FUTBALL Drills That Improve Shooting Skills.htm

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1 V 1 attackers back to goal by Jeff Pillimprove defending, shooting and ball control.

The GameServer 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.

1v1v1
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A 1 v 1 v 1 drill that induces the player in possession to create a shooting positionmy thanks toSoccer Skills Youth FCfor this game

Game RulesOne ball for three players in the area shown in the diagram, approximately 15 yards square.

Each player plays against the other two players.Each player tries to score in a goal four to five yards wide.When the ball goes out of play, the coach puts another ball in play.

Goalkeeper making a save throws the ball to the coach.

After 10 balls are served, all three players and the goalkeeper are changed.

Keep score and play the winners against each other to name the champion.

Player ObjectivesControl the ball from the coach.

Manipulate the ball to avoid challenges.Shield the ball when necessary.

Change direction - turn with the ball.

Change pace.Shoot at the earliest opportunity.

introducing 1-2-3 defendingWith young players, the hardest, and in my opinion, the most important single aspect to get

across is that the closest person to the opponent with the football DOES NOT have theresponsibility to win the ball! Once defenders understand this, about 90% of diving in is

eliminated and the attackers job becomes much harder.

It also reinforces the next most important concept: that somebody had BETTER be moving tocover the space behind the closest defender! That is the player who will, most often, wind up

winning the ball.

You can demonstrate this quite easily by selecting the best defensive soccer player on the

team, placing that player isolated out on the pitch, point to a goal for him or her to defend,and then tell them to "get the ball" from you. Then, simply dribble up to the player, push the

ball past, into space, and run onto it. If you can get the defender to step towards you, you can

do this quite easily.

Ask the team why this was so easy. Now ask how you can prevent it from happening.Somebody should come up with having a teammate behind the pressuring defender.

Now repeat the demonstration with another opponent who has been instructed to cover the

space. Also ask the closest (pressuring) defender to not win the ball unless a mistake is made
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by the attacker. Run it again and you should see a huge improvement.

Closest person to the opponent with the ball (the first defender) applies the PRESSURE

YOUR JOB IS TO SLOW THE ATTACK, NOT WIN THE BALLSlow the attacker down

Apply just enough pressure to get the attackers head down

Make the attack predictable and push the attack to the least dangerous part of the fieldOnly attempt to win the ball if the attacker makes a mistake and you are sure to win it. BEPATIENT!

Tips for the first defenderPressure the ball IMMEDIATELY!

Do not dive in, just slow the attack down and make it predictable. PATIENCE!!

Eyes on the ball

Weight even between legs, and forward on toes, knees bentFeet shoulder width apart, one foot forward

Do not mark too close until you have help - a wall pass may beat you.

Mark close enough that the attacker has to keep her head down looking at the ball.Herd the attacker towards the touch-line

Tackle only if you are sure you will win the ball.

Risk tackles more in the offensive third of the field (closer to the opponents goal)

Tackle if the attacker is alone and outnumbered.Tackle if you can touch the ball before the attacker can.

The next closest person to the ball provides the COVERYOUR JOB IS TO BACK UP THE PRESSURING DEFENDER.Cover the space behind the pressuring defender.

Adjust your distance based on the speed of the attack, and the skill and speed of the attacker.

Communicate with the pressuring defender, let him or her know that you are there, tell them

which way to push the attack, if necessary.

Others provide the BALANCEMark any nearby attacking threats who could receive the ball directly from the ball carrier.

Track and other attackers who are moving, or could move into threatening positions.Cut out any passing lanes. This can often be done while marking or tracking opponents.

Communicate with your teammates. Point out any unmarked threats, or any opponents

making runs.Be ready to assume the role of pressuring or covering defender if the situation changes.

Tips for the second and third defenders

2nd Defender:

Cover the space behind the 1st defender. LET THE 1st DEFENDER KNOW YOU ARETHERE!

Be a little bit toward the goal side usually.

3rd Defender:

Cut off passing options; especially square (cross-field) passes.You can either mark the receivers, or the space between them and the ball.

RECOVER - It is never to late to run back and help your team-mates.

STAY COMPACT - Do not be drawn out of shape.Make sure that the far post area is covered as the ball nears your goal.


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Do not be caught ball watching. Track players moving forward.

Do not release your mark to go after a back pass unless you are CERTAIN that a team-mate

is there to cover, AND does not have a mark of his own to cover! Usually this means thecovering player TELLS YOU TO GO. So communicate!

practice 123 defending with Breakawaysdownload'an introduction to defending'

soccer drills and games that improve shooting skills

Penalty Box Soccer

Objective: Practice scoring goals and marking in the penalty area.

Area: Penalty area (directly in front of the goal).

Players: Teams of three, two goalkeepers.

Equipment: Two sets of training bibs.

At least six soccer ballsGoal and two corner flags (or four corner flags for two goals)

Formation: Two teams of three are in the penalty area with a keeper defending each goal.

Procedure: The game starts with the keeper of the one team throwing the ball to a team-mate.

The game is decided by the first goal scored. The team that scores stays on the field and the

losing team is replaced by a new team.

To keep the game moving, keep plenty of balls in the goal and put a two-minute time limit oneach game. If neither team scores in two minutes, both teams go off and two new teams restart

the game.

Make sure to balance the teams.

The winner is the team with the most goals after 20 minutes.Top of page

Marbles

Players are organised into pairs, each with a ball. Standing with her back to the field of

play, the first player throws her ball over her head. The second player then kicks her ball

from the starting point and tries to hit the ball that was thrown. Play alternates by kicks

until one ball is hit. The players then change over and start again. Coaches should

emphasise instep kicks for length and the side of the foot for accuracy. Make it a condition

that every other game is left foot only.
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Four Goal Game (heads up!)Set up four 2 cone goals in each corner of a 20 yd x 30 yd grid. Divide players into twoequal

teams. Players may score at any of the four goals. This is an excellent game for encouraging

teamwork; getting heads up and discouraging bunching round the ball.

Shoot Between Cones

Set up a line of cones row 3 to 5 yards apart. Pair up players and put one player on each side ofthe line facing the cones and each other. Players should start close to the row of cones at first,striking the ball between the cones. The partner receives ball and passes it back through the

cones. Move players further apart as their technique and accuracy improve

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Go For GoalPlayers form two lines on either side of the coach who isstanding 18 to 20 yards from a goal that

is any size. The coach serves the ball toward the goal line while one player races to win the ball

and shoot. As skills improve, add a goalkeeper. The coach should encourage correct shootingtechnique and a good first touch on the ball.

Dribble Cones and Shoot

Set up twocone lines for a dribble weave about 30 yards with a 2 yard goal at the end. Divideplayers into twolines or teams. Players must dribble through the cones and score at the goal at

the end before the next player in line starts.

Pass and Strike

Set up a 30 yd x 30 yd grid with twoopposing goals. Divide players into two equal teams. Eachteam must make four complete passes before they can shoot on goal. If the ball is taken by the

opponent the team must start its pass count again.

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Hit the ConeSet up cones in a line,withthree feet between each cone. Line up two players on opposing sides

of each cone, facing one another. Give one of the opposing players a ball. The object of the game

is to knock down thecone in as few shots as possible. When the first shooter misses the cone,their partner should trap the ball and take a shot. When the cone is knocked over, one player

should set itback up and continue playing. For a variation, play thegame for one minute

intervals, and encourage the players toimprove their record each time.

Pass and Shoot

Set up twocones as a goal at one end of the grid and divide the team in half. Pick one player tostart as goalie. Then line one group up behind the goal, with one ball for each player. Line the

other group up fifteen feet in front of the goal, in the centre. The first player in line should pass

the ball to the first player in the centre line. This person then traps the ball and takes a shot on

goal. After their turns, the players should get in the end of the alternate line (players who tookshots need to retrieve the ball if needed). Switch goalies often. For large groups, two games can

be set up at opposite ends of the grid. Later, have the shooting line take their shots with only one

touch.

Top of page

Quick Shot
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Divide players into groups of three, and give each group one ball and twocones. Set the cones up

as a goal, and have one player be the goalie. The remaining twoplayers should be on opposite

sides of the goal, facing each other. They take turns shooting on goal. When the goalie makes asave, he should turn and roll the ball to the other player. Switch goalies often.

Shot Against Goalie

Divide the team into pairs. Give each pair one ball and four cones. Set the cones up as twoseparate goals, about 10 yards apart. Every player stands in front of a goal and takes turns

shooting and being the goalie. Initially, have the players shoot a stationary ball. Then have

them stand behind their goal line and dribble up to it before shooting or have the goalie roll

the ball to the shooter for a one-touch shot

Cone Kick Down

This is played justlikearegular small sided game, but instead of having a goal to shoot atset up

five cones along each goal line. The first team to knock down all five cones wins. There are nogoalies.

Top of page

drills and games that develop goalkeeping skillsThe triangle drill- develops goalkeeper agility, positional sense and shot stopping ability. It

is also good for practicing other players' shooting techniques.

Soft CatchPlay game in pairs throwing and catching a football. Try to make no sound as the ball hits the

hands (almost impossible!)

The heading game 1v1In 10x5 yard grid, players take it in turn to head ball over opponents goal line by pulling ball

back and using their own momentum to head the ball. The player who is attempting to stop

the ball can use their hands or dive if necessary. They can also advance as far as they like soif they stop ball they are in a better position to score. Then make it competitive and play for 1

minute and then the winner moves up the ladder, the loser moves down. If tied use rock,

paper, scissors as a tiebreaker. Do 8-10 rotations to establish a championship!

The heading game 2v2

Players are paired up to play 2v2 in a 10x10 grid. One pair has ball and tries to advance downfield heading to each other. Once they get near the other teams goal line then one of them can

attempt to head it past their line to score. The other team stays on their goal line and attempt

to save ball. Once the ball hits the ground or is saved, the two heading retreat to their goal

line and the other 2 begin to try to keep the ball in the air and advance up the field to score.Can do as a competitive ladder as above.

American Football

Create a playing field of 15 x 30 yards, but make the last 5 yards of each end an end zone. Atouch down is scored by keeping possession and creating an opportunity to dribble into the

end zone. If this is done with the ball under control, then a touch down is scored.

Death on the Nile!
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20 x 30 grid. 3 teams of 4 players, and 3 balls. Each team get one minute in the middle as

goalkeepers (they are the crocodiles in river trying to intercept the ball!) Count the number of

interceptions. Other 2 teams have to play the balls across the 'river' back and forth.

Introduce calling for the ball, then passing to a teammate on same side to open 'channels'.

Goalkeeping techniques being used includeanticipation, setting position for shot, receivingballs, etc. If ball is intercepted have keeper distribute back to coach on sideline.

Keepers Nest

One player (the keeper) guards, but cannot touch the ball. The keeper may stand over theball. The objective is for the other three players to get to the ball away from the keeper (using

hands, feet or either), without being tagged and frozen by the keeper. The keepers goal is to

freeze the other three players. Once a player is frozen, he can remain frozen until all players

are frozen, or until the ball is snatched away by the other players, or until the player counts to10.

Keepers Nest 3v1Place three cones in a triangle 10 yards apart. One player is inside the triangle as the keeper.

The other three try to possess the ball and score goals by moving the keeper out of position

and playing through the triangle. If the keeper intercepts the ball, the player who played the

ball last becomes the new keeper.

3v3 or 4v4 'American Football!'

Play 4v4 but players use their hands to pass. Concentrate on proper hand position underpressure. If a player has the ball in his or her hands then they cannot move their feet. Players

cannot grab the ball if it is in a players hands! Instead of making goals for the teams to score

in, create an end zone at either end of the small field. A team can score a 'touch-down' (6

points) if they pass the ball to a team-mate standing in the end zone. Think up any number ofvariations for an extra point! Then restrict a player waiting in the end zone to staying in there

a maximum of three seconds and then has to get out similar to basketball.

Advance the game by not allowing any player to stand still in the end-zone, or then limit

access to the zone to 3 seconds at a time for any player.

Numbers UpPlay with one goalkeeper in a goal. Add pressure - (i.e. 2v 1, v2). Provide a target for the

defender if they win the ball. Encourage the players to shoot as quickly as possible, having

their body in the correct position. Make sure they show good 1sttouch when receiving the

ball. 1sttouch should be away from pressure. Disguise your shots.

Quick Fire!

Pull one goal all the way up the field to the outer edge of the 18 yard box. Play 5v2 in an area18x36 yards with two full size goals 18 yards apart. Play for 1 minute at a time, with the 5

having to make 5 passes before shooting. If the defenders steal the ball they go for goal also.

You can add goalkeepers at any time.


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Cone Ball!Can play 4v4v4. Put large cone (or similar) in middle of the field. The three teams play

against each other. To score a team simply has to hit the target (the cone). Add a 5 yardexclusion zone around the cone and introduce a goalkeeper to this area. Kids will play this

game forever!

Triangular GoalsCreate triangular goals (3 flags 2 yards apart in a triangle shape) in the middle of the penalty

area. Play 4v4 in penalty box.

One team has 4 attackers, the other 3 keepers and 1 defender. If the ball goes out of the box,

or the keepers/defender makes a save, switch. Let each team captain keep scores.

Then go to larger area - 6v6 or 8v8 in between halfway line and edge of 18 yard box. Opengoals up to 6 yards wide.

Advance the activity appropriately by asking players to play 3 passes before shooting or chipover goals to teammate! Have to score with a volley or half volley, etc.

Finish with 2 fields of 4v4, with a different method of scoring on each field. Group 1: Head to score.Group 2: All 4 have to be in opponents half of field for their goal to count!

Option: Have to go around the back of goal and dribble/pass through cones the opposite way.

The above games are reproduced courtesy of Mike Smith atwww.oregonyouthsoccer.org

More games that improve goalkeeping skills

1 v 1 battlesimprove tackling, dribbling and shielding skills

The GamePlay one v one, trying to score through a 'two-sided' goal. There is no out-of-bounds. The player

in possession of the ball is the attacker, the other player, the defender. Play games of one minutein duration.

Coaching Points
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Defenders: steer attacker away from the goal, tackle when ball is exposed, get goal side when

possession is lost.

Attackers:try to face the defender whenever possible change speed, change direction; shield theball when trying to maintain possession.

1v1 practices and build up/finishing drillstwo excellent no-charge downloads fromhttp://www.academysoccercoach.com

Extract from 1v1 practices:Coaches often accelerate into small games of 3v3, 4v4, 5v5 etc without spending adequatetime on the basic attacking and defending principles.

1v1 practice games are vital to any coach as this situation occurs naturally in any game.

players must feel

comfortable dealing with these situations and finding a solution whether they are in attack ordefence.

The practices in this journal are designed to be unpredictable, forcing the players to make

quick choices / decisions in order to come out on top.Insights that I would give my players are:

In attack

Try to slow the defender down and then accelerate

All you need is half a yard Take the defender away from where you want to go, this will give you the space to attack

(For example a right footed player would take a defender to the left, before accelerating

quickly into the space created on the right)

In defence - Close the space

Show away from danger or towards a team-mate

Force the opponent to play backwards or sideways Be patient and stay on your feet

If you delay the attacker for 3-5 seconds then you will have given your team mates enough

time to recover and support youdownload 1v1 practices (30 pages of illustrated drills and games)

Extract from build up and fini shing dril ls

Scoring goals is the ultimate aim of football. To score goals in a real match, players have to

show a number of qualities including skill, imagination, creativity, awareness etc. Therefore

training practices must develop these skills.The finishing practices in this package were created with the goal to inspire players whilst

giving them different problems to solve. The players have to play under pressure, they have to

react to different types of service and have choices to make on different techniques to use and

whether to shoot early or combine with a team-mate.All the practices run quickly with sharp movements, there are no long queues waiting to

shoot, and every player has a role and function to complete in order for the practices to run

smoothly.
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download 30 build up and finishing drills

2 v 1

A passing, dribbling and shooting drill where one side is given an extra player

my thanks toSoccer Skills Youth FCfor this game
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Game Rules

Have substitute players ready to replacethose who are playing.

One team has a single outfield player, the

other has two, and both have agoalkeeper.Several balls should be kept within each

goal to keep a ball in play.

Make the goal four yards wide, and createa play area 25 yards by 15 yards.

Encourage both teams to score even

though one has a manpower advantage.

When the ball is out of play, start the game at the goal line by the goalkeeper.

Keep score.

Player ObjectivesWatch the ball but keep head up to observe opponents and the goal.

Team with two outfield players:

The player in possession has two options - pass the ball or keep it.

Pass to teammate with pace and accuracy, and use teamwork to score.

For the player not in possession, support teammate by being visible.

Team with one outfield player:

Player in possession keeps the ball until the angle to shoot exists, then tries to score.

Manipulate the ball, keeping body between opponents and the ball.

Change pace and direction.

3 team keepaway

Minutes: 10-20 Players: 9-18 Ages: 10-45 from:and-again.com

Objectives:soccer warm-up, team work, ball control, possession, passing

Description:Make 3 teams (Green-Blue-Red) 4v4v4 or 5v5v5 or 6v6v6 in Square grid about 25 x 25.Vary the size for player numbers and ability. One team starts as the defenders and the other

two teams play keepaway. When the defenders win the ball the team colour which was

responsible for losing the ball become the defenders. You can give a goal for X number of

consecutive passes.

This is an excellent warm up and very good for improving small, quick passes.
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It's also a good drill for improving general ball control, awareness and team work.

I use this on every training as a warm up in a square grid about 20 x 20 meters.

3v3 one goalA 3-a-side game which emphasizes dribbling, passing and shooting

Thanks toSoccer Skills Youth FC

Game RulesA normal 3-a-side game in an area approximately 30 yards by 20 yards, except that it is
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played around one goal rather than two.

Emphasize shooting at goal at the earliest opportunity.

Players combine to create goal-scoring opportunity.Team in the dark uniforms can score only from the left side of the field, and team in

white only from the right side.

Re-start game with a throw-in any time the ball goes out of bounds.When goalkeeper makes a save from one team, he throws the ball into the opposinghalf of the field.

Player Objectives

To take early shots from within shooting distance of the goal.To provide support for the player with the ball.

5 pass game

improves passing and receiving skills while encouraging players to find spacefromJoeSoccer

Playing ..

Split players into 2 even teams (play 4 vs 4 up to 7 vs 7)Mark a large grid with cones (approximately 40 yards x 30 yards)

A neutral player is placed at each end of the field.

To score a goal, a team must make 5 or more consecutive passes to teammates

and then must make the 6th pass to one of the neutral players without the ballbeing touched by the opposition.

After 5 consecutive passes are completed, the players from that team may pass

to either neutral player to score, no need to alternate between neutral players.A player (team) does not get credit for a pass if the ball is passed back to the

player

from which it came. (But they still keep possession and play continues)

Any time a team is dispossessed of the ball before completing 5 passes, theopposition starts at pass #1.

Once the neutral player receives the pass that counts as the goal he/she must

passthe ball first time (one touch pass) to the same team that scored the goal and

that

team begins play again at pass #1.
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Coaching Points

Players keep their heads up, know where your teammates are and pass to theopen player.Play quickly

Teammates must support the player receiving the pass

A minimum of 2 players give close support optionsA minimum of 1 player gives long support

Thus spreading the defenders and opening the field

Players make runs to open space to receive passesMake quick (change of speed) runs to get open to receive a pass.

(Don't be a Johnny Jogger) who always jogs the same speed and is easy to

defend.

Competition, Variations & Restrictions:Play games to 5 and losing team does 5 jumping jacks

Restrict players in the grid to 2 touches ... if a player touches the ball 3 times

they lose possession of the ball.Restrict players to 1 touch soccer.

4v4 games designed to improve passing, dribbling and

shooting skills

reproduced with the kind permission ofDecatur Sports

4 v. 4 The Basic Game
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Size of FieldDepends on the age of players. Can vary from 30 yd. x 20

yd. up to 40 yd. x 25 yd.. The goals are 8 feet wide.

The Team In Possession of the Ball-up by using the entire playing area

in terms of length and width (spread out, possession).

n a groupof 4 resembles a diamond.

either individually or collectively.

When the Other Team Has the Ball

getting behind the ball and to regain possession of the

ball.

amplified since there is no spare defender or goalkeeper.

4 v. 4 Line Soccer

Variations of the 4 v. 4 GameUsing slightly different sizes of goals, differing methods

to score, and slightly altered size and shape of field canguide players to solve problems by emphasizing certain

aspects of play.

4 v. 4 Line Soccer


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the line that your team is attacking.

game, but it is turned sideways. The wider, shorter fieldallows for maintaining good shape (diamond), but also

creates many good 1 v. 1 situations which challenges the

player's dribbling skills.

and pass. This variation highlights: The correct attitude

(when to take a risk aggressively) and the technical

development and execution of dribbling.

4 v. 4 The Dribbling Game

The GameSame field as the "Line Soccer" game, a wide, short field.

teams can score in one of 2 ways. Passing into an opengoal or by stopping the ball on the endline between the

two goals they are attacking.

What The Game Incorporates

shape of the field and presence of multiple goals.

of options at his disposal (dribbling, passing, "shooting",

changing directions)

4 v. 4 The Passing Game

The Game


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Since the playing area is longer than it is wide, the

emphasis is on creating length (height) in the game. In this

game, there is a premium placed on playing the ballforward early. The ball can be played early:

a defender behind them (as shown in diagram).

Scoringball anywhere on the line.

This Game Emphasizes

Transitions

The Game

While one team attacks the large goal, the oppositionattacks either of the two smaller goals. When the team

scores in one of the two smaller goals, they must changedirections and take a turn at attacking the larger goal.

This Game Emphasizesand confidence that is essential for scoring

goals. (Large net)

other 4 v. 4 games.

in the other direction.

shape and the roles of each player because whenthere is a transition, the back becomes the front and viceversa.


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4 v. 4 The Shooting GameThe priority of this game is shooting and scoring. Sincethe field is wide and short, players should be looking to

shoot almost whenever they get the ball. Game played like

a regular 4 v. 4 match.

copyright footy4kids 2013

4 square soccer

A small sided soccer coaching game that encourages players to spread out and play in

designated positions.

from the excellent coaching manualPlaying Better Soccer is More Fun

Number of players: 4v4 (or 5v5 if you use goalkeepers)

Age group: U10 upwardsSet up: divide a 40x30 grid (with a goal at each end) into four quarters using flat cones or

lines.

Set up (contd): assign the following positions to the players in both teams: defender, left

midfield player, right midfield player and attacker.Procedure: The defender works in the two squares nearest her goal, the left midfield player

must stay in the two squares on the left of the grid, the right mid player works in the two

squares on the right of the grid and the attacker plays in the two squares nearest the other


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teams goal. Otherwise, normal soccer rules apply.

Play to a set number of goals or for a set time. You could also award 'goals' for a set number

of passes.Tip: encourage quick shooting and tight defending by not having goalkeepers and making

the goals big. The younger the players, the bigger the goal should be.

2v2 with 2 neutrals.improve passing and communication skills

The X's and O's play possession football. They can use the neutrals (the 'N's in thediagram) if they are in trouble. The two sides without neutrals on represents the corner

of a pitch.

To make the game more competitive you can award a point for completing a setnumber of consecutive passes (easier) or keeping the ball for a set period (harder).

This routine helps your children to avoid pressure by playing themselves into a corner.

It also encourages communication and keeping their heads up.

Key points

1. Keep moving

2. Look up often

3. Switch it often

4. Play quick passes5. Talk A LOT

conditioning drills (1)

thanks toSoccerclub.comfor these drills and gamesHere is a list of soccer conditioning drills and games to do for 10 minutes or so. Some

can go longer, but don't try them all in one practice!

Dribble warm-up:dribble in box; at 'GO!', sprint to farthest line and back into box; at'NUMBER!', form a group of that number; last ones to make it do 10 press-ups.
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Box relays:set out enough grids of 9 cones that you can divide your team into groups

of 3-4, each group with its own grid. The grid looks like this:

*4 yds * 8 yds *

* * *

* * *

Each grid makes a little box and a big box. Run a series of relay races - 1. each runner

goes around the small box and then the big box, with no ball, touching each cone withhis/her hand as she passes it (best with flat cones); 2. each runner dribble around the

small box, then the big box, and passes to the next runner after clearing the last corner;

3. each runner dribbles around the small box, then the big box, using a specified turn

for each corner (pull-back/spin; tap behind standing foot; scissors; etc.). Alternatedirections so they must use both feet! The purpose of having a little box and a big box

is to vary the pace at which they must go to maintain control of the ball.

Lane races:set up 4-5 lanes with flat cones appx 35 yds long; straight dribble right,left, choice, cone weave right, left, choice

Horseshoe:set out 8 cones in square (one at mid-side on each side); divide in groups;

dribble & trot 7 gaps, then sprint one gap; next time 6 & 2, then 5 & 3, all the way to 7

sprint and 1 trot

Amoeba: small groups with 2 cones each; lead takes off and sprints until catches back

up to end; new lead takes off; all w/ ball & dribbling; rest of group trots

Switch field:groups of 3; pass from edge to edge; rotate every 2 minutes.

3-fly:groups of 3 goal to goal for time; 3 times so each is in middle once; set limits

such as 2-touch or 1-touch; cannot shoot until coach ok's

Wall Pass Ladder:stagger 6-8 players in zigzag; one takes a ball down the middle,

passing and receiving wall from each side alternately

Pass relay race:one group at corners of box or pentagon; pass around perimeter to

beat a runner from the other team; keep score by teams

Team relays:set in team alignment; pass F LM CM RM RS LS LD CD RD W G; arunner goes the same path & tries to beat the ball; when runner is done, replaces a field

player; from goalie, work back up in opposite sequence

Pair Pass Challenge:series of connected boxes (approx 10x10x6 boxes); D at back ofeach box; cannot leave back line until someone enters box; pairs try to go thru all

boxes; who can go farthest?

Dribble w/ front challenge:in pairs, one in front is passive defender; each time D

changes stance to adjust, A moves dribble to other side

Dribble w/ rear challenge:In pairs, D behind; A must dribble away & shield ball;

change sides by touching with inside of foot closest to defender, then outside of foot

away from defender; each time passive D changes sides.

5-ball:set 5 balls in a row on the 18 yd box top line, spread within the edges of thecircle; 2 girls start from opposite intersections of the 18 yd box and the restraining

circle; at GO, they race diagonally to circle around a cone at the intersection of the end

line and the goal box, loop around and straight back up to the intersection where theirchallenger started, and around to shoot the nearest ball. Back down the diagonal,


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around, and straight up, to shoot the second ball. Back down around and up to see who

can get to the remaining ball and shoot it first. Great conditioning, tight turns, and

shooting.

BALL!:Coach with lots of balls stands in goal; two kids stand out between goal and

18 yd box. One team-mate is assigned to count shots on goal for one player, another

counts the second player; other teammates shag loose balls; for 2 minutes the coachfeeds balls and shouts 'BALL!' as he does; kids fight to shoot the live ball; if they gotoo far or take too long, just feed another ball! Begin by working them out away from

the goal, gradually make the feeds closer to the goal until they are hitting headers,

volleys, etc in the goal mouth. Manipulate the throws to keep things fairly close. Thisis easier with a count-down timer on your watch.

2v2v2:Use the penalty area as a boundary. 3 teams of 2; i.e. 2 reds, 2 blues, 2 yellows.

GK in goal. Teammates line the 18 yard box with balls. Coach puts ball in play. It's

always 2 attackers vs. 4 defenders. The ball and players may travel within the goal box,but shots must be taken outside of it. If a ball leaves playing area, nearest player on

touch tosses another up, then shags. All balls caught by GK are restarted by GK. When

one team scores, the other 2 swap out. LOTS of action, emphasis on shooting at the 1stchance, partner moving open in front of the goal.

Turn'n'go:from front of goal, A faces goal with ball in front; D behind facing away &

touching; when A goes, D turns to chase down before shoots

3v2+G:1D in front, 1D behind; pass to space & overlap

3v1, 4v2, 5v3:keep-away

3v3:with extras divided into 3's; whenever one team scores, the replacement team

from the other end starts immediately with their own ball; they should try to 'fast break'against the team that just scored.

Progressive sprints:jog in line; last one sprints to front, then slows down; as soon as

you are last, you start your sprint, so a sequence are sprinting

Dribble sprints:1 min. Back/forth across goal box, then penalty box, then penalty tomidline, then goal to midline, back down; who can do the most lengths in each 1 min.

period?

more conditioning drills

6 goal gamePrint this page.

develop team tactical awareness while practicing defending and attacking skills.by Jeff Pill
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The Game

2 even teams. Each team defends their 3 goals, and tries to score in the opponents 3 goals.

The team with most goals wins.

Coaching PointsAttack:

Vision, recognizing where pressure is coming from.

Possession / penetration decisions.

Switching the point of attack.

Defence:

Pressure , cover, balance.

Defending zonally since the 3 goals force a team to defend 'numbers down'.

Immediate counter attack when ball is won.

Try These VariationsDribble through the goals instead of passing. (Make goals 10 yds.wide)

Goals must come off a 'one touch'

Limit attackers to '2 touches'

Five v two


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Five offensive players try to keep the ball away from two defenders. Switchdefender with any offensive player who makes a mistake.

COACHING POINTS

Offence

"Two players must show short for support"--player with the ball must always

have two passing options nearby. These players should 'open wide' by getting to the

sides of the grid quickly."Play facing the inside of the grid"--particularly when receiving a pass. Don't get

trapped in a corner.

Defence

"Communicate"--who's pressuring the ball? Who's in support?

"Don't get split"-- a split occurs when the ball is passed in between the defenders

(as opposed to a pass to a supporting player on the side).

VARIATIONSVary the size of the grid.

Require a one or two-touch restriction.

soccer coaching dribbling game

This is a simple dribbling race that, at first glance, doesn't seem to be very interesting butchildren of all ages love it and my U12s ask to play it at almost every session. It just goes to

show that good coaching games don't have to be complicated!

Objective:To improve running and turning with the ball, dribbling skills, fitness.

Set-up:

Split your players into pairs. One ball per pair.

Lay out a straight line of six/eight cones about five yards apart.One line of cones per pair of players.

How to play:Both players in each pair stand at one end of their line of cones.

One player dribbles the ball at speed to the first cone in the line, turns quickly and passes

the ball back to his partner.

He runs back to his partner, collects the ball and runs with it to the second cone where he


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passes back and repeats the exercise.

When he has taken the ball round each of the cones in this fashion, it's his partner's turn.

The first pair to complete the exercise is the winner.

Coaching points:Ask your players about the difference between dribbling and runningwith the ball.

Answer: When dribbling, a player keeps the ball close because an opponent is trying to takeit away. When running with the ball, a player pushes it into unopposed (i.e. empty) space

and runs on to it.

Ask them when they should run with the ball and when they shouldn't.

Tell your players to try different ways of turning with the ball. Which is the fastest?

For more soccer coaching tips and products visitSoccer Coaching Club.

Balls, cones and kids

the footy4kids soccer coaching newsletterIssue 18 - June 2006

I know from my e-mail 'postbag' that some new coaches struggle to understand the words and

diagrams that describe the games, drills and practice sessions on footy4kids.

So I'm pleased to be able to tell you that I've come across an excellent site -strongsoccer.com-that dispenses with the usual stick men, X's and O's in favour of clear, useful (and free!) videosclips.

In this newsletter I've been allowed to reproduce movie clips of common soccer skills from a

part of Jim King's 20 minute "Mini-practice".For the complete "Mini-practice" and detailed discussion...(click here)

Enjoy!

I. Warm-up touches

In-betweens with step-over 180 turn.

(15 in-betweens up then step-over turn and go back 2 times.)

First, to do the "in-betweens" stand with the soccer ball between your feet which are aboutshoulder width apart. Using the inside of the right foot, tap the ball softly to the inside of the left

foot. Then using the inside of the left foot, tap it back again to the inside of the right foot. Thetrick is to keep the ball constantly moving between the feet as the player "hops" from foot to foot

to prepare for the next touch. Once you get the hang of it, begin to move forward with each step

by tapping the ball slightly forward with each touch. Eventually you should be able to keep thein-betweens going without a miss as you move slowly all over the place.

Secondly, do the "step-over 180 turn. (This is a very important turn! Watch the pros, you will
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see variations of this turn a dozen times a game.) Start with the ball between your feet, as it isduring your "in-betweens". Put your weight on your left foot as you swing your right foot up and

over the ball (turning counter-clockwisetowards the left). Plant the right foot down on the left

side of the ball and step down. (This is the "step-over" part of the move and will be used in lotsof fakes and feints). Now using that right foot as a pivot, spin (turning clockwise this time)

around with your left foot, back towards the ball. Once you have turned a 180, take the ball withyour left foot and begin the "in-betweens" the other direction.(Click here for another description

by Dennis Mueller et.al.)Another slight variation is to take the ball back with the outside of the right foot instead of

using it as a pivot foot. Here you fake the "step-over" as you turn counter-clockwiseover the

ball with the right foot, just as before. Then instead of planting that right foot, you just tap itdown and then back up as you begin to pivot back clockwisestill on the left foot. Then you take

the ball with the outside of the right foot (the step-over foot) and move back in the new direction.

Personally, I prefer this variation. I think it is quicker and a little easier to do the pivot with cleats

on grass fields.

KEY POINTS:The move becomes effective when the "step-over" looks like a shot or pass or

lunge in that direction. This "sells" the "FAKE" and then you take the ball quickly in the otherdirection.

Toe touches moving forward.

(Do 15 up and back 2 times with "pullback" turn.)

Begin with the ball between your feet and slightly to the front. Lift the right foot and lightlytouch the top of the ball with the front (cleat side) of the shoe, underneath the toe. Replace that

right foot and do the same with the left foot. Now begin to alternate touches faster until you have

to make little hops back and forth with your feet while continuing to touch the top of the ball.Finally, push the ball forward a few inches with each touch as you begin to move forward with

each step.

The trick is to touch the ball forward "just the right distance" and slightly in front of the otherfoot so you can keep the pattern going without a break. After moving forward about 10 yds. do a"pullback" turn and return to the starting spot continuing your toe touches.

Toe touches moving backwards.(Do 15 up and back 2 times.)

This is nearly the same as the toe touches moving forward but instead goes backward. With

each hop backwards touch the ball back and diagonally toward your next foot. This is a littlemore difficult to learn but is great for developing quick feet and pull back touches.

Side hop rolls moving forward

(a.k.a side drag rolls). first right foot then back with left. (Up and back 2-4 times.)This is a shielding and rolling maneuver. Start by facing sideways (e.g. first face to the right)

to the direction of travel, with the ball between your feet. Using the sole of your right foot, come

up and over the top of the ball from right( the back) to left (the front). This gets the ball rolling to

your left and down the direction of travel. After rolling over the top of the ball with your rightfoot, plant it down and "hop" onto your left foot and repeat. All the touches are with the right

foot, rolling the ball to the left with your cleats as you "hop" down the field. You would use this

to advance the ball and at the same time keep the defender to your backside. Repeat with the left
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foot.

KEY POINTS:Being able to roll the ball in various directions while shielding it from defenders

can be crucial to finding space in tight spots. Watch a good winger use this maneuver deep in the

corner to defeat a double team. Strikers often use this roll out at the 18 yd. line to protect the ballwhile searching for the next possible shot or pass.

Outside foot touches with "fast feet" between touches.(Up and back 2-4 times.)

Push the ball to the outside with the outside of the foot then take 2 steps behind the rollingball to prepare to touch it with the outside of the other foot.

KEY POINTS:Kids learn early how to move the ball around with the inside part of their feet

but sometimes do not progress to using the outside part of the foot. This condemns them to

countless failed attempts to beat the opponent since they end up in the "fruitless kicking

battle" as both players stab at the ball with the insides of their feet. Many of the great fakes

(lunge, scissors, Matthews, reverse Matthews, Rivelino, drag swerve etc.) will use the outside of

the feet so the players should get comfortable with this touch at an early age.

Speed Changes with sudden stop, ("Hop-stop"). (Up and back several times.)Have the players dribble slowly or do some "in-betweens" and then explode up the field forabout 4 steps finally coming to a turning stop. Repeat.

KEY POINTS: There is little point in making a feint if the space gained is not exploited by a

burst of speed. In fact, the attempt at the feint can be poor, but it will still be effective if

combined with instant acceleration. I think many young players concentrate too much on the"cut" and forget to "explode" out of the fake.

Outside to inside roll right foot across body and touch forward with left foot.Alternate. (Do 10up and back 2 times.)

This is a very important maneuver that has been referred to in some circles as the "Preki".

Start with the ball between your feet. Begin with a little lean or lunge out to the right side of theball by lifting your right foot and stepping down lightly beside the ball. Do not plant weight ontothis right foot. Instead, plan to shift your weight back to the left and then "scrape" your cleats

over the top of the ball, from the right side to the left, to begin it rolling to the left. After it has

crossed completely in front of your body, use the inside of your left foot to touch it forward.Now repeat the same starting with the left foot.

KEY POINTS:The little lunge to the right side of the ball sets up the rapid move back to the

left and "sells" this fake. Being comfortable "scraping" the ball with the cleats to get it rolling indifferent directions is essential to close quarters dribbling to find space for shooting and passing.

Follow this "inside roll" with the "outside roll" as described below. Eventually, any time you are

stopped with your foot on top of the ball, you will be able to instantly move left, right, or

backwards into a pull-back and still maintain possession.

Inside to outside roll right foot to the (right) side and touch forward with right foot.

Right foot out to the (right) side, touch forward with right foot. Alternate. (Do 10 up and back 2

times.)This is the sister move to the "outside to inside" roll. Start with the ball between your feet.

Begin with a rapid movement with your right foot to the top of the ball and stop briefly with your

cleats on top. This motion should make it appear like you are passing the ball, or taking the ball
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to your left side, across your body. Instead, keep your weight on your left foot and "scrape" fromthe inside to the outside with your right foot. This gets the ball rolling back to your right and

slightly behind you. Then turn your hips to the right and touch it with the inside of the right foot

to deflect it off to the right on a diagonal. Repeat with the right foot several times and thenswitch to the left. (This is the basic movement for the key feint known as a "pullback V".)

KEY POINTS:This move is the backbone of the important fake known as the "Vee" or betteryet, the "fake-kick V". Emphasize the fake kick motion up to the ball at the beginning of the

move, then rapidly pull the ball back and outside to the right, finally turn the hips to follow theball and touch it with the inside aspect of the right foot and you have a classic "V".

Skip touches.(Skip forward touching the ball with the front foot, each skip.)

Start with the right foot in front of the left, and the ball just ahead of the leading foot. Begin

by touching the ball forward with the (right) front foot which you then plant on the ground and

do a little "hop" (or skip), while your (left) trailing leg comes to the front. When that (left) leg isin front, touch the ball ahead with it, then plant it down for a little "hop" (skip), and continue. Do

this for several dozen skips.KEY POINTS:Ever watch a basketball guard set up his move to the basket? Many times hewill put a little "stutter", "skip", or "hitch" in his movement to freeze the defender and set his

own feet. The same thing applies to a football halfback who is preparing to pick his "hole" and

dive for the first down. He will literally "skip" for a stride which often times either freezes the

defenders, or "wrong foots" them. This concept works in soccer dribbling as well. Next time youare practicing even simple soccer feints,( like "lunges" for instance), add a skip just before the

move and watch how well the move works. Notice the extra little jump you get as you complete

the move. It seems to "load the spring" in your legs, helping prepare for the quick change of paceand direction.

"Run Throughs" Smother or trap while running through a tossed ball. (Up and back severaltimes.)Have the players toss the ball into the air and slightly in front of themselves. Then they

should run through the bouncing ball to "push" it up the field. Contact can be made with head,

chest, waist, thighs, shins or feet with just enough of a touch to begin the ball moving away. Thiskind of drill can be done in pairs, as well, but I think it is important enough to include in every

warm-up.

KEY POINTS: How many games do we see young players standing in a circle watching a highball bounce between them, their faces bobbing like bobble-heads, unable to take control? Of

course there are many ways to trap high balls but simply running through the bounce is often

times as good as any, and it begins the ball moving away from the defenders into space.

II. Turning Fakes

Pull backs.

Turn with Pullback

Turn Away with PullbackThis is a cousin to the "outside and inside" rolls as discussed above but it "scrapes" the ball

backwards. Start with the ball between your feet. Fake up to the top of the ball with your right

foot in a kicking motion, but stop with your cleats on top of the ball. Then "pull-back" the ball by
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"scraping" your cleats backwards to get the ball rolling behind you. Now you can turn eitherclockwise or counterclockwise to face the ball again. If you used your right foot to "pull-back"

and you turn clockwise or towards the pull-back leg it is a "turn-with pull-back". If however,

your turn counterclockwise away from the right leg, it is a "turn-away pull-back". You shouldlearn them both. The "turn-away pull-back" is the better of the two since you can continue to

face a defender while you change direction and not "spin" away from him and risk losing site ofhim and his attempt at a steal.

KEY POINTS:The pull-back moves are some of the first moves kids learn and initially they geta lot of mileage out of them. Unfortunately, they get overused and often times used in the wrong

places, especially against older and more skilled defenders. They are best used deep in the

offensive third of the field, usually off to the sides to quickly change directions on a slashingattack. They should not be used anywhere near one's own penalty area or anywhere in the middle

of the field where an alert defender could begin a dangerous breakaway. The shielding turns like

the step-overs, 3/4 shield turns and the "sharp inside/outside cuts" are safer in these areas.

Fake kick into inside/outside cuts.

Fake Kick with Inside CutFake Kick with Outside CutEveryone knows how to cut the ball with the inside and outside of the feet. The difference in

this move is to cut the ball very "sharply"backwards to the inside or outside, and set it up with

a fake kick.

Begin by dribbling forward. Touch the ball a little in front of your feet, plant your left footnear the ball and wind up with your right leg like you are going to shoot (or kick the ball hard).

Instead of shooting you bring your right leg down in a "chopping" motion to cut the ball

backwards across the front of your body. It has to be a very sharp cut back towards your left footand maybe even in towards yourself. You may even have to hop out of the way with your left

foot. Then continue in that new direction and do another with the left foot. This is known as the

"inside cut".The "outside cut" begins the same, but after the fake right kick, instead of "chopping" downof the ball, you "sweep" it away with the outside of your right foot away from the defender. This

is a less aggressive move and actually shields the ball as well.

KEY POINTS:Cutting the ball with the inside of the foot is the most basic maneuver in soccer.If it is done withoutsome sort of a "fake" or violent change of pace, it is doomed to end up

between you and the defender in another frustrating and purposeless kicking battle. What makes

this move work is that it is preceded by the fake kick which "wrong-foots" the defender and thenthe cut has to be extremely sharp, literally a "chop" backwards and maybe even slightly into you.

Step-over 180 turns.

Step-over 180 Turn using inside of the footStep-over 180 Turn using outside of the foot

(This is a very important turn! Watch the pros, you will see variations of this turn a dozen

times a game.) Start with the ball between your feet, as it is during your "in-betweens". Put your

weight on your left foot as you swing your right foot up and over the ball (turning counter-

clockwisetowards the left). Plant the right foot down on the left side of the ball and step down.

(This is the "step-over" part of the move and will be used in lots of fakes and feints). Now using

that right foot as a pivot, spin (turning clockwise this time) around with your left foot, back
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towards the ball. Once you have turned a 180, take the ball with your left foot and begin to movein the other direction.(Click here for another description from D. Mueller et.al.)

Another slight variation is to take the ball back with the outside of the right foot instead of

using it as a pivot foot. Here you fake the "step-over" as you turn counter-clockwiseover theball with the right foot, just as before. Then instead of planting that right foot, you just tap it

down and then back up as you begin to pivot back clockwisestill on the left foot. Then you takethe ball with the outside of the right foot (the step-over foot) and move back in the new

direction. Personally, I prefer this variation. I think it is quicker and a little easier to do the pivotwith cleats on grass fields.

KEY POINTS:The move becomes effective when the "step-over" looks like a shot or pass or

lunge in that direction. This "sells" the "FAKE"and then you take the ball quickly in theother direction.

Shield turns.(a.k.a. the 3/4 turns or spin turns)If the inside cut is the most basic move in dribbling then the "shield turns" sometimes

referred to as "3/4 shield turns" are a powerful way to use it. Start by dribbling forward towards acone or mark that represents the defender. Just before reaching the mark, begin a series of sharpinside cuts with the inside of the right foot. The first cut turns you to the left, then immediately

follow with another to be facing backwards, and immediately with another cut to end up facing

to what initially was to your right. The entire time the ball was shielded and multiple

opportunities for lateral and trail passes are available. When done properly the dribbler canactually "shake-off" the defender and continue downfield.

Outside Shield Turns (a.k.a. Outside "Spin Turns).

This move involves 2 or 3 quick turns like above, but this time cut the ball with the outside ofthe foot.

KEY POINTS: Many defenders are taught some variation of the "3-ways" approach to 1v1

defense.. First get in the way, second turn them away, and third take it away. Modern defendersare some of the best athletes on the field and are experts at turning or "herding" the strikers to thesidelines. This is where the "3/4 shield turn can really work. The first cut is withthe "herding"

defender (in the same direction), but then suddenly after 2 more sharp cuts, the striker is free

again, or has made a pass.It is a speed move and works best at a full run. If the first cut to the left is emphasized, the

defender often over-reacts and when the second and third cuts quickly follow and they may lose

contact completely.The outside shield move (among others) was often used by soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer and

some still call it the "Beckenbauer".

Cruyff turns.

OK, I will admit that the "Cruyff move could easily be listed under the next heading -

"Fakes to beat the opponent", but it is still a move that turns the player 180 in the opposite

direction and has some similarities to both the "turn-away pull-back" and the "inside cut".Start by dribbling the ball forward and plant your left foot near the ball as your right leg

"winds-up" for a big kick or shot. Instead of shooting however, bring the right foot down and

"chop" the ball backwards and underneath your left leg. You may even have to do a little "hop"
http://www.strongsoccer.com/Kingdrills/DennisMueller.htm#stepoverhttp://www.strongsoccer.com/Kingdrills/DennisMueller.htm#stepoverhttp://www.strongsoccer.com/Kingdrills/DennisMueller.htm#stepoverhttp://www.decatursports.com/video/shieldturn.avihttp://www.decatursports.com/video/shieldturn.avihttp://www.decatursports.com/video/cruyff.avihttp://www.decatursports.com/video/cruyff.avihttp://www.decatursports.com/video/cruyff.avihttp://www.decatursports.com/video/shieldturn.avihttp://www.strongsoccer.com/Kingdrills/DennisMueller.htm#stepover


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or "skip" with your left foot to get it out of the way.The difference between this move and the "turn-away pull-back" is that the "Cruyff" uses

the "chop" with the inside of the foot while the pull-back uses a "scrape-roll" with the sole of the

shoe.

KEY POINTS: This move takes a little practice. The classic Cruyff highlight clips show him

moving diagonally to the right across the field near the opponents penalty box. He fakes apass/kick towards the right flag but instead "chops" it underneath his left leg giving him space

for a shot.

Stop-hop. (a.k.a. "Half Garrincha")

From a full run, stop the rolling ball by briefly tapping the top of it with the sole of the rightfoot. Allow your momentum to sway a little forward as you lift the right foot off the top of the

ball and "hop" onto the ground (just beyond the stopped ball). Now your left foot comes up and

rests on the ball with the cleats as you turn to the side.

KEY POINTS: This little move allows the player to come to a screeching halt, then turn just alittle and switch feet to prepare for the next move or pass. In the process, the defender usually

flies by and when he returns you have the ball nicely "shielded" and your head is up for the nextplay. If you were to continue into a full spin with a left footed ball drag, then it would becomemore like a "true Garrincha".

Conditioning drills (2)thanks to theBurnaby Girls' Soccer Club

These soccer specific conditioning drills are designed to develop your children's speed, agility,and timing over both short and long distances.

Please bear in mind that the emphasis should be on short charges of explosive speed rather than

long distances - statistics show an average player will do 70% more short sprints than long ones ina 90 minute game.

Indian Running file- Players jog around the field in pairs. The back pair must sprint to the front,

outside the line of other players, then the next pair, and so on.Shuttles, sprinting, backward and sideways sprinting- Arrange a line of cones 3 yards apart and

30 yards long. Players sprint to the 1st cone and then back; 2nd cone then back; and so on.

The 5000 endurance running- Using the soccer field, players first jog around the perimeter. Whenthey return to the starting point they must sprint one side then jog the remainder, then two sides,

three sides and full field sprint.

s) - Strap an old car tyre to a player's midriff with approximately 25 feet of slack rope. Playermust run distances of 50 -100 yards against the resistance.

Circuit training(30 seconds on each) - Arrange 5 stations; divide group into 5 equal teams and

start 30 second drill. -a) Push ups. b) Burpees. c) Sit ups. d) Star Jumps. e) Bench Jumps.Up and down the clock- 10 yd; 20 yd, 30 yd, 40 yd, and 50 yd sprints then walks back breathingdeeply. Arrange cones in 10 yard distances; develop progressive long run sprinting and develop

breathing for recovery.

Heading endurance in circle- Arrange 10-15 players in a circle; one player enters and goes for 30

seconds calling and heading balls back to the server. This can be developed with two or even threeplayers challenging for the same ball in the circle. This drill can also be used with passing and

control topics.
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Posture running - over cones: Start at the end of the line cones; run over the top of the cones; lift

your knees high. Purpose: To keep upper body and head still while running.

Agility running - around cones: Stand sideways to the line cones; start at the first cone and runbetween each cone sideways; use small; quick steps. Purpose: Improves forward movement and

side movement.

Speed starts- no cones: Begin a sprinter's starting position; use a two point stance and burstforward as quickly as possible; use a three point stance; use a four point stance. Purpose:Improves initial movement towards ball.

Sprints - no cones: Mark off 50 yards and 20 yards on the track; start in a three point position; run

to finish and quickly change direction to run backwards; have a partner time each sprint.Up and down drill- Objective: Improve speed by running short sprints forwards and backwards.

Start at the end of the line of cones; sprint to the cone diagonally in front; go around the cone;

back pedal to the opposite next cone; go around it; repeat the process; go through all the cones;

og back to the starting point. Look For: Explosiveness on first step; body straight and leaningforward; arm movement on sprints; arm movement on back pedalling.

Recovery Step Drill- Objective: To work on explosiveness. Have two lines of cones in a "zigzag"

formation; cones must be seven or eight feet from each other; have at least eight cones on eachline. Stand by the first cone; stay inside the two lines of cones thru the drill; touch the first cone

and always facing forward go to the next cone by performing one cross-over step and a few side

steps; get to the cone as fast as possible, touch it and go for the next one; repeat the process and

finish touching every cone; jog back to the starting point. Look For: Bent knees, Explosiverecovery.

First Step Drill- Objective: To work on explosiveness, mainly on the first step. Have two lines of

cones in a "zigzag" formation; cones must be seven or eight feet from each other; have at leasteight cones on each line. Start at the end of one line of cones; sprint to the closest cone to the side;

over-exaggerate the first step: if cone is to the left, left leg goes first and vice versa; decelerate as

you get to the cone; turn and sprint to the next cone; repeat process until you finish weaving in

and out thru the cones; jog back to the starting point. Look For: Powerful and explosive first step,pivoting and turning, arm movement, leaning forward.

Cross over Step Drill- Touch cone and side step; stay lower-no feet bump; last cone sprint back (

*Use also running backwards)A. Use same set up for going around cones, get low when going around cone and touch-sprint

back.

B. Same as 1) above - no touch cone ; sidestep around cone - sprint back.C. Sprint to first cone - back stepping to next - change speed sprint to next cone, etc. Spring back.

(*Develop w/ball)

D. Ski-skip drill in and out of cones, then sprint, jog back.

E. High knees over cones.

more conditioning drills

Ball control drills and games (1)

ball control drills (2)

Pig-in-the-Middle
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Break the team up into groups of three, withone football to a group. Volunteer one player to

be the pig-in-the-middle. The twoother players try to pass the ball past the pig without

letting her control it. Once the pig traps the ball, one of the other players takes herplace. Thetwo outside players must control the ball, or they willhave to switch with the pig.

Rapid FireHave the team form a circle around a single player. Every player except the middlemanshould have a ball. Have each team member take turns passing the ball to the player in the

centre. This player tries to trap and control the ball, and then passes it back to the original

player. Have each team member take a turn as the middleman.

Continue Down the Line

Divide team members into groups of four players withone ball to a group. Select one player

to be the server. The three remaining players should line up, side by side, facing the server.The server willtake turns serving the ball to each player who must trap and control before

returning itto the server. Continue in this fashion, alternating the server.

Flight ballDivide team into pairs, giving each pair one ball and a grid. One player will be the server,

who istoserve the ball in the air to any location in the other player's half of the grid. This

player must move to the ball, trap it, and return itto the server. Alternate roles after every 10serves.

4 v 1 keep-awayI've used this drill many times with great success.

It demands total concentration and good ball control. It also encourages children to look up

(not at their feet) otherwise they will run into each other.

Use a square grid about 10 x 10 yards. 4 v 1 with a player at each corner. Play keep awayfrom defender in middle while keeping ball in the square grid. For more advanced players

use 3 v 1 or 3 v 2 with one open corner (player must move to support).

Tips: Shorten grid as players get better. Keep score by counting passes. Don't be too strict inkeeping ball in square - let play continue unless blatantly out of square.

Dribble across a square (first published onwww.soccerhelp.com )This is a good warm-up to start your soccer practice. It is 10 times better than dribblingthrough cones & is a good way to evaluate dribbling skill.

It teaches general ball control, dribbling, the importance of looking up while dribbling & how

to do a "Pullback" & "Hook Turn".

Players also develop their peripheral vision, practice shielding the ball and that they can

speed up if they get in the clear.

Use 4 disk cones to make a square about 10 or 12 steps wide (smaller or larger depending onage & number of players)

Every player has a ball.

Spread players around the square, all facing inward.All players start on "Go" & each player dribbles across & back.
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They must do a "Pullback" or a "Hook Turn" to turn. (do a pullback by putting the bottom of

the foot on top of ball to stop it & pull it back in the direction you came from. Do a hook turn

by pulling the toes up & turning the foot so the outside of the foot can "hook" the ball, stop it& pull it back).

Tell players to look up while they dribble so they don't run into each other (don't worry, there

won't be many collisions!).The first to 12 is the winner (each time he turns is "one"). Tell players to yell "Done" whenfinished and ask each player her score at the end of the game.

Play 2 or 3 games. For the second game, the first to 10 is the winner and for the third game,

the first to 8 is the winner. Play at the start of practice as a warm-up and at the end of practiceuntil dribbling skills improve or your team gets tired of this game.

Coaching pointsWhen in traffic, keep the ball close to your feet so you can protect it; learn how to look up

while dribbling by keeping the ball close to your feet so you know where it is.When you get "open" (out of traffic), you can kick the ball & run to it so you can go faster,

but you must still keep it under control so you can turn.

ball control drills (2)

dribble round a cone and pass download this gameas a pdf filefromwww.soccerhelp.com

SummaryDivide into teams with 2 players per team. (It's okay if

one of the teams has an extra player, or a parent can

play). Players race around a "Turning Cone" that is

about 6 to 15 steps from the "Starting Cone" and thedribbler can pass to the waiting teammate as soon as the

he goes around the "Turning Cone". One point for each

completed pass. This is a good game to play right after"Dribble Across A Square", because you can use the

cones that are already on the ground.

TeachesSpeed dribbling (aka "Running With The Ball"),

turning, passing and receiving at "Game Speed" and

while under pressure. It also teaches the Passer how to

kick the ball while running and under pressure, to passquickly after having made a turn, and that the Passer

should quickly move after making a pass (and not stand

still, so it helps teach the concept of "Movement Off

The Ball", as opposed to making a pass and juststanding there). It also teaches Receivers that they must

anticipate the pass and be alert and move to the ball,

instead of waiting for the ball to come straight to theirfeet (this is a common mistake young players make -
http://www.footy4kids.co.uk/ball_control_drills2.htmhttp://www.footy4kids.co.uk/ball_control_drills2.htmhttp://www.footy4kids.co.uk/dribble%20around%20the%20cone%20game.pdfhttp://www.footy4kids.co.uk/dribble%20around%20the%20cone%20game.pdfhttp://www.footy4kids.co.uk/dribble%20around%20the%20cone%20game.pdfhttp://www.soccerhelp.com/http://www.soccerhelp.com/http://www.soccerhelp.com/http://www.soccerhelp.com/http://www.footy4kids.co.uk/dribble%20around%20the%20cone%20game.pdfhttp://www.footy4kids.co.uk/dribble%20around%20the%20cone%20game.pdfhttp://www.footy4kids.co.uk/ball_control_drills2.htm


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they wait for the ball to come to them, instead of going

to the ball - in this Practice Game they will learn to

watch for the pass and anticipate it's direction and moveto the ball - if they don't, they will lose the game,

because there will be bad passes and the receivers that

stop those bad passes or run to the weak passes will winthe game). You can also teach Receivers to come toslow or short passes (so they get to the ball quickly),

and to one-touch block the pass in front of them as a

way to go faster. The game also teaches the Passer thatproper "weight" of the pass is very important (the pass

can't be too hard or too slow). It can also be used to

teach the receiver one-touch control, playing the

pass into open space, and a quick first step into open

space (as opposed to "2-touching" the ball and

giving opponents time to close in). This one-touch

style of play should greatly help your attack andyour players will get used to one-touch and see the

advantages. If they don't learn to one-touch,they will

lose this game. They will also learn when to one-

touch and to only 2-touch when they can't one-

touch.


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Set-up1. Divide the players into teams of 2 players each. It's

okay if one of the teams has an extra player (or a parentcan play). Try to balance the teams so they have equal

ability. After each game or two, you can change the

teams.

2. Each team has one ball.

3. Use cones to make a "Starting Cone" and a "TurningCone" for each team. Put the "Turning Cone" 6-15

adult steps away from the Starting Cone, as shown

below. The distance you put the cones apart will depend

on the age and ability of the players. Example, for U-10Rec, put the cones about 8 adult steps apart. Put 4 to 6

adult steps between each pair of cones, so players have

room to make a bad pass without getting in the adjacentteam's way.

4. Line each team up beside the Right Side of their

Starting Cone, so all the teams are turning in the samedirection (to the left).

5. After each game, have the teams start beside the LeftSide of the Starting Cones, so in the 2nd game they are

turning to the right.

6. After the teams have played 2 games (one turningleft and one turning right), you can change the teams so

they are more competitive or just for fun. Another good

reason to change is that players need to get used toreceiving other player's passes.

7. First to 8 wins (This is an intense game. Another


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reason to only play to 8 is that if one team makes a

really bad pass, they will probably not be able to catch

up). I think it's better to play to 8 twice and then switchup teams and play twice again than to only play twice

to "10".

8. Teams get one point for each completed pass (definea completed pass as when the receiver touches the ball).

The Game1. Start by lining each team up beside the Right Side of

their Starting Cone, so all the teams are turning in the

same direction (to the left).

2. On "Go", the first player in each line dribbles to the

"Turning Cone", turns around it and passes to his

teammate as soon possible. Encourage the passer tomake an accurate pass (one bad pass can lose the

game). The pass must be accurate and have proper

"weight" (not too hard and not too slow). The receiver

can and should move toward the pass once it is made(but not before) as a way to go faster (encourage this -

in a game, this will keep the opponent from stealing the

ball, and will train the receiver to GO TO THE PASSinstead of waiting for the pass to hit her in the feet.

Once they are playing well, teach the receiver to block

the ball in front of him (one-touch) so he can go faster -

this is an important game skill and way to think, asopposed to 2-touch receiving and standing still waiting

for the ball. Tell the Receiver that MOST

IMPORTANT is to stay on his toes so hes ready to

move either sideways or forward for the pass. He

MUST stop a bad pass and NOT let it go past him.

3. The "passer" then goes to the Starting Cone and

becomes the Receiver.

4. The "receiver" (who now has the ball) then dribblesaround the cone (around the correct side - for example,

making a left turn) and passes to her waiting teammate.

5. If a team makes an inaccurate pass, the receiver mustrun after the ball and doesn't get a point until she

touches the ball. One really bad pass can cause a team

to lose the game.


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6. After each game, have the teams start beside the Left

Side of the Starting Cones, so in the 2nd game they are

turning to the right.

7. After the teams have played 2 games (one turning

left and one turning right), you can change the teams sothey are more competitive or just for fun. Another goodreason to change is that players need to get used to

receiving other player's passes.

8. First to 8 wins (This is an intense game. Another

reason to only play to 8 is that if one team makes a

really bad pass, they will probably not be able to catch

up). I think it's better to play to 8 twice and then switchup teams and play twice again than to only play twice

to "10".

9. Teams get one point for each completed pass (define

a completed pass as when the receiver

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