Shake off and pass
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
This session is ideal for getting players to practise shaking off defenders in tight areas and creating room to execute the next technique – in this case a pass. MORE
Attacking centrally and wide
This session develops attacking play from both central and wide positions. Your team should firstly look to attack through the centre as that is the quickest way to the goal. However, opponents will often block these areas and therefore your team must know how to attack down the wide areas too. MORE
Track your man
If your players can improve their individual defending when man marking and tracking their opponent’s runs, your team is far less likely to concede goals. MORE
Shake off the marker
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
Players often get frustrated when closely marked as they do not have the luxury of time and space to perform their skills. This session shows your players how to shake off a marker and create space to receive a pass. This will give them time to execute their next skill, whether it is a pass, shot or dribble. MORE
The midfield runner
Help improve your players’ movement off the ball so they can support play and create goalscoring opportunities. MORE
Passing with purpose
An attacking team’s first priority when passing is to play positively towards a target. If they’re prevented from reaching that target, their second aim is to retain possession until they can find an opportunity to pass. This session focuses on risk and reward. Do your players pass or do they keep the ball? MORE
Stall the turn
Defenders can reduce the threat on their goal by keeping the other team’s forwards facing the opposite direction and moving them away from the penalty area. Use this session to enhance your defenders’ skills at closing down attackers and clearing the danger without necessarily making a tackle. MORE
Rugby football
Despite the many differences between football and rugby, there are principles of rugby which can be used on the football pitch. This session does not allow any forward passing – the same as in rugby – and allows your players to work on using supporting players and using solo dribbling skills. MORE
A winning mentality
in Practice plans, Team Management
Instilling a winning mentality in your team can result in a positive outcome on your results. Doing this can help players win their 1v1 duels. The practices in this coaching plan encourage both good defending, attacking and concentration skills. MORE
The cross collector
Dealing with crosses as part of a defensive unit is a large part of a goalkeeper’s job. That, is why it is vital to spend time on the practice ground helping your goalkeeper with their positioning, communication and punching and catching skills. “The cross collector” shows you how. MORE
Passing in threes
Teams such as Barcelona and Swansea base their games on dominating possession of the ball. You can get your players doing the same with this drill. MORE
Minesweeper
The role of a sweeper is given to a player that plays behind the line of defenders. It is that player’s duty to cover the space behind and sweep across to remove the danger of the opponent’s attacks. This is how you can develop the use of a “minesweeper” in your team. MORE
Switch to find space
By constantly probing the opposition’s defence by switching the point of the attack from side to side, eventually a space will open up that can be exploited. This session will help you teach your players how to work the ball into such posi MORE
First contact
Not all players enjoy defending so it is essential practices are competitive, fun and give the player a reward for winning the ball (the chance to score a goal!) Encourage your defenders to make “First contact” in the bid to thwart an attack. MORE
Shielding the ball
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
Watch your players’ confidence soar when they realise they can keep control of the ball for longer by using their bodies as a shield to protect the ball. MORE
Showboating
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
Players should be encouraged to express themselves in practice. This will improve their confidence in matches and they are more likely to try out some skills. You should inspire your players by asking them to play in the “showboating” role of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. MORE
One man army
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
Improve your players’ close control skills with these easy-to-set-up drills which place the emphasis on the individual. Each player can become a “one man army” if he can keep the ball away from opponents. MORE
Block and intercept
Teaching your players how to block or intercept an opposition forward pass will help your team regain possession of the ball. Remember – you can’t concede a goal if you have the ball. MORE
Win the race for open space
It is vital to encourage inventive play in the attacking. third of the pitch, your players should practise co-ordinated forward runs off the ball that will enable them to open up space and therefore create opportunities to shoot for goal. MORE
Three-man midfield
Developing a three-man midfield is important because it will give your team domination and versatility. Formations that include three players in midfield, such as 4-3-3 and 4-5-1, are the most popular used in the English Premier League. MORE
Passing by numbers
Coaching players to perform with their “heads up” so they can survey what is happening around them is an important part of football. This not only makes them more aware of player positions, but also improves possession. “Passing by numbers” encourages your players to see the big picture when passing. MORE
Find the gaps
Improving your players’ vision and awareness when passing the ball can help create goalscoring opportunities for the team. Soon your players will be able to see and execute passes into the gaps between the opponent’s defenders. MORE
Chain reaction
Your players need to assume a defensive mindset the moment the opposition gains possession. “Chain reaction” will enable your players to smoothly switch from attacking to defensive duties because failing to do so will give their opponents an immediate advantage. MORE
Overlapping
Overlapping is a particularly important tactic in the final third of the pitch where full backs can combine with wingers to get into dangerous crossing positions. MORE
