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Soccer: 6 vs 2 Invasion Game

What a fantastic tool. I 've found a few drills that are unfamiliar,...

Wes, Rugby Coach

DESCRIPTION

High Intensity drill

This a 6 vs 2 invasion game. Mark out three areas in a line (each box 15m x 25m) using cones (You can adjust the area based on the level of the players and if it is too easy for the Attackers or Defenders).

Start with 6 players in each of the two end areas and 4 in the middle area.

The aim of this drill is for the 6 players in each end to keep possession of the ball, with those in the middle taking turns to try and win the ball. Players in the end zone have 2 touches maximum or a point goes to the Defenders.

To start, a Feeder will throw the ball into one of the ends. Two Defenders will then move into the relevant end and chase down passes in an effort to win the ball back in a 6 vs 2 game.

The 6 players will be passing the ball amongst themselves. Once they have completed 6 successful passes then they can pass to the opposite end. When this happens, the players left in the middle will enter that end and do the same thing.

The Defenders work for 3 minutes then rotate the playing positions around.

COACHING POINTS

Keep score of how many times they win the ball back in the 3 minutes.

The team that gets the least touches can do a forfeit- e.g high intensity run, or collecting kit in.

Defenders should touch the ball around 8-10 times in 3 minutes. If not then adapt the area size.

The Defenders should:

Get close to players in possession
Cutting off passing lanes using angle of approach
Read opportunities to intercept a pass or make a tackle
Communicate with their teammates; they try to predict play, so that when the opposition pass into a certain area they can then close down.

Team in possession:

Move the ball quickly
Know what they're going to do with the before it arrives at their feet; pre-scanning of the available options
Players not in possession should make movements away from the ball (making angles)
Weight the pass so that it arrives quickly but is easy to control

PROGRESSION

To make it harder for the Defenders:

The Attackers can touch as many times as they want.
Increase area

To make it harder for the Attackers:

1 touch for the ball
Decrease area

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OFTEN USED WITH...

4 Goal Channelling:

6 vs 6 game with 2 Floaters (who can play for whichever team has the ball).

Set up an area the size of one half of the pitch. In each corner and in the middle, position 2 cones to make 5 mini goals.

Also have 6 players stood around the outside of the area, who the ball can be passed to and from.

After the first game, switch one of the teams out and have the outside 6 come in and form a team. Rotate round like this so they each play each other.

Play 3 mins each of attacking, 3 times (9 mins in total each, 27 mins overall).

Defending

Defensive Unit Work:

This drill encourages players to work together in a Defensive unit and is especially relevant for midfield players.

Set up 3 areas in a line: 5 x 5 yards, 20 x 5 yards and another 5 x 5 yards

Opposite this, within shooting distance (about 15 yards), set up 4 goal areas in a line, marked by cones. The 2 inside goals will be used for the first game and then just the 2 outside goals will be used for the second game.

Have 1 player restricted to each of the 5 x 5 areas, and 2 players in the 20 x 5 area. The goal of these players is to pass amongst themselves to score (firstly in the goals marked "1" and then in the goals marked "2").

Against them will be 4 defenders who will need to work together to shut down these shooting opportunities, starting midway between the boxes and the goals.

The coach plays the ball to the Attackers, and at this time the Defenders will approach the Attackers. They cannot travel into the boxes but will use angles to try to stop a quick pass and shoot option.

Defending

1 V 1 - 3 Goal Game:

Two players line up on opposite sides of a square.

The attacking player dribbles the ball towards the centre before then attempting to stop the ball between one of the goals.

The goal nearest to the defender's starting point is worth 10 points as it is the hardest goal to stop the ball in. The middle goal is worth 5 and the top goal only 1 point.

Defending