close
LOGINYou are viewing 1 of 1 free articles
Flexible practices - an example
Tweaking a core idea can open up many possibilities when it comes to session planning. Here’s an example...
Core practice
WHY USE IT
This is the ‘core practice’. Any time this practice is to be used for a specific topic, the core practice should be used first, before the changes are made to it. This is so the players become active immediately.
SET UP
Set up an area suitable for the number, age and ability of your players. Split players into two teams – within those teams, players work in pairs, lining up next to their goal, with one player on each side. One of the players has a ball.
HOW TO PLAY
One pair enters the area to attack their opponent’s goal. Once a player has tried a shot, that attack is over; there are no rebounds. If the defenders win the ball they become attackers and attempt to score. At the end of each attack, whether a player has scored or not, a pair from the other team enters and attacks the opposite goal. The pair who have just finished attacking become defenders and look to prevent the other pair from scoring. The practice continues thus – pairs enter as attackers, then become defenders and finally leave the pitch and rejoin the line.
COACHING POINTS
- Positive play: always travel forward and do not turn back.
- Decisive decision making: When to retain the ball and when to pass it?
- Supporting player: consider where your run takes you.
- Split players into two teams and then into pairs. One pair, sharing a ball, enters the area to attack the opponent’s goal
- Once a player has had a shot, successful or not, the attack is over – there are no rebounds
- A pair from the opposite team now enters to become the attackers – the previous attacking pair now defend
Forward passing
WHY USE IT
Forward passing not only allows a team to progress up the pitch, but can also create scoring opportunities. It is an essential element of the game of soccer.
SET UP
Exactly the same as the ‘core practice’, except one player in each pair starts at the side of the pitch, rather than next to the goal. The player positioned next to the goal always starts with the ball.
HOW TO PLAY
On starting the practice, the player positioned by the goal can either pass the ball immediately to their partner or enter the pitch with the ball. Their partner without the ball can go onto the pitch at any time. At the end of their turn, when they have finished defending, players join the opposite line to the one they were in before. After a set period of time, swap the starting position to the other side of the pitch.
COACHING POINTS
- Ensure there is a clear pathway between the ball and the player receiving the pass. If there is not, can you manipulate the ball so that there is?
- Also consider the weight and accuracy of pass and, if possible, pass to where they will be, not where they are.
Related Files
- Set up exactly the same as core practice, except one in each pair starts at the side of the area
- A player by the goal begins by either passing the ball to their partner by the sideline or enter the area with the ball
- Sideline player can enter the area at any time; opposition defend against the attack before switching
Defensive principles
WHY USE IT
This practice helps players’ understanding of some key principles of defending. When chasing an opponent in possession, players will often fixate on the ball and trying to win it. Players need to learn how to identify when they are in a position to win the ball and when their priority is to protect the goal.
SET UP
Exactly the same as the ‘core practice’, except a cone is placed either side of both goals.
HOW TO PLAY
As soon as the attackers have had their attempt on goal, the player who did not have the shot has to run and touch, with their hand, one of the cones next to the opposition’s goal, before they can help their team-mate defend. If the ball goes out of play, or the opposition wins the ball and starts attacking, then either of the players can go and touch one of the cones.
COACHING POINTS
- Player making recovery run: Identify what is happening ahead of you - where is the danger? If time allows, move towards the furthest post of your goal. Do not engage the attacker; try not to win the ball from the behind. If needed, angle the run so it cuts off the passing line to the second attacker.
- First defender: Delay player on the ball to give their team-mate enough time to recover and get into position.
- Set up exactly the same as the core practice, except a cone is placed either side of both goals. One team attacks the other’s goal
- Player not taking the shot runs to touch one of the cones, while the other side starts an attack
- Player who touches the cone now makes a recovery run to help team-mate defend
Carl Wild
Latest Issue
Subscribe Today
Soccer Drills & Games
Subscriber Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Subscribe Today
Coaches Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Latest Issue
Soccer Drills & Games
Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful soccer coach
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
*includes 3 coaching manuals
Get Weekly Inspiration
All the latest techniques and approaches
Soccer Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use soccer drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of soccer coaching since we launched in 2007, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.
