“Liverpool FC was encapsulated in just three words: ‘Pass and Move.’”
Alan Hansen
“A lot of coaches in their fifties and sixties will tell you that with virtually all of the great players of their generation, their success was founded in the hours they spent playing football in the streets. It was an important part of the culture of working – class lads.”
Alan Hansen
In the 1970s and 1980s when Liverpool where at their peak and most clubs idea of training was a lot of running and physical work without the ball, at Liverpool they played 5 a-side games with the emphasis on simple quick passing.
Liverpool was renowned as the ‘pass and move’ team and Shankly made sure that everything was kept simple.
Players were encouraged to make their own decisions and solve problems.
Ronnie Moran, one of the legendary coaches at the club and very much part of the famous bootroom culture at Liverpool football club said of Shankly, “If he looked at a couple of kids juggling a ball, it wouldn’t matter to him which one was better. He would want to see how they played in a game situation. His argument would be that you don’t get opportunities to juggle the ball in a match so it was irrelevant.”
Moran also thinks that today there is a lack of game intelligence. “Players today don’t seem to have that ‘nouse’. I think all over the country now too much is being put in footballer’s brains about what they must and must not do.”
In Alan Hansen’s excellent autobiography ‘A Matter of Opinion’, he talks about a game they used to play at Liverpool. “Every player concentrated on giving the sort of passes that a team-mate wanted to receive, rather than the ones he wanted to play; and every player repeatedly made good runs off the ball to give the man in possession plenty of options.”
Hansen adds, “Liverpool FC was encapsulated in just three words: ‘Pass and Move.’ Liverpool occasionally had a training match rule that a player had to move two yards forwards, backwards or to either side immediately he passed the ball; if he didn’t, his team would be penalized and the ball given to the other team.”
Age Group U12s to adults
Pitch sizes 40 x 20 or at the discretion of the coach
Number of teams – 2
Team sizes 4-6 players
Bibs optional. Goals – 5 a side or mini soccer goals
This game is not suited for younger children and I think should not be tried with ages less than 12. It is very tiring and should only be used in small bursts as perhaps part of a normal 4v4 game.
As soon as a player in possession passes the ball he must move either back, sideways or forward to support the player with the ball. If he fails to do this, possession is immediately given to the other team.
Server passes the football so that it stays in the grid. Attacker is the only one able to play the ball initially. Attacker attempts to turn with the ball and:
a. Dribble under control over the end line for 1 point.
b. Pass the ball through the goal for 3 points.
The player defending attempts to: a. Win the ball and dribble over the opposite line for 1 point. If the ball goes out of the grid, no points for either player.
Alternate roles.
Coaching Points Defenders:
Do not allow the attacker to turn. Play him honestly. Do not let him know where you are by 'leaning' on him. He will use this over-commitment to turn you.
Tackle when the attacker turns, and only when certain of winning the ball.
If attacker turns, play them honestly, but deny pass into the goal. However, do not overplay this option too extremely as this will allow the attacker to dribble right by.
Attackers: Make a self-pass in order to escape pressure. Turn and face the defender as soon as possible.
When facing defender, take him on with speed. Use short, controlled steps.
Use quick changes of pace and direction.
Image: Diagram 1
Numbers Passing
The Game Players pass the ball to the player with the number one higher than their own. (eg. 5 passes to 6, 11 to 1). Ball travels through the entire team. First, allow unlimited touches, then two touches, not allowing the ball to stop, then one touch. Try playing with left foot only, outside of foot only, without talking.
Coaching Points
Eye contact.
Good passing technique.
Angles of support.
Proper weight of passes.
Keep body open to the field of play
Image:
Pass and Defend
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 occurring, 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.
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Small Game 20 - 25 Minutes. Activity level: Medium progression to high. Space: Defined space "smaller". 3 - 5 players per group.
Numbers Up Keep Away
The Game
A basic keep away game. One team tries to keep the ball from the other team. Because the one team has an advantage, the amount of reps of the skill (ie. passing and receiving) is increased. There are many variations; lose the ball and go in the middle, play for a time limit, if you "split" the two defenders with a pass, you get a goal, play 3 v. 1, 5 v. 2, 6 v. 3.
Coaching Points
Angle and distance of support must be good.
Keep hips facing the play.
Weight and accuracy of passes.
Good passing technique.
Team shape, wide support and at height.
Defending - make play predictable by being patient.
Image:
Targets Passing
The Game
Start with three teams of equal numbers. The space should be rectangular in shape. Team A starts as free target players on all sides of space. Teams B and C play a game of keepaway. Passes can be made to the A players (they must return the ball to the the passer's team). Count the number of consecutive passes. Ten equals one goal. After a specified time period, or a goal, rotate teams. Let the scoring team make the decision whether to become "targets" or stay in the grid.
Coaching Points
Encourage good pace and accuracy of passes.
Pace should be fast enough so defenders can not intercept, and comfortable for the receiver to control.
Accuracy - Ball should be played to players feet.
Players need to make good decision on how to utilize targets to retain possession.
Progressions
Targets can only one touch the ball.
Field players must have 1, 2 or 3 touches, depending on skill level.
Award a goal if player can make a wall pass with target players.
Image:
End Zone Game
The Game
Set up field as shown with a seven yard "Endzone" at each end. Score a goal by getting the ball from one "Endzone" to the other by passing or dribbling. Once a goal is scored, immediately attack going in the other direction. The end zones are "free". Only the attacking team can enter this area.
Coaching Points
Attacking and defending principles
Counter attack
Passing and receiving
Team Game 30 Minutes plus. Activity level: High. Space: half - full size pitch. 7 - 11 players per team.
8 v. 8 with Corner Goals
The Game
8 v. 8 played on half a field. Set up 10 yard squares in each corner of the field. These act as goals. A goal is scored when the ball is passed into the square and then out to a teammate. Each team can attack any of the four goals.
Coaching Points
Keep the team balanced in attack and defence. Don't bunch up around one goal.
Look to attack the goal that is open. See if players can recognize where the pressure is.
It should be easy to keep possession since the defence has so many goals to defend. Be patient in attack and don't take unnecessary risks.
In defence, look to create opportunities to double team.
Variations
Play with two balls to open game up.
Allow a goal if player dribbles in and out of square.
Insist that passing goals require three players.
Limit players to 2 touches
Image:
Keeper to Keeper
The Game
This is a possession game that uses the keepers. Instead of trying to score, each team tries to pass the ball from one keeper to another. Keepers can play the ball with their hands.
Coaching Points
In attack: Attacking principles of play. Always look to get the ball forward and to the keeper. especially, right when you get it from the keeper. Counter attack often. Since the flow of play changes quickly, players get practice in the back and front.
In defence: Must have pressure on the ball. Quickly get behind the ball when possession is lost. Prohibit counter attacks.
Good, quick keeper distribution.
Image:
Triangle Passing Drill
The Game
The triangle has sides of one yard in length. Player A passes the ball to player B. Player B receives the ball at position 2, after it has come out of the triangle. B then touches the ball to the side and returns it to A making sure the ball does not travel through the side of the triangle which it came from. The diagram shows 2 options for the return pass. Try to keep the game going as long as possible without making a mistake.
Coaching Points
Passing and receiving warm-ups.
Preparing the surface before reception, keeping feet active.
Keep body facing the play. Use good technique.
Progression
Allow unlimited touches to develop a feel for the game.
Restrict players to 2 touches, one to prepare ball, one to return it.
Ask the players to determine if there is an easier way to bring their first touch. (This should be towards the nearest cone - the cut becomes determined)
Nearest Cone forces player to take his eyes off the ball and look at the "field" in front of him.
Make the triangle 2 yards apart and see what happens.
How I build the practice up
1. Stand one step inside the six yard box just in front of the near post. Hold your hands up and motion a square with your hands. Say "Try to target the football here, four yards off the goal line and somewhere in this box here".
coaching point The steeper the angle you come at the ball, the more bend you try to put on the ball and the less chance you have of getting it in the target area.
2. Position one player at the near post. It doesn't have to be the best header of the ball. I want the biggest nuisance possible-who has a great chance of flick on's and who can stop the defenders from getting to the ball. They might not be the most mobile person in the world but they are going to be a handful and very awkward. She might get a flick on, she may even get a strike on goal but the important thing is to get in the flight of the ball.
3. Now add two defenders. One in front and one behind the 'flicker'. Tell the 'flicker' not to just stand at the near post but to try to cause the two defenders a problem. The corner taker and the 'flicker' work together. The 'flicker' starts at the near post and runs to the edge of the 6-yard box to split the defenders, when the 'flicker' moves forward that's the corner takers cue to take the corner. The 'flicker' then moves back half turned to the near post area. Opposite movement. It is harder to defend when you are back tracking/peddling. So draw the defenders and put the ball where he has come from.
"If the defender gets a touch he might just do the job for us. Open the space to make bigger target. If both defenders go with him then we can get a runner in here. So when he gets to the 6 yard line you deliver it, 'flicker' get yourself sideways on. If you aim to miss the first defender you will give your self the perfect target."
4. Now add a 'sniffer' and the keeper ! The 'sniffer' should stand in front of the keeper. As soon as the 'flicker' hits the edge of the 6 yard box, the 'sniffer' steps away from the keeper out to the edge of the six yard line and in front of the back post. This locks off the back post.
5. Now add two defending full backs and three attackers. Put the two full backs on the post and three attackers on the edge of the area. It is important to give the three attackers responsibilities. One attacker hits the inside of the near post, one goes for the penalty spot and one for the far post.
6. Add your right back and left back to lock off the outside of the penalty box. They should stand 5 yards outside the penalty box, mid way between the edge of the box and the middle of the penalty area (the "D") The opposite back player works in the back half of the area. Add three defenders. The job of the penalty taker is not finished yet. He must come in and lock up the edge of the box to the goal line. If the ball is under hit the players on the edge of the area must be alert because it is probably coming back to you. If it is over hit you will need to step in. I don't want one ball beating all, so the attacker hitting the back post should delay their run until they have assessed the flight of the ball.
7. Now let them play for a bit. 11 v 11 or small sided game.
8. Variation. Short ball. Devise a signal, 1 hand up. When the 'flicker' hits the 6 yard line, the 'sniffer' sprints forward to receive the short corner. He can either cross himself or play it back to the corner taker. Aim to shoot just inside the far stick.
The corner kick game The game is played on a half field with 2 goals and goalkeepers. Two teams of 8 divide up into groups of four. A large number of footballs are split up to the four corners. The game is 4v4 with the remaining 4 players from each team positioned at the corners of their team's attacking goal. Each game lasts 4 minutes and the "corner" players exchange positions with the field players.
Every time the ball goes out of play, the team that just gained possession is awarded a corner kick at their attacking goal. That means they must sprint to their penalty area and try to execute a quick corner-kick before the defending team reacts. If the GK gets the ball, he is to distribute as quick as possible, hoping to find a breakaway situation.
There is no off-side. We started play with a GK distribution. After a score, we transitioned to the other goal for a corner-kick. Another option would be for the beaten GK to distribute to his teammate to restart play.
Coaching Points: encourage high work rate (sprinting)
emphasis on quick, but accurate corner kicks
look to recognize first player who opens space for himself
make defenders sprint back to their goal after losing the ball out of bounds
emphasis on aggression in the box
emphasis on quick transitions from defence to offence and offence to defence
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Vision Without The Ball Consideration must also be given to the player’s body position when supporting the man on the ball. Whenever possible players should adopt a "side-on" position to see as much of the playing field as possible.
Remember, "You can only pass as quick as you can see."
Warm Up - Divide players into 2 groups; identify each team with different colored bibs.
- Have players jog around area 30 x 40 yards. Players alternate stretching and jogging every 60 seconds.
- While the players jog, heads must be up scanning the whole field, glancing behind them, looking far and near. On coaches command players must shout out the colour of "John's socks", make of Tom's cleats etc. (forces players to scan all players quickly) Players heads should be like that of a "bird on a fence" always glancing and checking behind.
Fundamental Phase - Introduce a ball into the area. Players move around grid passing the ball "2 touch". The passes must always be in the sequence of "Red Player - Yellow Player" red can only pass to blue and blue to red). This forces players to scan the area before receiving the pass
- Progress to "1 touch" play.
- Encourage players on the ball to pass over a variety of distances, not always a short pass.
- Encourage players off the ball to get into a position in line of the players vision (don't hide).
- Condition the players "Not to talk or Clap" for the ball. All communication is visual. Then take off this condition.
Progression 1 Continue sequence from previous practice and develop to:
- Still " 1 touch". On the coaches command the player in possession must pass to the player named by the coach. When the coach shout's "Johnny" the player in possession must quickly scan the field, locate the player, and pass quickly to the player’s feet.
- The receiving player "Johnny" is encouraged to receive the ball "side-on" if possible, turn quickly and pass to the most distant player on the opposite colour
- The play is continued with the "Red-Blue" sequence until the coach calls another players name.
Match Related
Finish with small side game with goalkeepers
- Reinforce all the main points in your small-sided game.
Ball tag In a space about 40yd x 30yd, give every player a football and a partner. When the chaser hits the ball of the chase with their ball, the roles reverse. Players do not want to be chaser when coach yells freeze. Version 2: Make two teams to make more dynamic, give each team a 2 minute time limit in which they are on attack and get a point for every time they hit one of the other team’s balls. See which team has the most points at the end (winners).
Colors Passing Half of the players in red bibs, half in blue. Teams playing together in the same space combine in the passing sequence blue-blue-red-red-blue-blue-red-red etc. etc. Ball can never stop, players can never stop moving, and ball cannot leave area of play. Coach can limit touch-count, mandate which foot to pass with or which side of foot to pass with as sees fit. When players can do first sequence adequately and without frequent errors change the sequence to blue-blue-blue-red-red-red-blue-blue-blue etc. etc. Stress communication and technical passing points throughout. Make this activity competitive by counting errors and setting goals by lowering allowed errors.
Keepaway with hand ball Teams play keepaway with one ball on the ground. However, the defensive team does not defend as they normally would in soccer. The defensive team has two balls in their hands that they must throw at the keepaway ball in order to gain possession. If one of the handballs hits the keepaway ball, then possession switches. Version 2: To make this competitive add a rule in which 5 passes equals a goal.
Multi-goal game 8 v 8 in 65x50 yard grid. 6 two-yard goals are spread out throughout the grid. The teams score by passing through any of the goals to a teammate. First team to 10 points wins. Add balls if need to space out players. Players need to be able to see where the open goals are, and receive with a “picture” of what is around them. With this in mind, if the players are advanced enough, the player receiving through the goal must play 1 touch or coach could require receiving player to perform a feint before touching ball. Version 2: Use different color cones for goals and assign different point totals to different goals.
8v8 game On a 70x50 yard field with goalies and large goals, play a regular match. To make the game more fun let team know they can only score off of a one touch and get multiple points for headers and volleys. The coach should call fouls throughout the game to give teams opportunity to be creative on set plays.
Cool Down Juggling in team so everyone must touch with certain body parts called out by coach. Players have to guess the total number of touches it will take for their team to accomplish goal. First team to guess exact number wins.
small goal passing game
The rules. Serve starts 10 yards from the small goal. Each player has one touch and must touch the ball once. The ball must pass through the small goal on the ground. Once the ball goes through the goal the opponents must play the ball back through the goal on the ground.
Each player gets one touch and must touch the ball. A team scores when their opponent misses the goal, they play the ball back directly, a player uses two touches or the ball stops in their opponents half of the field. Both teams must stay in their own half.
There are several soccer problems that the players have to solve. What angle and distance should the second player be at to receive the first pass? Where should the defending team play in anticipating the ball? What is the best through pass when the opponents are deep? Close? The soccer problems are elementary, passing, receiving, communicating and reading simple situations.
line soccer
an excellent drill for working on width and movement off the ball
Set-up:
Can be played by two equal groups (i.e. 8v8, 7v7, 6v6, 5v5, 4v4) on a large rectangular or square area with one soccer ball. Use half a field (approximately 60 yards x 65 yards) for 8v8, 7v7 and 6v6. For smaller groups decrease field size accordingly. Boundaries of field should be touch-lines, goal-line and mid-line. In absence of marked lines (and for smaller size fields) use cones placed about 10 yards apart. Each team should be in a different colour bib.
Play:
Teams spread out on field and one team begins play with a pass (first pass is free - cannot be stolen or defended). Line soccer is played similar to keep-away games except that points can be scored by receiving a pass with the sole of the foot on the line. Ball cannot be dribbled to the line and stopped - it must be passed. And to get a point it must be stopped right on the line (or within a few inches). Once a team scores the opposite team takes over and tries to score.
Variation: Once a team scores they retain possession and can immediately try to score again.
Coaching Points:
Unlike most keep-away type games, Line Soccer encourages teams to spread the field and switch play quickly. Our teams play a lot of keep-away games to work on holding possession. Line Soccer works in a similar manner to encourage possession but it also provides a goal.
Progressions/Options:
To provide direction, designate only two end lines as lines where points can be scored. Or award two points for balls stopped on the end-lines and only one point for each ball stopped on the touchlines.
GET OUT OF HERE!
This is a good all round soccer coaching drill. It helps children improve just about every basic skill including vision, transition, communication, passing, receiving and shooting.
WWW.TONYS-SOCCER-SCHOOL.COM
It works best with 14-17 players including two keepers. Start with big goals (or even U10 goals will work) and use a basketball court as boundaries. Break the group into 3 teams (a red, white and blue team for our example) and have a keeper in each goal. Assuming you are playing with 17 players, you have 5 v 5 plus keepers. Pick a duration for the game (20 minutes is a good time period) and start with red v white with blue on the side. The rules are very simply. It's regular soccer but anytime a ball goes over a sideline the team that it went out off of, gets off the field and the team that is resting plays. So, using our red v white example, the two teams play and if the ball goes over the sideline off of white, it's red ball and they are now attacking BLUE. Red does NOT have to wait for blue to get on the field or set up. This is a game that encourages quick transition as well as possession and shooting (if the ball goes over the end line, it's a loss of possession but the team who knocked it over the end line does get to stay on the field).
The other way to get the opponent off the field is to score a goal. The team that gets scored upon has to leave the field and the team that scored the goal stays on, gets the ball and attacks the opposing goal.
When you start playing this game, it will seem to be quite chaotic but as the players get used to it, you will see them really adding a great deal of thought to their play. Instead of just getting the ball and kicking it (which will frequently result in them having to get off the field) they must try to maintain possession. Also, in the beginning, the team that is off the field will stand together at midfield waiting for their turn. Real quickly they will learn to spread out because they have to be prepared to defend either goal at any time. You will find that this drill will increase a team’s communication dramatically.
Some of the things that this game works on are possession (teams don't want to have to sit out so they will work on possessing the ball in order to get to play more), shooting (it's in a teams best interest to hit a lot of shots because if they score, they get a point and the opponent has to sit out, plus if it goes over the end line they still stay on, as a bonus, if the shot is blocked by an opponent and it goes over the sideline, the opponent has to sit out), communication, defence, organization and most of the other things that are used in a regular soccer game.
Not only is this game something that works on all of the above aspects of the game, it's also a great deal of fun for the players. To watch a player get caught in a corner with the ball and one or two opponents and see her realize that she can kick the ball off of the opponent so that it goes over the sideline for which knocks the opponent off the field is both fun to watch as well as very gratifying from a coaches perspective in that it encourages a player to really think on the field instead of just kicking or simply doing what they are told.
An added bonus is hearing the players yell to the team that just lost the ball out of bounds "GET OUT OF HERE!"
1. Movement, warm up. 2. Teach pass and move concept. 3. Teach importance of passing. 4. Teach importance of moving into space. 5. Improve teamwork. 6. If nothing else, the kids love this game--it can be exciting and fun.
Description:
Set-up.
This is a team game. 3v3 4v4, 5v5 etc. Set up a goal at each end of the field. Goal can be a small (5x5) square or a circle or triangle--does not matter, just a dedicated area where the ball can be placed. Field size varies depending on number of players, for 5v5 I would suggest 40 by 30.
Procedure.
The aim of the game is to pass the football among your team WITH HANDS, keeping possession and working up the field in order to score a point. Each team scores by placing the ball (or throwing the ball down) in their opponents goal.
To pass the ball you must use TWO hands (just underarm, or for older kids overarm as well helps with throw in practice). Before passing to a team mate you must touch the ball on the ground--then pass. Once the player receives the ball they cannot run, they are frozen (or can just take one step) and then must pass to a team mate (you can use your judgement depending on kids, maybe have 1-2 or 3 steps, can enforce time, i.e.. must pass within 5 seconds). The opposing team can only intercept between passes--they cannot grab the ball out of players hands. If the ball goes out of grid award throw in to opposing team.
Team scores if they place or throw the ball down into the opposing goal. You may need to enforce a 1 or 2 defender rule, otherwise defending players tend to just crowd around the goal area.
In have been coaching in the US now for a few weeks (I am a UK FA coach) and the kids love this game and it is truly amazing to see how they spread out and pass and support. I have used this game as a great way to give kids a practical example of how to play "give and go" soccer.
Adaptations or Progressions.
*Spike Ball -- one team plays Swedish Handball and tries to spike the ball used by the other team who are trying to make 10 consecutive passes.
*1, 2 or 3 touch small sided football.
*Head Ball
Same as Swedish handball--adapt rules so that every second pass is a header and that opposition cannot gain possession from a header
football (soccer) coaching session designed to improve aerobic fitness, passing skills and teamwork
age group: U8 to adult
number of players: 8 - 20
Warm up - passing skills
How to teach the basic push pass
Set up: create groups of 4/5 players. Find a space that will allow each pass to be between 5-10 yards. No grid lines or cones. One ball between two.
The objective: to ping the ball from player to player in a one touch passing sequence.
Procedure: it's important to stress that players do not stand still after passing the ball, so ensure the players sprint after their pass for a few yards.
Players can use their first touch to control the ball then pass with their second but they should try to pass one touch wherever possible.
Make it a game by seeing how many passes the group can complete in 45 seconds or a minute. Only completed one touch passes count.
When performed well, this exercise is attractive and satisfying, both to the players and the coach.
Team Escort Run - improves aerobic fitness
Note: there are two types of fitness - anaerobic and aerobic. Aerobic fitness can be sustained over long periods of time while anaerobic fitness is the ability to perform at maximum intensity for short period (up to about 12 seconds)
Team Escort Run
Objective: to improve aerobic fitness
Set up: create groups of 4. Each group stands behind a cone with a second cone about 20 metres away. The group decides in what order they are going to run (1-4).
Procedure: Runner 1 runs 20 metres to cone and back. On their return they are joined by runner 2 who accompanies runner 1 back to the cone while dribbling a ball. They return to the start with runner 2 leaving the ball for runner 3 who accompanies runner 1 . When they return, runner 4 takes runner 1 out and back. Then it’s runner 2s turn to be escorted out an back with her teammates.
Make it a competition between the groups to see who can complete the exercise the quickest.
This is a fun way to get fit that also serves as a team building exercise.
The pressing game
- improves closing down, fitness and teamwork
This game can have a big effect on how your team performs and is about encouraging the players to defend from the front. It is quite a high tempo game.
It is also good for conditioning and developing a physical and mental toughness.
*Age Group – U8s to adults
* Pitch Size 30/40 x 20 – or at the discretion of the coach, but basically a standard 4 v 4 pitch, with a half way line marking. (you can use two traffic cones at each side of the pitch)
*Number of teams – 2
*Team sizes – 4-6 players
*Bibs optional
*Goals –5 a side or mini soccer goals
The game is played as a standard small sided game with one condition. If a team wins the ball in the oppositions half and then goes on to score before the ball has left that half, they are awarded two goals.
A goal scored any other way counts as just one goal.
Very popular with the players and evokes good team spirit.
The attacking team need to work as a unit and both press and close down defenders.
Tip: try a short wide pitch so it’s easy to score goals
Finish with another SSG. WWW.TONYS-SOCCER-SCHOOL.COM
I like the 1-0 game for older children. The younger ones should just be allowed to play with no conditions.
Don't let the ball stop!
A youth soccer coaching game designed to improve shooting and ball control skills
Suitable for all ages.
Play in groups of 6 or 8.
the set up
*Mark out a short, wide pitch with big (10m wide) goals at either end and a centre line
*Divide the players into two teams of 3 or 4.
*Each team defends a goal.
how it works
the game starts with each team spread out in their half of the pitch. The coach stands on the centre line and rolls a football to one of the teams. Their objective is to score a goal by shooting from within their own half.
rules
1.No goalies.
2.Players must stay in their own half of the pitch at all times.
3.Each player on the team must touch the ball at least once before a shot can be taken.
4.The ball must not be allowed to stop - if it does, possession is passed to the other team.
progression
restrict players to three, two or one touch.
shoot with their 'wrong' foot
challenges
*can they work the ball up to the half way line without letting it stop and only having 1, 2 or 3 touches each?
*can they lay off a good ball into the path of the shooter?
*can they block shots with their body and gain immediate control of the ball?
*will anyone stand on the half way line and get in the way of their opponents shots?
Continuous 2v2
Improves Attacking, Defending and Transitional Play
Mark a small grid 15yd wide by 25yd long, with 2-3 yard goals (marked out with cones) at the ends. Have about 3 teams of two at each end. Teams play 2v2, but any time the ball goes over and end line (whether in the goal or not), the next team waiting at that end immediately starts attacking, and the team that shot the ball over the end line must defend. The team that was defending leaves the field and goes back behind their goal. This game gets moving very quickly; have plenty of extra balls handy at each end and along the sidelines to keep things going. Each team keeps its own score.
Coaching points: Attackers must be ready to immediately transition to defence, maintain shape so as not to get countered. Always be alert if waiting on the end line; if ball goes over the end line attack immediately and don't let the other team get set up.
Can focus on any 1st/2nd attacker or defender concepts.
Turn defence into attack
Objective. To build up out of the back using quick, accurate passes.
Set up: Two small goals across from a full size goal. Extra balls kept in the large goal. Field dimensions according to the abilities of the players.
Rules: The team defending the large goal gets a goalkeeper. All restarts begin with the goalkeeper. 4+GK attack the two small goals, 4 attack the large goal.
Coaching points: High quality possession, quick, accurate passing, communication and support.
Variations of this game can play an important part in your aim to develop composed, accurate build up play. The numbers might be 5v2, 6v2 or 6v3. The object for the red team is to complete 5 to 10 passes without the blue team touching the ball. The object for the blues is to win the ball and dribble it outside of the area. First team to three points wins. By changing the numbers and dimensions of the field the game can be made harder or easier for the attackers.
Technique: All passing skills, receiving, screening and short dribbles.
Coaching points: Does the team in possession slow the game down when necessary? Is the correct pass selected? Are the distance and angles of the supporting players correct? Do the defenders read the correct moment to go on for a tackle?
Communication: Do the attackers let the ball do the work? Do they read when they are not the target? Do they create decoys? Do the defenders work together?
First touch and receiving the ball
six simple soccer drills that help improve basic ball skills
Having a good first touch is a vital skill for all soccer players. When players take too many touches to take control of the football or allow it to get away from them, the offensive game collapses. You become sitting ducks. But, with these six distinct drills, your players will learn to deftly manoeuvre the ball off the pass and greatly improve their fluidity on the field. They’ll move rapidly through the space they’ve created on the field to set up plays and score more goals, before the opponent even knows what‘s happened.
To construct a complete practice session from these drills, combine two or more of them with a suitable warm up and a small sided game to finish the session.
Exercise 1
Setup
A 10- by 10- yards area.
Group of three players.
One ball to each group.
Two players with the ball are positioned on one side of the square.
The third player faces them on the other side.
Action
The player with the ball passes to the third player on the opposite lane who receives with the inside of the foot and takes the ball a couple of yards to the side in one action.
On his next touch he passes the ball back across the square with his other foot.
The pair opposite switch places and repeat the action.
Tips
Remind players that it’s important to give a good pass so it is easier for their teammates to receive the ball and control it away with their first touch.
Allow two touches to start before limiting players to one touch.
Remind the receiving player to move toward the ball.
Exercise 2
Setup
A 10- by 10- yards area.
Players in groups of three with a ball to each group.
Two players with the ball on one side of the square face the third player on the opposite side.
Action
The first player passes to the opposite player and sprints around him/her.
The receiving player taps the ball to the side, first touch, as the sprinting player comes around him/her. The sprinting player passes first touch to the next player facing him/her who repeats the action.
The end player changes after several sequences.
Tips
Receiving players can start with two touches to make the pass. Once this becomes easy, limit players to one- touch passes.
Exercise 3
Set up
A 10-by 10-yard to 15-by 15-yard area.
Groups of up to four players at each corner.
One group starts with a ball.
Action
Players pass anti-clockwise to the first player in the next group and follow their passes.
The receiving player taps the ball softly by the incoming passer, runs around him to the ball and passes to the first player in the next group.
Tips
Have players cushion the impact of a received ball by drawing back their foot as the ball arrives.
Remind receiving players to move to the ball.
To increase difficulty, introduce another ball. Have two groups diagonally across from one another start with balls.
Exercise 4
Set up
A 10-by 10-yard area
Two small 2-yard gates on either side of the square as shown.
Two passers, each with a ball, at opposite corners and facing their respective gates.
Two receivers in the gates.
Action
The passers pass to their receivers.
Receivers take the ball to the opposite side of the square with their first touch and pass to the next corner player.
The receiver then returns to his/her first gate to receive the next pass from a corner player and the sequence continues.
Passers and receivers switch after eight repetitions.
Tips
Allow players three touches at first: one to receive, one to turn and one to pass. After players are comfortable, tell them to try turning with the ball on their first touch.
A good first touch gives a player more time and space during a game.
Receiving players should try to play the ball in the direction they want to go – without stopping the ball.
Exercise 5
Setup
Players in pairs about five yards apart.
A ball to each pair.
Action
1. Players throw the ball to their partners, who receive with the thigh and pass it back on the ground.
2. Players toss and partners control with the thigh, let the ball drop to the ground, flick it up with same foot and catch it.
3. Same as #2, but this time the receivers flick the ball up with the opposite foot and catch it.
4. Passers throw a high toss and the receivers control it with the chest, thigh, other thigh, foot and other foot, before flicking the ball up and catching it.
Make the action a competition between pairs. If a pair misses or drops the ball they have to repeat the exercise until the sequence has been mastered. The first pair to complete all four exercises wins.
Tips
Tell players to make their bodies act like cushions; at impact, players should draw the receiving part of their body back.
Remind them to serve the ball with a gentle underhanded toss.
When receiving the ball, players should keep their arms out for good balance.
Concentration is very important- players should focus on the ball.
Exercise 6
Set up
Players in two teams of up to six players, 5 to 10 yards apart depending on their age and 5 yards from a goal with a net and a keeper.
Each player on the serving team has a ball.
Action
The first server tosses the ball to the first striker, who controls with the chest and tries to volley the ball into the goal before it touches the ground.
Server and striker then move to the ends of the opposite lines.
Change the receiving body part as the players progress to: thigh; head; chest then thigh; head then thigh; and head, chest then thigh.
Tips
Instruct players to concentrate on the ball.
Remind players to use their bodies as cushions and that timing is crucial to success. Allow beginners to let the ball bounce once before they shoot.
Every passing exercise in the next section can also be used to teach receiving skills.
Be sure to practice these drills as often as possible. With each repetition the movements will become more instinctual.
Soon your players will be able to take control of a pass and redirect or move it down the field with ease.
ball tag
A fun warm up game that works on passing, receiving, vision and communication.
Age groups: all ages
Number of players: whole team
Set up: the size of the grid will vary depending upon the numbers involved as well as the level of the players but for 10-14 players a 25 x 25 grid would be about right.
Basic game: start with two players each holding a bib. These two players are “it” in a simple game of tag. If either of the two “it” players tags another player, the player who was tagged gets the bib and becomes it. This should get all of the players moving a bit to start.
Progression: next we add two footballs into the grid. A player who has possession of a football can’t be tagged. The “it” players don’t try to steal the ball but rather they try to tag a player who doesn’t have a ball. This is where the passing, receiving, vision and communication come into play. If a player is being chased and is about to be tagged, a teammate with the ball should pass her the ball in order to give her safety. This will require the players with the ball looking to see who is in danger of being tagged. It will also require the players without the ball who are being chased to be running while looking for a ball and calling for it (just like they should be doing in a game).
TIP: With younger or less experienced players you might want to start with them holding the balls and they can throw and catch using their hands and then progress up to using soccer skills.
Summary: while this is a very simple game, it's one that your players will enjoy and will also allow them to work on some extremely valuable ball and communication skills at the same time.
WWW.TONYS-SOCCER-SCHOOL.COM
DOUBLE-DOUBLE THIS-THIS
Ball touch is no doubt the backbone of soccer. Without a feel for the ball you can't receive it, control it, dribble it, pass it, get your head up to plan your next move, relax and flow through the game. A great "dance" I teach all my players is to:
Double, Double, this, this
Double, Double, that, that
Double this
Double that
Double, double, this, that
At double you touch the ball gently forward with your instep. At this you nudge with the inside. And at that you tap forward with the outside. Every step is a touch, even if you miss the ball you keep the rhythm going, gaining tighter control and building the tempo. Both the left and the right foot are of course used.
BELLS
Any number of players can be used.
The player stands over the ball and gently "passes" the ball from one foot to the other in quick succession.
The player must shift from one foot to the other to do this, which usually makes the lower body look like a bell.
Once the players is good at this drill, have them move around during the excercise.
DUO JUGGLING
Description of drill:
The object of juggling is to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible without having it hit the ground. You can use any part of your body (feet, thighs, head, shoulders etc.) except for your hands. Working in pairs of two, have your athletes control the ball in the air. The easiest way to do this is by using their heads. You should start this drill off by allowing them to use only their heads. Back and forth, one touch each, they should be heading the ball to each other. After a few minutes of this, make it mandatory for them to use only their feet, then only their thighs. Eventually you can allow them to use any body part, but continuing to only touch the ball once before the partner touches it. To increase the difficulty of this drill add a third person to the duo and make the athletes direct their passes in a more triangular pattern rather than simply back and forth.
What to look for coaches:
Coaches should be making sure that the athletes only touch the ball once after receiving the ball from their teammate. This shows that they have control over themselves as well as the ball. If they have to hit the ball three or four times before they get the ball back to their teammate then the drill's skill level decreases. For younger athletes it is O.K. for this to occur. Their abilities may not allow them to play one touch back and forth to each other, but older athletes need to find the finesse within them to do this drill properly.
GATES
Two players per gate. The gates are approximately two steps apart. One ball per group. First player must play the ball on the ground through the gate to second player. Second player must recieve and play back through the gate within two touches. The game continues until players can not get ball back through the gate on the ground within two touches.
Coaching Points
Player receiving the ball should get in path of ball before it arrives.
First touch should help player to get a good kick back through the gate.
Keep score and rotate stations.
Vary the serve to start the game: Long balls, short balls, inside of foot, instep, outside of foot, weak foot only, etc.
Players should recieve with one foot, play back with the other.
HURDLES
This drill develops ball control and dribbling. You need an even number of pylons and corresponding sticks. Place two pylons a two feet apart and place the stick across the top to create a hurdle. Ensure there is enough room under the stick for the ball to roll. Put at least four hurdles in a row. Each player approaches the hurdle and must pass the ball under the hurdle, then jump the hurdle and recover the ball on the other side.
I used with with a team of 9 & 10 year olds and they loved it -- it's fun, develops ball control, and simulates dribbling in close quarters.
HURDLES VARIATION
Same process as the Hurdles Drill submitted but instead of using cones and sticks, just have half of your players go down on all fours and act as the hurdles. See how many hurdles they can pass the ball through and jump over to collect the ball and proceed to another in a set period of time. Then switch up and the player with the most hurdles done is the winner. My Boys Under 12 team really enjoyed this drill.
JUGGLING
Any number of players can be used.
The players try to keep the ball in the air using thier feet, thighs, or head. Never are the hands to be used except for starting.
JUGGLING FOR HEIGHT
Description of drill:
The object of juggling is to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible without having it hit the ground. You can use any part of your body (feet, thighs, head, shoulder etc.) except for your hands. Every player on your team should have a ball. They should start this drill by simply juggling using all body parts and warming themselves up for the more intense part of the drill. After they are comfortable and ready, start laying down height restrictions on their touches. For example, the first restriction should be: using your only your feet keep the ball below your knees. Second should be: using only your feet keep the ball below your waist. Third should be: using only your feet keep the ball below your head and finally you should have your athletes keep the ball above their heads using only their feet. This drill is very challenging and should be used with older athletes or extremely talented youngsters. You can use other body parts with commands as well. For example, using your thighs only keep the ball below your head. After that you would ask them to keep it above their head. This drill is great for building touch and concentration. www.tonys-soccer-school.com
What to look for Coaches: Your athletes should be trying their hardest to keep every touch in the appropriate height zone. This is not a drill where you hit one ball under the knee level and then the next above and so on. Every touch should be under or over the specified area. To increase difficulty put all of your athletes into a grid. This puts some more pressure on them to stay inside and avoid their fellow teammates. This is a great drill to start practices with. It gets your athletes focused and warms up their touch.
METAL DETECTOR
Any number of players can be used.
The player tosses the ball up in the air and then tries to settle it by putting the toes of a slightly raised foot where the ball should land.
TOE TAPS
Any number of players can be used.
The players try to keep the ball in the air using thier feet, thighs, or head. Never are the hands to be used except for starting.
TRAPPING IN TIGHT SPACES
Description of drill:
Using four cones create a grid approximately 25 yds. x 25 yds. Each player should be inside the grid with their own ball. The players should have the balls in their hands. Each player simply tosses their ball into the air and then traps it. After they trap the ball they should have a quick 5-yard burst of speed with the ball at their feet, weaving through the other players within the grid. You should start your athletes off with their feet. Have them use the inside, outside and sole of their feet to trap the ball. After using their feet you can have them use their thighs. When doing this, the athletes must have forgiving thighs. This means that as the ball lands on their thighs they cushion the blow and drop their knee. This should allow the ball to fall gently onto the grass and enable them to start their 5-yard burst of speed with ease. Using their chest and head are also ways in which your athletes should be trapping and controlling the ball within the grid. Just as with the thigh trap, the athletes should be forgiving and really cushion the ball as it hits them allowing the ball a gentle return to the ground. To increase the drill's difficulty you can make the space tighter and decrease the size of the grid. You can also have the athletes juggle four or five times and then kick the ball up into the air and trap it as it comes down. If your athletes are proficient jugglers, be sure to use that method.
What to look for Coaches:
Proper tapping technique is obviously the key to this drill. Your athletes should be trapping the ball close to their bodies and not allowing the ball to go flying away from them. When executed properly the ball should end up no farther than a yard from your body. Another important thing to look for and emphasize to your athletes is for them to look up as the dribble through the crowd after trapping the ball. They should be moving quickly for 5 yards and not running in to any other athletes.
FETCH
All players stand or sit in a line and are assigned a number. The coach calls out the number of two players then throws or kicks the ball away from the players. The players try to gain control of the ball and dribble it back to the coach. Make sure to alternated the players so that different ones were playing against each other.
I have also seen a variation of this drill where the players lay face down and have to do 5 push-ups when their number is called, before they can go for the ball.
POSSESSION VS. SCORE
Play a regular 6 v. 6 game with one variation. After the first team scores, they change their objective. They now try to string together 7 passes in a row to get a 'goal.' They can not attempt a shot on goal until the other team scores. Once the other team does score a goal, both teams start the cycle over again from the beginning.
Coach's emphasis points:
-Work on general attacking principles of play: possession, team shape, improvisation, support, etc.
-Make sure that the keeper that was scored on joins the team in attack and defends as a 'field player.' Because the other team now scores with 7 passes, the keeper does not need to worry about defending the goal. This will make the team trying to maintain possession work harder as they will have to deal with the extra defender.
PROTECT THE CONE - GROUP
The Game
Same space as in previous activity. Divide the group into four teams. Each teams sets up three or four cones to protect on one side of the space. Each player must have a ball. Group leader can choose a group captain. Captain must organize the group; which players will defend and/or attack. On command, the game begins with players defending their cones or attacking the other team's cones, while controling their own soccer ball. When your cones are knocked down, your team can no longer attack. The team with the last standing cone is the winner.
Coaching Points
Allow players to organize themselves with as little interference from group leader as possible. This will be a valuable experience for when they are playing in an organized soccer game.
Watch which players have the most success at organizing their group. But make sure all get plenty of opportunities to be the leader.
Watch the group dynamics and switch players so all get to work together.
PROTECT THE CONE - INDIVIDUAL
The Game
Define a rectangular space. Each player starts with a ball and a cone. Each player must control their own cone while trying to attack and kick over other cones. Player must keep the ball under control while defending and attacking. When defending, try to block attackers by keeping your ball and body between the cone and the attacker. On attack, try to maneuver around defenders while controlling your ball to get a clear kick at their cone. If your cone is kicked over, you can set it up again after you do an exercise (situps, pushups, etc.), dribbling move or juggling of the soccer ball.
Coaching Points
This game allows players to stay included by doing some remedial exercise. Choose activities that can be performed quickly so players can get back involved.
Vary the activity to include exercises like pushups, situps, cartwheels and also dribbling; pull backs, stepovers, touches on ball, hopping over ball, etc.
Make sure players control the ball while defending and attacking.
Watch for players who DEFEND or ATTACK more often.
Watch and help players determine when to attack and when to leave the cone, also when to defend and stay at home around the cone.
Help players remember to keep their body and the soccer ball between their cone and the attacker.
Explosive, quick move will help attackers maneuver around defender.
