Station 2: Working with the Non-Dominant foot

It is important for players of all ages to learn to work with both feet.  These exercises will use ONLY the non-dominant foot.  Some players will find it difficult to do anything with the non-dominant foot!  Be patient and give praise for correct actions.

1. Basic dribbling – emphasize good form using the inside of the foot (more advanced, or older, players can use the outside or other surfaces of the foot).  1 ball per player.  Only use the non-dominant foot!

a.       slow dribble – have players dribble from one side of the field to the other and back.

b.      Faster dribble - have players dribble from one side of the field to the other and back.

2. dribbling relay race.  3 teams of 5-6 players each.  First player in each line starts from the starting line, dribbles around a cone (multiple cones for older players) and back to the start.  The player leaves the ball for the next teammate, high-five’s the teammate and the second player goes.  First team to have all players complete the race is the winner!  Only use the non-dominant foot!

  1. basic passing – have each player with a partner.  Players pass the ball back and forth using only the non-dominant foot.
  2. speed shot at the wall – set up 3-5 balls in a row in front of (and parallel to) the shooting wall.  1st player runs up and passes/shoots each ball in rapid succession into the wall using only the non-dominant foot.  Quickly reset for the next player.
  3. (alternative drill) Dribble and shoot – 3 teams of 5-6 players each, each team in a line at the starting line and each player with a ball.  Go – 1st player from each line dribbles toward the goal and shoots (dribbling and shooting only using the non-dominant foot), then runs back and high-fives the next player in line.  The first team to score 5 goals wins.
  4. (if time) 3v3, 4v4 or 5v5 opposite foot keep away – divide the group into 3’s, 4’s or 5’s as appropriate.  Play small-sided keep away with all players using only their non-dominant foot.  This will probably work easier if a team can be all lefties or all righties.  A team scores a point for 3 consecutive completed passes.

Station 3: Footskills & Dribbling

The players are ready at this age to start learning basics “moves”.  Make sure every player has a ball.  Demonstrate a move, then have the players practice several repetitions of the move.

1. Stationary moves:

  1. Inside Roll—Roll the ball across your body from outside to inside with the inside and sole of the foot and stop the ball with the inside of the other foot.
  2. Outside Roll—Roll the ball across your body from inside to outside with the outside and sole of the foot and stop the ball with the inside of the same foot.
  3. Side to Side Push-Pull—Tap ball back and forth with inside of feet, push ball forward with one foot and pull it back the sole of the opposite foot.
  4. Side to Side Step-On—Roll ball to outside with the sole by stepping lightly on the ball, then tap ball back to the inside with the inside of the foot.
  5. Side to Side Front Roll—Tap ball back and forth with inside of feet, push ball slightly forward then pull the ball across your body with the front part of the sole.
  6. Pull Instep Push—Push ball forward and pull it back with the sole, then tap ball forward with the instep of the same foot.
  7. Pull a Vee—Push the ball forward and pull it back the sole of the foot while turning and then take the ball with the inside of the same foot.

Once the players have practiced each of these moves get them moving  - just dribbling in random patterns.  Call out a move and look for the players to make the move from the dribble and then proceed on.

Some of the kids will pick this up right away.  Others you’ll need to work with one on one.  Having a less skillful player shadow a more skillful player often works wonders.

Take frequent water breaks – these exercises are tiring.

2. Sharks and Minnows - All players (the minnows) except one (the shark) line up, with ball, on one side of a large square. Go - the minnows must dribble to the other side of the square while the shark tries to kick away as many balls as possible. Any minnow whose ball is kicked away becomes a shark.

3. Square Dance - Everyone dribbles within one 15 yd. square. Keep moving and use all parts of the foot. Try cut backs, pull backs, and different fakes against imaginary opponents. Keep your head up to not bump into teammates. Don't lose the ball.
var 1. Dribble to open space - try to stay spread out.
var 2. Move to open space - tap the ball into an open space, quickly follow and continue dribbling.
var 3. Attack!: All players protect their ball while trying to kick others outside of the square. If a player's ball is kicked out of the square they leave the square and wait for the round to end.

Station 4: Goalkeeping & Defense

We want to focus on one versus one defending skills.  Pair the players up.  One ball to two players.

1.                  Block tackle

Demonstrate the block tackle.  Then have the children do the following games.  Note that player X has the ball.  Player O doesn’t have a ball.  The triangles are cones.  In exercise  2 the goals are about 10 yds apart.  In exercise 2 you rotate the kids through opponents.  The grid in exercise 3 is 5 ydX10yds.  Note that in exercise 3 we will just do 1v1.

 

Duration 15 minutes

Water Break – 1-2 minutes

2. Basic goalkeeping.  Goalkeeper should have an “athletic” stance (feet comfortably apart, knees bent, on balls of feet, lean slightly forward, elbows bent, hands in front ready to catch the ball).

a. Drill 1 - each child will stand opposite a partner, with one ball for each pair of players. The first player will roll the ball to the second, and that player will practice scooping the ball and bringing it into the body. Then player 2 will roll the ball to player 1. As they get the hang of it, players can throw the ball more to the side, bounce it, throw harder, etc.

(5 min)

b. Drill 2 - same as drill one, except each player will be on their knees and we will practice diving to save the ball using a pendulum roll. The key is to roll on the side of the body on the rib cage, and not on the front or the back. The arm closest to the ground should be extended so the player doesn't land on the elbow.  (5 min)

c. Catch – a goalkeepers’ fingers should be curved and strong so that the ball is caught in the fingers and not in the palm.  2 players face each other and pass (with the hands) and catch the ball back and forth, while shuffling across the field. (5 min)

Station 5: Shooting!

  1. static shooting – demonstrate proper shooting form using the laces part of the foot.  Have 3 lines spread out near the top of the goal box (closer to goal than the Penalty Spot).  Go – first player in each line shoots at the same time, then retrieves their ball and returns to the end of a different line.  Then the next 3 shoot. (5 min)
  2.  run and shoot – set up 4 lines 20-30 yds away from the goal.  Go - the first player from all 4 lines dribbles quickly towards the goal and shoots from outside the goal box.  The idea is to be shooting on the run.  The 4 players retrieve the balls and return to the back of a different line.  Then the next 4 shoot.
  3. dribble to corner, cross and shoot.  All players on one line about 30 yds from goal near one sideline.  1st player dribbles down the sideline while the 2nd player sprints toward the goal.  Once the 1st player is within 8 yds of the end line, he/she crosses the ball to the arriving teammate who immediately scores.  Retrieve the ball and the next 2 go.  This can be done from both sides, alternating or at once.
  4. World Cup - Everyone gets a partner. Each pair chooses a country to represent.  Play a small field, one-goal game with each pair of players playing against all the other pairs, all at the same time. With or without a goalkeeper. To score, the shooter must yell out their country name before shooting.  When a goal is scored, the team that scores gets to sit out and the rest keep playing. This is a very good drill when it's hot and the kids are thirsty as they'll be motivated to try to score quickly!

Grade 5-7

Introduction

Children in this age group are ready for more advanced skills and tactical concepts.  They have coordination, stamina and understand the relationship between players and space.  While they prefer to learn by doing, they will listen to and benefit from explanations. 

Station 1: Passing, Trapping and Throw-Ins

Here we will be developing concepts of series of passes to create space for a killer pass and introducing the wall pass.

 

1.      Warm-up

 

Solid arrows are path of players. Dashed arrow is path of ball.  Players on corner of 5 yd X5yd grid marked by 4 cones.  One ball.  Ball given to one player.  Player passes ball left or right along edge of grid and then exchanges places with diagonally opposite player.  So we have square passes along the side of the grid and diagonal runs through the grid. 

                     A                                                         B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                     C                                                         D

 

Start slow and then keep increasing speed.  As the game progresses players should be passing to open corners anticipating the arrival of the moving player. 

 

Set up multiple grids so everybody can play.  You might want to have one or two subs per grid.

 

In our diagram C passes to A, then C runs to position B and B runs to position C.  Player A then passes either to the C or B position and A and D do diagonal runs to trade places.

 

Duration 5 minutes with breaks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. B
     

    B
     

    B
     

    A
     

    A
     

    A
     

    B
     

    B
     

    B
     

    A
     

    A
     

    A
     
    Four Zone Game

 

                     A, A, A                                                             B, B, B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


In this game we great a 10X 20 yd grid divided into four equal parts.  Divide the players into 2 equal teams.  Set up players as shown.  You’ll want subs as this gets tiring.  One ball.  Players must stay in their zone.  Players score each time a team successfully passes a ball on the ground through their opponents zone to their next zone.  Players can make unlimited passes within their zone, but those passes don’t count.  Opposing players can block passes but must stay in their own zone to do so.

 

Duration 10 minutes.

 

  1. Wall Pass Game

 


                                           W

 

 

A
 

B
 

B
 

A
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 


                                               W

 

 

 

Set up a two to three grids roughly 10yds X 15 yds with small goals on each end.  Position two opposing teams of two to three players in the grid.  Position one neutral player (W) on each long side.  Team defend their goal and try to score through opposite teams goal.  No off-side.  Teams must complete one pass to the W player who plays the ball back to the player or team mate prior to any goal counting.  Teams get 1 point for every successful wall pass and 2 points for each goal.

 

Duration:  10 minutes.

Station 2: Working with the Non-Dominant foot

It is important for players of all ages to learn to work with both feet.  These exercises will use ONLY the non-dominant foot.  Some players will find it difficult to do anything with the non-dominant foot!  Be patient and give praise for correct actions.

1. Basic dribbling – emphasize good form using the inside of the foot (more advanced, or older, players can use the outside or other surfaces of the foot).  1 ball per player.  Only use the non-dominant foot!

c.       slow dribble – have players dribble from one side of the field to the other and back.

d.      Faster dribble - have players dribble from one side of the field to the other and back.

  1. dribbling relay race.  3 teams of 5-6 players each.  First player in each line starts from the starting line, dribbles around a cone (multiple cones for older players) and back to the start.  The player leaves the ball for the next teammate, high-five’s the teammate and the second player goes.  First team to have all players complete the race is the winner!  Only use the non-dominant foot!
  2. basic passing – have each player with a partner.  Players pass the ball back and forth using only the non-dominant foot.
  3. speed shot at the wall – set up 3-5 balls in a row in front of (and parallel to) the shooting wall.  1st player runs up and passes/shoots each ball in rapid succession into the wall using only the non-dominant foot.  Quickly reset for the next player.
  4. (alternative drill) Dribble and shoot – 3 teams of 5-6 players each, each team in a line at the starting line and each player with a ball.  Go – 1st player from each line dribbles toward the goal and shoots (dribbling and shooting only using the non-dominant foot), then runs back and high-fives the next player in line.  The first team to score 5 goals wins.
  5. (if time) 3v3, 4v4 or 5v5 opposite foot keep away – divide the group into 3’s, 4’s or 5’s as appropriate.  Play small-sided keep away with all players using only their non-dominant foot.  This will probably work easier if a team can be all lefties or all righties.  A team scores a point for 3 consecutive completed passes.

Station 3: Footskills & Dribbling

This series of exercises are used for beating an opponent.  The coach will need to demonstrate multiple times, have the players do the skills slowly and then build up to speed.  With each exercise the players should end up doing the skill while running with the ball. 

 

1. MOVES TO BEAT AN OPPONENT
(explanations of some great attacking moves)

  1. Hip Swivel -- Fake with inside of one foot by swivelling hips toward ball, then reverse direction and take the ball with the inside of the other foot.
  2. Mathews -- Fake with inside of foot nudging ball by dipping shoulder, then take ball in the opposite direction with the outside of same foot. (explode)
  3. Cap Cap -- Cut ball with inside of foot slightly backward and take ball ahead with the inside of the opposite foot.
  4. Stepover -- With ball moving, stepover ball so ball is outside of stepover foot, turn and take the ball with the other foot.
  5. Vee -- Fake pass with instep (across body), pull ball back with sole and take in opposite direction with the inside of the same foot.
  6. Cruyff -- Fake kick with inside of foot, but instead pull ball behind the standing leg and change directions.
  7. Inside of foot cut -- Cut the ball across body with inside of foot while simultaneously stepping over it and take with outside of opposite foot.
  8. 3/4 Inside of foot turn -- Cut ball back with inside of foot, continue turning 3/4 of the way around and take the ball with the inside of the same foot
  9. 3/4 Outside of foot turn -- Cut ball back with outside of foot, continue turning 3/4 of the way around and take the ball with the outside of the same foot
  10. Scissors behind ball -- Step behind ball as if preparing to take it with outside of one foot, fake, then take it with the outside of the opposite foot. (easy to learn)

Don’t worry about getting through the whole list.  If they can do the Hip Swivel, Matthews, Cap Cap and Stepover that would be great.

 

These exercises are tiring.  Give the players frequent breaks.  Tell the kids to find one or two moves they feel comfortable with and really work on them until they own the move.  Practice at home!

 

2. Moves in pairs – have each player get a partner.  Practice the moves you’ve learned with a defender.  At first the defenders should be “nice”, then gradually apply more pressure.  The idea is to allow the dribbler to become familiar and comfortable with the moves while under pressure.  Switch roles.

Station 4: Team Defending

Warm Up:

5 - 10 minutes. Activity level - Mild ramping up. Space: General. 1 - 2 Players per group.

Pressure

The Game

Groups of three, one ball per group. Player A rolls the ball (receiving ground balls) or tosses the ball (receiving air balls) to either player B or player C. In this example, player C must control the ball and get a completed pass to player B. While this is occuring, player A immediately challenges player C and tries to win the ball back. After successful pass, player C would then pick up the ball and repeat the activity as the defender. The defender is awarded a point for winning the ball back and gets to throw again.

Coaching Points

·  Encourage defender to pressure quickly after the toss. Defender needs to work hard at closing down the space while the ball is in flight.

·  Receiving player's first touch should be away from the pressuring defender.

·  Player receiving the pass should move to create a clear passing lane.

·  Do not allow the receiving player to one touch the incoming toss. This is a receiving drill, as well as a drill that serves as a good warm-up for practices dealing with defenders.

Small Game 10 - 15 Minutes. Activity level: Medium progression to high. Space: Defined space "smaller". 3 - 5 players per group.


Pressure / Cover Defending

The Game

·  2 v. 2, with goals marked out in the corner of the grid.

·  Have a regular game with periods of about 2 - 3 minutes in duration.

·  Have plenty of extra balls ready to keep the game flowing

Coaching Points

Defending principles of play

·  Pressure on the ball, do not let the first attacker's head to come up

·  Second defender must cover the goal as well as be aware of the second attacker

·  First defender tries to channel the attacker into the sideline and away from the second attacker.(This is easier to do since the goals are in the corners of the grid, the sidelines come up quicker.)

·  When first defender has made the play predictable, second defender tries to double team.

·  Make sure the defenders stay balanced, that they do not become too spread out, enabling the attacking team to make "splitting passes".

·  As soon as the ball is won, can they shoot? This is the best time to do so because the attacking team is not in a good defending posture.

Station 5: Shooting!

  1. static shooting – demonstrate proper shooting form using the laces part of the foot.  Have 3 lines spread out near the top of the goal box (closer to goal than the Penalty Spot).  Go – first player in each line shoots at the same time, then retrieves their ball and returns to the end of a different line.  Then the next 3 shoot. (5 min)
  2. run and shoot – set up 4 lines 20-30 yds away from the goal.  Go - the first player from all 4 lines dribbles quickly towards the goal and shoots from outside the goal box.  The idea is to be shooting on the run.  The 4 players retrieve the balls and return to the back of a different line.  Then the next 4 shoot.
  3. dribble to corner, cross and shoot.  All players on one line about 30 yds from goal near one sideline.  1st player dribbles down the sideline while the 2nd player sprints toward the goal.  Once the 1st player is within 8 yds of the end line, he/she crosses the ball to the arriving teammate who immediately scores.  Retrieve the ball and the next 2 go.  This can be done from both sides, alternating or at once.
  4. Shooter's Delight - Set a cone 20-25 yards from the goal, and have all players line up behind the goal post excluding three players who will be passing balls for shots. The passers stand with a ball at distances of about 5 yards, 10 yards, and 15 yards from the goal. The first player in the line at the post sprints out around the cone and back towards the goal and the first player passes the ball out in the middle and the runner takes a one or two touch shot. The shooter continues to run and shoots all three balls. This drill works best with 4-7 players. If you have more, try running this with two runners and two sets of passers, going at the same goal, but with left and right footed shot set ups.
  5. World Cup - Everyone gets a partner. Each pair chooses a country to represent.  Play a small field, one-goal game with each pair of players playing against all the other pairs, all at the same time. With or without a goalkeeper. To score, the shooter must yell out their country name before shooting.  When a goal is scored, the team that scores gets to sit out and the rest keep playing. This is a very good drill when it's hot and the kids are thirsty as they'll be motivated to try to score quickly!