in Attacking, Ball Control and Footwork
This session is designed to help coaches look at the decision-making of the players. Can they take on the defender 1v1? Or is the right decision to keep possession by passing to a team-mate? MORE
1v1 Split your players into two teams. To “score a goal” the attacking player must dribble past the defender and into the “end zone”. Encourage the attacking player to perform a variety of feints before powerfully accelerating with the ball into space. Give each team a turn at attacking, the team with the most “goals” wins. MORE
Having the ability to cross the ball on the run makes life difficult for the opposition defenders. This is one of the harder skills that wingers need and it helps them to catch out defenders on the counterattack without stopping or slowing the attack down. MORE
This simple drill will help younger players to start thinking about coordinating the timing of a cross with a team mate’s run towards goal. MORE
This practice shows the advantage of forwards playing off each other and develops combinations with the wide midfielders. MORE
Prime your team to go for goal as soon as possession is regained because that’s when opposition defenders are least prepared and so most vulnerable to attack. MORE
This session is designed to improve playing between the lines. This means getting players and passes into the spaces created by the opponent’s chosen formation. MORE
in Attacking, Email newsletters
In the latest return to play guidelines you can easily work within the rules with your striker and goalkeeper – two key positions in the team. The focus can be on either player, but I am going to give my striker a workout which the goalkeeper can also learn from. I am always looking beyond... MORE
Please check out the latest sport and social distancing guidelines in your area, and follow the recommendations when planning training sessions Pass, turn, shoot then move quickly to get back into position – this session works your players to get to the ball first and shoot quickly. Why use it On match days it is... MORE
The ability to invite pressure on your defence then launch a rapid counter can devastate your opponents. MORE
This is all about teamwork and teammates using the ball or stopping opponents from winning it. Press hard and the defenders will win the three balls in the fastest time – the clock starts ticking the second the first ball is kicked so players must move quickly. MORE
Attacking in twos can be easy against a single defender. However, take away the overload advantage and your attackers’ decision making will be really tested. MORE
in Attacking, Email newsletters
For a possession-based game players need to be competent with ball control and decision making. Poor first touch or taking the wrong decision to dribble or pass will result in losing the ball. MORE
In a small-sided game, goals scored from quick one- and two-touch combination play count double. This rewards play that has been practiced and developed earlier in the session. MORE
Good communication between attackers is vital for a successful partnership because occupying the same area makes space easier to defend. “Cross fire” encourages your attackers to build an understanding of the runs they must make to create space. MORE
Your players need to be able to spot gaps in the opposition defence and exploit them by showing good pace to get in behind them in order to cross or shoot at goal. MORE
This game encourages teams to switch play and to create space away from the ball – it is a condition of the game that teams must switch before they can score a goal. MORE
in Attacking, Small Sided Games
This session focuses on hitting wide areas with the use of group attacks and switching. It works on the basic play used to develop attacking moves to get from one third to the next to create goal scoring chances. MORE
In this podcast Dave Clarke talks to Tony Mee about his session in Elite Soccer aimed at developing play in the attacking third, one that coaches players to finish from balls crossed into the penalty area. Tony explains the coaching points, what to say to players and talks about good coaching practice MORE
This practice includes different 2 v 1 choice games. The player in possession passes to a team mate of his choice and then supports to make a 2 v 1 situation. MORE
Use this realistic shooting session to coach your players to receive a ball played to the edge of the penalty area and shoot with their second touch MORE
This series of drills will help your attackers take on defenders in crucial 1v1 battles. This is an important skill all players need because there are so many one-on-one encounters everywhere on the pitch. MORE
The term “hungry striker” is given to an attacker who has a burning desire to score. Players like Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez are prime examples. They work hard for the team by pressuring opposition defenders in order to win the ball or force a mistake. MORE
Using a full back as an offensive weapon was made popular by the Brazilian national team. This session will help you develop “Brazilian” full backs in your team, giving it greater numbers in offence and increasing your attacking options. MORE
