Intermediate & Advanced Age Group Games and Activities U-13 Through U-18

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1 Intermediate & Advanced Age Group Games and Activities U-13 Through U-18 Rob Walker, Director of Coaching March 2014

2 Table of Contents: Section A: Possession 1 Three great Keep Away Games 2-4 Section B: Small Sided Games.. 4 Two Possession Games with Some Kick. 6 Two Games to Develop the Ability to Go to Goal 7-8 Four Versus Four Team Game Section C: Team Games Going to Goal..13 Getting outside Defender Forward in Attack Final Pieces. 21 A Four Channel Game Neutral Players on the Fly. 23 Working on Positional Play 24 Counter-Attacking Games More Practice in the Scoring Zone Game Progression.. 29 Going to Goal Games Working on the 10,000x10 Year Formula 33 Two way play: Attacking & Defending Goals Side by Side

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4 Section A: Three Great Keep Away Games Three great Keep Away Games 2-4 1

5 Section A: Possession Three Great Keep-Away Games 4 versus 3: No Touch Keep-Away On a field 30 yards wide and 20 yards long, the Red Team and White Team are divided into two groups. In the diagram above, 4 Red players from the A group play against 3 of the 4 White players from the A group. As the Reds use their one player advantage to keep the ball from the Whites, the Reds try to accumulate x number of passes for a point. At any point the Red Aʼs have their ball touched or if it goes out of play, the White Aʼs take possession of the ball (the resting White A player joins in) and the White Aʼs keep possession of the Red B team (3 Reds run on to defend, while one Red B player rests). This game is fast paced (especially when the team keeping the ball has to change out). Play for 16 minutes, keeping score. The Red Team must be prepared to play quickly (1 & 2 touch) and play to the long player (A4) in the diagram above. Receiving players must be prepared to control the ball away from pressure and play with the foot farthest from the defender pressuring the ball. Supporting players will need to sprint to support the ball especially when the ball changes from one point to another. Defending players (White Team in diagram) should try to reduce the playing area with good pressure and cover their reward is instantaneous with good pressure. As this game evolves, players rotating off the field must be ready for a quick return (a lot of transitions). 2

6 6 versus 2 / Keep-Away On a field marked with two grids (small grid, Reds playing Whites 6 v 2 is 14 yards x 14 yards) are marked out (bigger outside grid is 22 yards x 22 yards). The game begins in the smaller central grid with the Red Team playing 6 v 2 against the White Team. The Red Team scores a point for x number of consecutive passes. If the White team intercepts the ball they play the ball outside of the small grid to a White teammate. The White team moves the ball around the grid (each player plays one or two touch). The White Team scores by playing the ball back inside the small grid to a White teammate who plays the ball back out to complete the point. The game should be played in 4-minute rounds (every 60 seconds the 2 White defenders should be rotated out. At the end of 4 minutes, the Red and White Team change roles. Game should be played through 4 rounds or x amount of points. The Red Team must circulate the ball quickly in the small grid; one Red player may want to take on the play-making role by showing form the middle to help move the ball. The White defenders press the play in the small grid and pass the ball to waiting teammates in the outside grid. The White players positioned on the outside grid must constantly open up to receive a ball from one of the White players in the middle of the grid. In order to score, the White players in the middle must go-away from teammates on the outside of the grid and check to the ball when it can be played: patience and reading the outside passer is a critical piece. White players in the outer grid can play the ball over the top of the small grid to open up play-in options on the other side of the grid. 3

7 6 vs 4 / 6 vs 4 with Gates From Tony Mowbray, Middlesbrough FC Manager, Elite Soccer, October, 2012, p. 8 A 40-yard x 40-yard space is divided with 4 gates dividing half of the space as shown. The game is a constant 6 v 4 possession contest. The diagram above shows the 6 Red players keeping the ball from 4 White Players. The Reds are attempting to keep the ball and then pass through the gaps between each gate. White players must stay in the gates. When the Red team play through the gap to a teammate on the opposite side, the players in the gates sprint to defend and the four White players who were defending, sprint to the gate. The coach can establish x number of passes per side, the number of touches and the point values for playing through the gaps. The game can be played in rounds of 4 minutes and then Red and White players change roles. Quick ball circulation 1 & 2 touch Create space to open up a gap between the gates. Execute a quality driven ball through the gaps Red players on the away side need to constantly open up targets. White team must be coordinated in their defending (pressure and cover) Quick sprinting by the White team as the go from playing in the gate to defending. 4

8 Section B: Small Sided Games Two Possession Games with Some Kick. 6 Two Games to Develop the Ability to Go to Goal 7-8 Four Versus Four Team Game

9 Section B: Small Sided Games Two Possession Games with Some Kick Closing Down Players & Screening Game Roy Hodgson, Elite Soccer, July, 2011 Oʼs must close down quickly to prevent Xʼs passing ball into Z grid. Oʼs in middle grid must move quickly to stay in line with passes penetrating their grid and block those opportunities. Oʼs pressuring Xʼs must work together to prevent service down the side, no-man channel by showing in to the middle channel. Xʼs can score by passes on the ground or by flighted service over the top of the middle zone. Xʼs can also win ball back if Oʼs win ball in the X grid (via immediate chase, pressure and dispossession 3 teams of 5 players are organized (Xʼs, Oʼs and Zʼs). Total playing space is 14 x 26, with a 2 x 10 middle grid as shown). Xʼs start in possession of the ball in their half of a grid (14 yards wide and 12 yards deep). Oʼs send 2/5 players into X grid to defend and leave 3 in a 2 yard x 10 yard grid. Zʼs are at rest in opposite grid. Game begins with Xʼs playing keeping away against Oʼs: at any point an X player can play the ball through the O grid for 2 points or into the no manʼs channel on either side of the middle channel for one. As with all possession games, the X team can be rewarded for a point for a given number of passes in their own grid. When pass from X goes out of play or to Z grid, two new Oʼs leave the middle grid and pressure ball, while O players who have been defending in X grid, sprint back into middle grid. 6

10 2 v 1 to Two Goals Two Games to Develop the Ability to Go to Goal Using a space slightly smaller than a double box (actual size 36 x 28) The Reds play the Whites in a two-goal game with the Reds playing with 2 and the Whites 1. A dashed line marks offside for the reds attacking the White goal (line is 26 yards form the White team s end line). When the White defender wins the ball he / she should immediately counter to the Red goal and create a shooting opportunity. This should be a fast paced game and players should be prepared to rotate on and off the field every seconds.. The two attacking Red players must play off each other to open up the best spacing to create effective 1 v 1 and combination opportunities. Red 1 in attack goes 1 v 1 to goal. Red 1 in attack splits White defender 1 with a pass to Red 2 who finishes. Red 1 and 2 combine with take-over / wall-pass to create shooting opportunity. Red team reacts to 1 st shot on goal and continues to pressure White goal / goalkeeper for rebound opportunities. White defender organizes defending to create a 1 v 1 with Red player. White defender pressures ball to steal or tackle and go to goal; when beaten must make quality recovery run to goal. Goalkeepers must support the play with good angles, react with solid technique and start the attack with the right ball. 7

11 Two Games Going to Goal (continued) 5 vs 3 / 3 v 5 On a half field (and the width of the Penalty Area), the Red team plays the White team with 5 Reds versus 3 Whites. The Red s Offside line is at the top of the Penalty Area. There is no Offsides for the Whites. This game is about breaking down the White defense and creating / finishing scoring opportunities. The White defenders should reduce the playing options of the reds and win the ball and play on the counter. This game should flow, with player rotation every 2 minutes (Whites should rotate, Reds can stay on for 4 minute rotations). Red goals equal one goal; White goals equal five goals. The Red team should start with the ball and attack the White goal. The Reds should establish width and depth. Target players are crucial: should they play tight as shown, or have one come off and create shape problems for the Whites? Getting Red players to open up and be able to get into space off their 1 st touch is also critical. Game can have conditions for combining on the ball and moving off of it. White team should be encouraged to defend; collectively to force Red player(s) to get caught along sideline or with head down in middle of field so a double team can be executed. When Whites win possession can they get forward quickly with a direct pass or a quick combination. When the White team finishes with a shot on goal can they make sure to miss the Red s GK to avoid being countered on by the Reds? 8

12 Four Versus Four: Springboard to the Bigger Game Field size: Length 35 yards / Width 25 yards Marking: Goal Area (handling area for GKʼs) 6 yards from each end line Touchlines and Endlines marked as shown. Goals: Centered on each end line (4 yards max) Special Rules: GK or last player back on team in attack must be outside (in front of) own goal area in order for the team in attack to score. No Offside; take goal kick, corner kick and throw-in as normal; re-start game with a goal kick after a goal. Passing and receiving technique is critical to making this game work; receiving players must open up to see downfield whenever possible and should be prepared to play in one or two touches as a matter of routine. The ability of players to sculpt passes with the outside of the foot, and with their non-dominate foot shows in this game. Dribbling and playing in tight spaces is an end product of keeping the ball through good technical play (passing and receiving) A natural outgrowth of good technical play is the number of finishing chances that are created through penetrating dribbling and passing. Restarts are critical in the game and dealing with them with good technique helps keep possession and lessen the likelihood of a counter-attack if the ball is lost. Technique Attack Defense GK should be shaped up to play the ball short or long; X 1 is the short option at the base of the diamond shape, X 2 is at the point of attack in a Strikerʼs position and X3 is in a space to support either the GK or X2 depending upon whatʼs on. X 1 and 3 have to be active and play in concert with each other along each touch line, being careful not to kill the space in the center of the field (and making it too tight to play to X2). X2 must pull away and create a solid point to the diamond, checking away and then back to the ball. A major key to making this game work is to involve the last player back (to gain numerical advantage, in a 4 v 3 situation). From this involvement, combining situations between X 1, 2 and 3 can occur farther down the field. Also having the GK involved in this game lends shape to the game when the ball is lost slowing the counterattack. Individually, players need to strive to be in good defensive positions (this often begins with having to chase / recover when the ball is lost). Working on good jockeying positions, exercising control and restraint and tackling well are all aspects to coach with youth players of all ages). Collectively the Oʼs need to make good decisions in how to defend together: where to begin to pressure, how to push to pressurize attacking players as the ball moves and how to draw the attacking team into coming forward and leave space to counter. 4 v 4 offers multiple opportunities to work on organizing small groups and work on key communication. Setting common vocabulary and standards in defending is an important derivative to this game: which way to show defenders, when to drop, when to step etc. 9

13 SSG: Moving from Small Sided to the Bigger Game by Staying Small 4 v 4 with wing Channel Conditions to Consider: Define whether a defender can enter the channel Touch limit for players in the channel. Conversion players combine with each other or with attacking player coming from infield. Play into Channel and back to GK before going to goal (GK changes POA to opposite side. 4 v 4 With Two Wing Channels & On a standard field (35 x25) lay out a channel 8 yards wide on one side of the field (shown with a dashed lines). Two conversion players occupy the channel. Coach the shape and involvement of the 4 attacking (X) players with the Conversion player(s). Game will create flank opportunities for both teams. Attacking players must assess whether to check to the ball and play in the middle of the field or run off the ball for service from the flank. Conditions to Consider: & On a standard field (35 x25) lay out two channels 8 yards wide on each side of the field (shown with a dashed lines). A halfway line is also inserted. One conversion player occuies each channel. Coach the shape and involvement of the 4 attacking (X) players with the Conversion player(s). Game will create flank opportunities for both teams. Attacking players must assess whether to check to the ball and play in the middle of the field or run off the ball for service from the flank. Consider Conditions from single wing channel above. Bring Attacking Player into the channel with one defender and solve 2 v 1 situation. Play 2 touch in defending half and unlimited in attacking half. Have one team press playing high and other team must break the press and stay onsides.restrict one attacking player to each teamʼs respective attacking half (offside line is top of goal area front player must check for the ball as itʼs played down the middle or from wing 10

14 3 Team Game: Play the Way You are Facing Possessions, ball movement, speed of play, team shape are all important to practice. This practice helps develop all of these important aspects. A grid yards wide by 28 yards wide (depending on #ʼs) with a 2 yard zone at each end is laid out as shown above. 3 teams (Gray, Red and White) play each other, 2 teams versus 1 team. In the diagram the Gray and Red team play the White team. The two teams play one touch, while the one defending team plays with unlimited touches when it wins the ball. The objective for the two teams is to keep the ball and score in the end zone as shown. The defending team pressures and when the ball is won, plays possession all around the grid. When the two teams win the ball in an end zone, they turn and then attack the opposite zone. The two teams can only play the way they are facing in the game. The game is played in rounds of 3 minutes. 1 goal is awarded to the team of two when scoring in a zone and the team of 1 scores a goal when completing x number of passes in a row. Good passing and receiving is of paramount importance (not too hard, too soft). The game is fast, players must constantly work to open up support positions on the ball and away from the ball. Getting into the zone requires players to be able to spin and run forward in combination with players that are facing that space. A turn-over results when a player on the team of two turns with the ball (must play the way the player faces. The White team must pressure and win the ball working to keep possession when the ball is turned over. 11

15 3 Team Game: Making Transitions In this second practice suggestion, key moments in the game are practiced: the time when WE have the ball; the time when the other team, THEY have the ball and the time in the game when it is not clear as to WHO has the ball. On a field 50 yards wide by 60 yards wide two teams (Gray and Red) play the White team in a 3 team game. The field has penalty areas marked out (40 yards wide and 16 yards between the end line and the top of each box). A restraining line (denoting offsides for each team) is also laid out. The team of two plays the one for 4 minutes. A goal for the team of two equals one point; a goal for the one team (playing on the counter) is worth 3 points. Score should be kept from round to round (teams keep a cumulative score). Game ends after x number of rounds or x number of points. When we have the ball, what is the plan for possession or ball movement. The same concepts as were used in the 3 Team possession game carry forward (play quick, play the way you are facing etc). The two teams should have good movement on and off the ball and look to have options to penetrate the one teamʼs goal. Finishing chances should be well organized with options to shoot or pace being well executed. The one team should push their line forward quickly when winning the ball and combine quickly to earn shooting opportunities on goal. The team of two should organize and press the team of one when possession is lost. If it is not clear which team is in possession, both sides must organize for the pending win or loss of possession. 12

16 Section C: Team Games Going to Goal Getting outside Defender Forward in Attack Final Pieces. 21 A Four Channel Game Neutral Players on the Fly. 23 Working on Positional Play 24 Counter-Attacking Games More Practice in the Scoring Zone Game Progression.. 29 Going to Goal Games Working on the 10,000x10 Year Formula 33 Two way play: Attacking & Defending Goals Side by Side

17 Section C: Team Games Going to Goal Getting the Outside Defender Forward in Attack Functional Practice: Getting the Wide Player Forward Overlaps / Crosses A short field yards long is set up with wing channels marked with a red dotted line is set up. Goalkeepers take up positions in goals on each end of the field and each has a supply of soccer balls to use. Outside defenders (RB and LB take up wide positions in each wing channel at opposite ends of the field. Each GK starts the activity with a throw out to the wide player and a combination is played involving the outside defender (e.g. overlap or wall pass) that results in a cross or a shot. Additional players and movements can be performed, but the emphasis is on the technical points specific to the right pass, right run, right finishing movement etc). It is important that each goalkeeper start at the same time so there is activity coming down both flanks at the same time. Players should be interchanged accordingly and the coach might set a standard for the amount of time players have to complete a sequence or to set an objective for finished crosses / shots in a given time period. The GKʼs service out to the wide player is key: driven, in the air, but low to the ground and leading the wide player forward. The wide player should be starting wide and near the touchline in the channel. The wide playerʼs 1 st touch should be played forward and be near the touchline (away from the line an opposing player will take to defend). The combination should be ʻcrisp with a combination of 2 touch, then 1 touch passing. Wide player should also establish eye contact and verbally involve player(s) involved in the movement. Service and runs to goal should be sharp, cover the important spaces and be timed so that they are in time and on time with the service. As practices are put together, a variety of movements should be added to give players a wide variety of options coming forward. 14

18 Five vs Five with Wing Channels A short field (40-45 yards in length) with goals and wing channels set up provide the template for a 5 vs 5 game to be played between the Red and White team. Only 1 defender can oppose an attacking player in a wing channel (the channel can be overloaded with a second player to create a 2 v 1 situation. The GKʼs can throw or pass the ball out with their feet (there is no punting in this game. The halfway line is used to judge offsides. In the diagram, the play begins with a throw out to the wide player (pass a) and then pass b is played to a front target and then pass c goes to a sitting player in midfield and then changed to the other wing channel to a the wide player on the left who combines won a wall pass with the front target going forward. The GKʼs throw out is critical in getting the game started; the GK should recognize how much space the outside winger has to go forward without losing the ball to the defender. The Red team needs to involve all players to establish possession and work to spring a wide player in the wing channel. Good ball movement and quality running on and off the ball are critical. Combination play in the wing channel can be a condition before scoring. The first objective for the Red team is to get add a wide player in attack; but secondarily the wide player can run for through balls or get on the end of crosses when the play comes when not involved in wide play directly. Game should be played for 4 minutes and player roles rotated. 15

19 A Bigger Game: The Outside Back Coming Forward in a 10 v 8 Game On a field 60 Yards in Length, the Red team plays the White team in a 10 (for the Red) vs 8 ( for the White) game. The field continues to be marked with wing channels and is also marked in 3rds (with an offsides line for each team). The Red team plays in a formation, while the White team plays The GKʼs continue to play with a throw or pass off the ground rule. The game should be played for 10 minutes and then roles should be interchanged. Younger players can play on a smaller field play with a back 3, instead of a back 4.. In the diagram, a pattern of possession is established on the Red teamʼs right and then the Red left back comes forward out of the back 3 rd and then a combination is played in behind the White teamʼs back line. This game allows for the GK and the back four on each team to work as a unit. The Red team will have ample opportunity to play out of the back and get the Right or Left Back forward routinely, but there will be enough pressure to make the game realistic. The White team simply counters quickly when winning possession and works to keep a compact shape. The Red team will need to make sure that they allow the wide players to play in many 1 v 1 and 2 v 1 opportunities (and not commit too many players in a wide channel). It is not advisable to get too many central players wide (thatʼs not where the goal is). 16

20 Getting the Outside Defender Forward in Attack Phase I: A team playing coming out of the attacking 3 rd into their midfield. The Red team is shown (#1 GK, 3 LB, 2 RB, 4 & 5 CBʼs, 6 holding MF, 7 and 10 Attacking MF, 8 RW, 11 LW and 9 is the CF. The sequence begins with the GK throwing the ball out to #3 (pass A) who runs into space to receive the ball on the first touch and play the ball into the feet of 10 on the 2 nd touch (pass B). 10 plays to 6 on the first touch (pass C) and 6 plays the ball forward and diagonally to 2 who has come forward. Note that #8, the RW has run inside with 9. The GKʼs throw in pass A is critical: the pass needs to be driven out to the LB who can touch the ball quickly and under control; a throw too high or with a bounce slows the process and may take the ability to play forward away. Pass B should be played into the MFʼs feet and the LB should play this ball with the left foot. Pass C is made when #10 twists slightly to face the holding MF, #6. Pass D is the key as #6, should pull the ball across her body and get the ball on her right foot and measure a driven instep pass (on the ground) to the RB, #2, who has pushed into the flank space vacated by 8ʼs run inward. This phase ends with the ball near the halfway line on the right foot of the right back. 17

21 Phase 2: The Outside Defender with the Ball at the Half-way Line / Penetrating Options The RB, #2 is wide at the Halfway line with the ball. Teammates have moved to support the play and create 3 options for 2: Option a: MF # 7 has overlapped # 2 on the right wing and 2 can use option A and play to 7 to create a crossing option down the right hand wing. Option b: The RW, #8 has run inside and completed a cross over run with the CF, #9 and the second option is to play a lofted ball behind the oppositionʼs back line to #8 who is running at goal centrally. Option c involves a 3 player pass with the CF # 9 and the MF # 10 to deliver a lofted diagonal pass to the LW, # 11 who is timing a run in the left hand channel. Option a is an overlap and #2 should dribble diagonally inward to open up an angle to play to the MF #7. The pass from # 2 to #7 should be disguised and played with the outside of the right foot as #2 gets a commitment from a closing defender infield. Option b occurs when the CF clears a little space for the RW who is sprinting infield as the Red team works the ball to the starting position at the halfway line. The RW runs to stay onside first and then run off the shoulder and behind an opposing center back. The delivery is critical from the RB as the serve forward should be flighted into the space between the top of the penalty area and the opponentʼs back line. Option c is a between 3 players with the idea that the play will be switched to the LW running forward from the wide portion to a location indicated by the arrow in the diagram. The final pass is again lofted to the winger, but is set up with a nice one touch lay off from the CF. 18

22 Outside Defender Coming Forward In working with our older teams, the need to use outside defenders coming forward to help balance the team in attack and add to the attack is a huge objective. This monthʼs practice focuses on a game that develops this tactical need. Younger teams can use the same game (modified by number and space) to develop this important attacking piece in the team. 7 vs 8 to One Goal: Involving the Outside Defender On a half-field the Reds (in attack and organized in a 4-3-1) play against the Whites who are defending a goal with a goalkeeper and playing a The Red team must keep the ball centrally when it is served in from the coach at the halfway line and ultimately involve an outside defender (the left back, #3 in the diagram above). As the outside defender receives the ball she must decide as to play the ball back centrally to # 9 in diagram or to continue playing the ball down the wing individually. Depending how much wing-channel work the team does, the coach may want to establish corridors (shaded in the diagram above). This space identifies where the outside defender should play as the attack develops. The Red team must establish possession between #6,7, 9 and 10. As pressure from the Whites defend, the outside back either 2 or 3 must be played to. The decision to keep the ball wide, play centrally or back to play to the other side is the vital part of this first part of the practice. When an outside defender does come forward, the other 3 players in the back should slide across and link up. The diagram above also ends a Center back (# 5) steps forward and the 4 and the 2 picks up the long White target. The White team must press to defend and when winning the ball attack the half-way line. 19

23 7 v 8: The Outside Defender committing to Attack This final piece to the practice occurs when the outside defender (#3) commits to finishing the attack from the flank. In the diagram above, the left back sprints forward, engages the White defender, beats her on the dribble and plays a cross into the Red attackers. The Red team scores one point for a cross or shot by the outside defender. A goal is worth 3 points if provided by either outside defender coming forward. The White team scores one goal for every 3 serves to the halfway line. Play this game for 16 minutes, and then change roles. When the #3 commits to cross, note the runs made off the ball (#9 cycles to mid goal and #10 & 7 cross over to make near and far post runs. # 6 supports from behind and # 5 holds in the middle with # 4 and 2 accounting for the White Target player. If the Red team loses possession while an outside defender is committed forward, the coach should give a 4 or 5 count for them to sprint back to their home defending position. There are no right or wrong answers in this game: creating options and balance is what this game is all about 20

24 Final Pieces: From the Thought Process to the Actual Final Pass Making it all Happen To make this strategy work in practice and on game day, a few key final points, for your consideration: It is key to establish clear possession first and then push your outside back into attack. It is key to spend time working on the shape of each line in your teamʼs system (the back four, midfield and attacking group). The example above is a final piece to the look of getting the back forward. Achieving clear possession is all about getting the 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd passes going the right way and then creating the change of play that allows the outside defender to get forward. It is key to get the players moving the ball in the right amount of touch(s) and also get players to run on and off the ball to get the ball there in time: this is a highly technical piece and playing in the right amount of touches and delivering the right ball gives the team the options they are after. It is key that the GK, other defenders and a MF take up support and holding positions if possession is lost so that there are not easy spaces created by going forward that the opposition can run and play into. As a coach builds this concept into the team attack, keeping age appropriateness in mind is also helpful. In a 9-a-side game, a defender in a can come forward, but creating the space in a channel to accomplish this needs to happen and a midfield player needs to sit in the defenders place to help with a counter if the ball is lost. As players age, this concept can grow into a key piece of a teamʼs attack. As time moves on, cultivating the service (good right footed service from the RB and left footed service from the LB) is also an important aspect of making this strategy work long term. As a second option, encouraging the wide defender to cut-infield and run at defenders is also an objective in this strategy (this is important when the wide defender has advanced to the opponentʼs defending 3 rd and the most optimal damage can be done from the defender coming forward. 21

25 A Four Channel Game A practice that allows the coach to work with a midfield group (3 or 4) and involve front player work for targets and wide players. On 2/3rds of a field, the White team (in attack, plays the Red team who defends in an 8 vs 7 game. This is a game where the White team attacks the Red teamʼs goal and the White team counters to an end zone as shown in the diagram above. The Field is marked into 4 channels, Outside Left, Inside Left, Inside Right and Outside Right. The White team is organized in a system and the Reds play system (including the goalkeeper). The channels are helpful in showing the best shape of the midfield and front players. The Channels can also be used to restrict wide players to outside channels to help build width in the game. The field also has an offsides lines 36 yards from the endline, which gives the White team depth to play into. The roles of all players should be defined: Defenders #1 & 2 can be limited to inside channels or one can be assigned the Inside Right and Outside Right Zone and the partnering defender the other two channels. The role of #3, 4 & 5 midfielders are also important to note: which player(s) hold, which players attack Wingers and strikers need to be shown how to play off the offsides line and how to provide width and depth. Possession should be stressed (with a purpose) by the White team in attack. From that, The combining of passes and movement of players need to be coached. In the illustration above, The holding White Midfielder plans to the Central Striker #7, who lays the ball to Attacking Midfielder #4 who has two choices in penetrating to the Left Wing #6 or playing a diagonal ball to the Right wing, #8. Once the Red restraining line has been penetrated, finishing with the best shot possible is the objective. When the white team turns the ball over, the quality of defending is important in pressing to win the ball back and not allow the reds to score with a pass into the end zone 22

26 Neutral Players on the Fly The Red Team Plays the White team in a 6 v 6 game played on ½ to 2/3rds of a field. The field should be less than full width, have penalty areas (16 yard boxes) arranged on each end of the field and there should be a middle zone (as shown with the blue dotted lines separating the middle of the field. The Red goalkeeper in yellow plays long to Rd # 6 who is joined by neutral players (coming on in blue shorts) from the sideline. The two Red targets (5 & 6 must stay in their half of the field. Red players can come out of the back to support the play (but should leave 2-3 players to account for the White forwards who must also stay in their half. The objective for the reds is to use the oncoming Neutrals and players coming out of the back to create a numbers up situation against the back 4 of the Whites and create goal scoring chances. When the Red team plays the ball to the White GK or over the White endline, the Red players who have come forward through the center zone must return and the Neutrals sprint off the field and the White team then attacks the other way with new neutral players. The Goalkeeper must be decisive, getting the Neutral player(s) involved right away is key: they can also be found to start the attack anywhere in the middle zone if the serve into the targets is not a good choice. When Neutral players are utilized in the central zone, a decision as to whether or not to play in front of the White back 4 or behind will be a key decision as offsides is always in play in the attacking half of the field. The Neutral players should make angles for the targets and combine for 1-2ʼs, take-overs and overlaps to penetrate the back 4 of the White team. Players coming out of the back for the Red team must determine who goes and who stays so that there is balance in the game and in the case of a counter-attack, all White players are accounted for. When the ball is lost, recovery runs are critical to dealing with the counter-attack. Game should be played for minutes and then players rotated in and out of Neutral position. 23

27 Working on Positional Play Three Team Game The Practice of the Month is a 3 team game that focuses on players who play along one line (defenders, midfielders or forwards) playing in a half field plus game. The line focused on below are forwards (in Red). A field is set up (65-70 yards long x yards wide) with penalty areas set up one each end and an offsides line marked 8-19 yards in front of each Penalty Area (marked with cones in the diagram). 3 teams are organized (see legend above). In the diagram the Red team (the focus group of 3 forwards #2, 3, 4 and an Attacking midfielder #1, play against the White team which is organized as a back four. This is an rotational game in that when the White team can win the ball and play the ball over the Red s end line, they rotate off, the Red team then defends the goal of the Blue Goalkeeper and the blue team enters the field and attacks the blue. This game demands that the focus line be organized in attack and defense. The two other teams consistently defend their ends and rotate off when they play the ball over the Red team s end line. As the practice develops, the coach should model the roles and responsibilities for each role of the focus team (in this case the Red team). Angles and starting positions of wing players and front players should be coached. When do wing players (2 & 4) start wide and high, when does one drop off and angle back to open up space and pull the White back four out of line? When does the central striker player play high off of central defender and when does dropping into midfield create problems along the White team s back 4? How can the Attacking midfielder get involved in playmaking and in penetration in partnership with each of the three forwards? How can technique and Principles of Play in attack be plugged into the game. What is the response of the Red team when the ball is lost. How do they defend to win the ball back or stop the penetration of the White team going forward? This practice can be utilized for each positional line. The key is to model a plan for attack and defense. As this practice progresses, new positions can be added and the field space can be stretched as appropriate. 24

28 Counter-Attacking Games As this is the month we celebrate 4-leaf clovers and the luck of the Irish, we offer counterattacking games with an Albeit Scottish influence: playing on the counter through the eyes of Glasgow Celtic Manager Neil Lennon. The concept of these games come Lennon, but with heavy adaptation from your Director here at home; manager Lennon shared the concept which allowed the development of this practice here in Washington state (Elite Soccer, March 2013, pp 4-5). Small Sided Counter Attacking: 3 v 3 On a field 32 yards wide x 36 yards long, the White team plays the Red team in a 3 v 3 (GK plus two players). The game starts out with the 4 outfield players engaged in a 2 v 2 situation. When White 2 shoots, he runs around the Red team goal. The Red team collects the shot (or quickly gets another ball if White 2ʼs shot is off target) and immediately begins a counterattack towards the White goal (White 3 now defends against the two Reds playing on the counter. Players should play for seconds (when a ball is played over the touchline a kick-in can be played to re-start play. Score should be kept from round-to-round. Small-sided numbers can be increased from the 4 field players to groups of 3 or 4 outfield players playing in this space. Total playing time: minutes. The Quality of Service from the GK to the team playing on the counter should lead them into space. Players playing on the counter should run positively to goal and not hold the game up. When a player sprints around the goal (They must recover to an onside position in their half of the field (dotted line at top of penalty area). Shooting playerʼs run can be modified to the end line (instead of a run around the goal). Attacking players playing on the counter should make clear choices on the ball: to dribble at the defender or play through to their partner running forward. Team playing on the counter should finish positively (best angle available, can the ball be cut-back etc). 25

29 A Bigger Counter-Attacking Game: 6 v 6 A half-field is set up: yards long with the width narrowed to yards. This game is similar to the small sided game, but not there is a 10 yard neutral zone set up in the center of the field with a Target (coach or 3 rd GK) positioned in the zone. The game features 5 White players playing against 5 Red players (with GKʼs this is a 6 v 6 game). When White 2 shoots, he runs around the goal and the Red GK distributes the ball to the Target in the middle zone. The target plays a ball (can be caught and thrown to the Red player breaking out (black arrow from GK to Target and black arrow from Target to Red show the beginning of the Red teamʼs counter. As players are added to this game, players running forward on the counter-attack should not replicate a teammateʼs run. Diagonal runs and service are pivotal in penetrating the team defending on the counter. Offsides should be judged from the neutral zone line nearest the end line. Players recovering (White 2 in the diagram) must recover to an onsides position (or a position of defense). Each round should last up to 4 minutes and score should be kept. If more length is available, the field can be extended by yards. Additional outfield players can also be added. Game should be played for 20 minutes. 26

30 More Practice in the Scoring Zone Last month, A concept of where goals come from was discussed with special emphasis on a game concept of how to score more goals in the golden zone, which is that key area in the center of the penalty area (and just outside the area) that accounts for close to 70% of all goals scored. 6 v 4 Game With 3 Goals On Less than a half-field, the Red team (2 GKʼs and 4 field players) attack a single central goal defended by 3 defenders (White jerseys) and a goalkeeper. The Reds defend two goals turned at a slight angle located 35 yards from goal. Field marking discs mark the sidelines (se up on angles as shown). Field width should be marked at 46 yards. Extra soccer balls are organized adjacent to each goal on the field as shown. Rotate ends (substitute players too) every 4 minutes The Red team must play quickly and with shape (yellow shirted GK;ʼs play 2 touch when ball is at their feet) and offsides is on whenever the ball is in play. The first touch / control of the Red team should keep options open to going to goal (to shoot, to pass, to dribble) Quality of final penetrating pass is critical to score goals in this game (the ball is always in the Golden Zone. All shots should be followed for poached rebounds and deflections off goal and White team. White Team must defend as a unit and pressure the ball, can counter to one of the two flagged goals. 27

31 6 v 4 Game With 3 Goals & Crossers This game is an extension of the 6 v 4 game above, but now crossers are added to supply the Red team with service outside the playing area. Crossers must supply service within 5-6 seconds when the ball is played into the wide channel Crossers can serve early or penetrate and cut the ball back from the angled areas of the disc marked sidelines. Teams should rotate ends and substitute every 4 minutes The Red team must continue to play quickly, but must also move quickly off the ball in reading crossing situations. Red players should organize their runs deceptively, by crossing over with teammates and cover key areas: near post, mid goal, far post and also react to 2 nd balls off of service won by the Red or deflected (and mis-cleared) by the whites. Important skills surrounding attacking heading, volleying and shooting need to be focused on. Again, looking for 2 nd chance opportunities is critical. The White Team must work hard to cover key zonal areas and attack crossed balls and counter-attack quickly. 28

32 3 Game Progression: Playing to Targets Coaching Points The 3 games above are part of a progression that may run from one practice to the next. The field size for Game 1 should be 40 yards long x 25 yards wide; Game 2 should be slightly bigger, 45 yards long x 30 yards wide and Game 3 should have be set up on a 60 yards long x 40 yards wide. Each field should have a half way line installed (Game 3 should have 3 segments of 20 yards each marked out. In each game, the ball starts with the GK of the White team plays the ball to a player (1). From the first ball, the idea is to keep possession and play the ball to a target in the next ( forward ) grid. The White team (or Red team if they are in attack) should have numbers up in the beginning grid. In Game 3: The White team should be numbers up in the defending and midfield grids to help ensure success playing forward. The coach should rotate players into key roles as each game progresses. In attack, the White team should be sharp in possession: Play one or two touch Supporting players opening up to make support angles as big as possible In each game, players can follow a pass from the back to the front to support the play. Targets in a receiving grid should execute a checking run (run away from the ball and then angle back into space to receive the ball. The receiver should control the ball on the foot farthest from the defender and play to support that can be seen when the ball is controlled. When receiving players play the ball backwards or side- ways, they should spin and run forward. In the attacking 3 rd, good tactical decisions should be made: to dribble 1 v 1, to combine with a teammate(s) are critical to successful play. In defense, the Red team should defend properly and upon winning the ball play forward quickly on the counter-attack. 29

33 Going to Goal Games Whether we are watching the European Championships, our own Sounders, or our own teams, scoring goals is what the game is all about: this is where the excitement is, this is the part of the game that makes our heart race. The three practices below are three favorites that merge together important ideas about going to goal with finishing and counter-attacking. Attacking Game One: 2 Attackers vs 2 Goalkeepers Diagram-1: Whites and Reds vs Two GKʼs A space of 2 penalty areas (double box) is marked on the field, with a goal on one end line. Two teams are organized (Whites and Reds) shown in Diagram-1) with the Whites organized to attack the goal with 2 attacking players and the Red team is set up behind the goal as shown. The Game starts with the Coach serving the ball into a White player, who plays with his partner against 2 GKʼ;s (one stays inside his Goal Area and one patrols the rest of the Penalty Area (both GKʼ;s play with their hands). The Red team is positioned to retrieve shots that miss the goal and can score a goal by playing keepy uppy with each Red player having a touch without letting the ball hit the ground. Each round lasts 4 minutes, with the GKʼs changing roles every 2 minutes. Score should be kept from round to round with X number of goals scored signifying a winner. The player on the ball should run at the goal and get the commitment of the first GK and either go around the GK or play to the other attacking player (who must stay onsides). The attacking team of two should work together for the best shooting angles (using an early pass or a cut back to set up the shot is important). Each shot should be followed by the white team and rebounds and deflections should be followed up to finish. The GKʼs must work together to cover the shooting angles (the GKʼs can change positions as the ball moves 1 in the Goal Area, 1-in the Penalty Area. The Gkʼs will be closing and spreading to the ball, using 1 v 1 techniques. GKʼs need to take care not to foul and give up Penalty Kicks. 30

34 Attacking Game Two: Four vs Two To Goal Diagram--2: Whites vs Reds 4 v 2 to Goal.The field is organized in a double box format as s shown in diagram 2 with the White team positioned with 4 players in attack and the Red team defends with 2 players and a goalkeeper. The offsides line is the top of the Penalty Area as shown in Diagram 2. The Whites start with possession with a serve from the coach; the White team of four should attack the Red team at pace, working together to combine for the best shot available in the attacking sequence. The two Red defenders must work together to try and eliminate White attackers through good group defending and the use of the Offsides law. The Goalkeeper playing with the Reds must work to take up good angles and get off the line when appropriate. When the Red team wins the ball, the should counterattack and try to score by attacking the White end line (line coach serves from). Goalkeepers should change roles every two minutes and defenders should be rotated every 2-3 serves to keep the level of defending sharp and realistic. Play 4 minute rounds and reverse attacking and defending roles. Play to x number of goals to decide a winner. Variation: add a goal to the White end line with a goalkeeper; the Reds attack the goal instead of the end line. White team needs to establish a good shape (diamond, with a target player positioned centrally and other players must move in support of the ball. The Whites need to build rhythm by moving the ball quickly, looking to penetrate the Red defense with a quick combination, or through ball. The White team should find the best shot available and work for good angles and follow up for rebounds and deflections. The White team must also organize quickly when the ball is lost and press to win the ball back. The Red team must organize their defending to take away options and good shooting angles through good 1 st and 2 nd person defending and by using the Offsides law. The Red team must play forward quickly when winning the ball to try to counter to the Whites End line (or goal). 31

35 Attacking Game Three: 4 v to Two Goals Diagram--3: Whites vs Reds 4 v to Two Goals The double box organization with a goal on each end and channels (shaded in Diagram 3 above) is set up. The White team starts out playing with 4 players in attack and plays against two Reds. Width is added to the game now as the game is played on a pitchʼs full width. The Reds defend intelligently with two players on the field and use the top of the penalty area as an Offsides line. When the Reds win the ball, they have two options: counter to the White goal with the two on the field, or pass back to the goalkeeper and add two reds to attack the White goal. When the Red team plays the ball back, the White team drops two players to create the 4 v2 situation coming the other way. When a ball goes over either end line, the whites restart with a 4 v 2 situation. After 4 minutes with the White team beginning each restart with a ball in, the roles reverse for the next 4 minutes with the Reds taking on the starting role. The game should be played for x number of rounds to x number of goals. This game now expands from the central attacking concepts described in previous games to incorporate crossing and finishing. Variation: Numbers can be added to the sequence 5 Whites vs 3 Reds, 6 vs 4 etc. The game can finish with each team playing with 6 attackingh and defending players. The Shape of the White Team can now expand to pulloing wide or staying in the confines of the penalty area. As before, the ball must move quickly, with the White team looking to keep the ball, but also look to penetrate the Red defense. As the game goes wide, the emphasis on quality service to the near post, mid goal and far post areas should be emphasized with quality running (and adjusting of runs by the White players). Coaching good finishing is critical here too: heading or striking through and down on the service or receiving and laying the ball off to the most open teammate will be important. The White team must organize quickly to press the Reds when the ball is lost. The Red team must defend with a high enough line to be able to close White players who have stepped out of the play. In stepping up, the Whites also use the Offsides law to their advantage. The Red team should make a quality decision when the ball is won (typically 2 goals are awarded when the Reds counter without playing back to add / drop numbers. As this game progresses, numbers are added to add to the flank attacking and defending strategies and add realism to the game. 32

36 Working on the 10,000 x 10 Year Formula: Soccer Homework Ideas Activity A B C D E F G & H I Description Juggling on the move: lay out a starting cone and an ending cone 20 yards apart. Place a marker in the middle of the two cones. Juggle from one cone to the other on the move without letting the ball fall to the ground. Use specific body part (i.e. feet only). For variety, start on one cone, juggle just past the halfway point and reverse juggling movement back to starting point. (12 minutes of this activity) Scissors Dribbling: Place two starting points 12 yards apart (yellow dots). Place two cones between dots. Begin by moving at the first cone and scissor dribble on the left foot and carry the ball with the outside of the right foot away from the cone; approach the 2 nd cone and complete a right footed scissor and take the ball away with the outside of the left foot and finish at dot. Complete as many lengths of this activity in 75 seconds, then rest and repeat (complete 10 sets of this activity) Sprint Dribbling & Turning: Set up 2 cones 8 yards apart. Sprint end to end turning quickly for 45 seconds; rest for 60 seconds and repeat 10 sets of this activity. Agility Dribbling: Set up 2 cones 18 yards apart and place a center mark (yellow dot) halfway. Begin at and end, sprint to the middle and reverse back to the start, turning at the start and sprint dribbling to the end. Rest 30 seconds and repeat. Do this 12 times. Lateral Dribbling: Set a start and an end point 16 yards apart and place 2 cones 6 yards apart in the middle of the area. Start at an end, dribble diagonally to one cone, move laterally to the opposite cone by rolling the sideways with the sole of the foot. Finish with a sprint dribble to the end. Rest 30 seconds and repeat 12 times. Square Pegs Passing: With a partner, set up a square (8 x 8 yd) for each, 20, 30 or 40 yards apart. Play back and forth (instep drive on the ground at 20 yards, chipping at 30 yards and driving the ball in the air at 40 yards). Play 2-touch in the grid (one to receive, one to serve). Keep score (invent a scoring system, play games to 9, 15 or 21 points). Flighted Service Over an Obstacle: Using a bench or goal, play a service game flighting the ball over the obstacle. Chipping games, players should be 25 yards apart; flighted service yards apart. As with square pegs, invent scoring, play competitively. Soccer Tennis: Use a bench, chairs or cones and play soccer tennis in an 6 x 6 service area (for each player).. Play 1 or 2 touch; keep score and play competitively. 33