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communication DRILLS
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1, 2, 3 Pass and Move

There are two triangles in this drill, both using the same top point player (player 5). Players in the top triangle pass in an anti-clockwise direction and players in the lower triangle pass in a clock-wise direction. Both pairs of players must use the middle player as their third passing option.

Passing and Receiving

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

Communication Drill

Set up your team in a small sided game on a pitch running from the edge of the penalty area to the half-way line. Play normal rules except for the fact that during the drill, players are not allowed to talk during the game. Players cannot call for the ball, tell a player where to go or where they want the ball passed to. This really emphasises the importance of communication. If a player does speak, then a free-kick is given to the opposite team.

Conditioned games

Defensive Pressure

Play 3 v 3 in the middle area with goalkeepers stationed in each of the goals. Balls are placed around the field so that as soon as a ball goes out, the closest ball is played in. As soon as a player receives the ball from the goalkeeper or an outfield teammate, he should attempt a shot on goal. The defending team must attempt to pressure the ball carrier and closely mark all other attacking players.

Defending

Keep Passing to Shoot

3 teams of 6: red blue and yellow. Set up an area starting at the edge of the penalty box, 44 yards wide and about 20 yards long. 2 teams start in the area with the other team spaced evenly around the edge. Games of 6 vs 6 using the outside players as extras for whichever team has the ball: 3 minute rotation (including the players on the outside) The aim of this is for teams to keep possession of the ball for as long as possible. The players on the outside are 2 touch only. Have a goal at each end with Goalkeepers. The 2 outside players (yellow) nearest the top goal are numbered "1" and those nearest the bottom goal are numbered "2". One team attacks towards the end with the "1" players, the other towards the "2" players. Once a team in the area has had 6 consecutive passes then they can play the ball to the players "1" or "2" and then can enter the penalty area to shoot at goal. Players "1" or "2" only have 2 touches to pass to the player running in. If players aren't getting enough opportunities to take shots, due to not breaking through Defence then each team can shoot in both goals. This will create more space for both of them. 6 games, so each team plays the others twice.

Possession

Keeping Possession

3 teams of 6: red blue and yellow. Set up an area starting at the edge of the penalty box, 44 yards wide and about 20 yards long. 2 teams start in the area with the other team spaced evenly around the edge. Games of 6 vs 6 using the outside players as extras for whichever team has the ball: 3 minute rotation (including the players on the outside) The aim of this is for teams to keep possession of the ball for as long as possible. The players on the outside are 2 touch only. 6 games, so each team plays the others twice.

Possession

Passing by Numbers

Players number themselves from one-eight (or as many numbers as there are players). Players must then pass in numerical order. Although they can attempt to memorise the passing order it's far more beneficial if the players call out and communicate to one another. So once player two has the ball, player 3 should be calling the receive the pass.

Passing and Receiving

Short Corner - Running with the Ball

A player at back end of 18-yard area gives initial signal for type of corner to be taken (one hand or two hands up for example). The corner taker then relays this signal to the rest of the team. Their team-mates in the box should have different roles, depending on their position. The player who gave the signal should run to receive the ball from corner taker, and runs with it before shooting or passing.

Crossing and Finishing

Six Goal Game

Set up six goals on a full-size pitch (use cones/poles for goals), a small goal at each corner of the pitch and a further two goals on each side of the half-way line. Players score 1 point for their team every time they pass or dribble through the goal on the half-way line and two points for every goal scored in the goals on the corners.

Conditioned games

Team Crossing and Finishing Drill 2

The crossing player starts with the ball on the half-way line before coming forward and playing one-two's with the players in the cones, while continuing their run forward down the wing. After recieving the second pass, the crosser will now cross into the box, where two attackers will try to beat two defenders and a goalkeeper to the ball and score. The attackers start in the coned area outside the penalty area and sprint into the box once the crosser has received their second pass.

Crossing and Finishing

Communication Drill Passing an...

Set up your team in a small sided game on a pitch running from the edge of the penalty area to the half-way line.Play normal rules except for the fact that during the drill, players are not allowed to talk during the game. Players cannot call for the ball, tell a player where to go or where they want the ball passed to. This really emphasises the importance of communication. If a player does speak, then a free-kick is given to the opposite team.

General

Passing by Numbers Passing and...

Players number themselves from one-eight (or as many numbers as there are players). Players must then pass in numerical order. Although they can attempt to memorise the passing order it's far more beneficial if the players call out and communicate to one another. So once player two has the ball, player 3 should be calling the receive the pass.

General

Soccer: Short Corner - Running...

A player at back end of 18-yard area gives initial signal for type of corner to be taken (one hand or two hands up for example). The corner taker then relays this signal to the rest of the team.Their team-mates in the box should have different roles, depending on their position. The player who gave the signal should run to receive the ball from corner taker, and runs with it before shooting or passing.

General

Rebound Reactions Goalkeeping ...

Goalkeeper stood in front of two servers, all facing the same way towards the rebound net.Servers take it in turns to throw the ball into the rebound net. GK makes the catch and gets ready for the next serve.If a rebound net is not available use a wall or get a player to perform side foot volleys into the GK.

General

Keeping Possession Possession ...

3 teams of 6: red blue and yellow.Set up an area starting at the edge of the penalty box, 44 yards wide and about 20 yards long.2 teams start in the area with the other team spaced evenly around the edge.Games of 6 vs 6 using the outside players as extras for whichever team has the ball: 3 minute rotation (including the players on the outside)The aim of this is for teams to keep possession of the ball for as long as possible.The players on the outside are 2 touch only.6 games, so each team plays the others twice.

General

Cone collectors Conditioned ga...

Get your players to stand an equal distance around the cones in the middle. There should be one less cone than there are players - so in this instance there are 10 cones and 11 players. On the coach's call players sprint into the middle and try to collect a cone. Once players have collected a cone they should run back to their starting position.

General

Keep Passing to Shoot Possessi...

3 teams of 6: red blue and yellow.Set up an area starting at the edge of the penalty box, 44 yards wide and about 20 yards long.2 teams start in the area with the other team spaced evenly around the edge.Games of 6 vs 6 using the outside players as extras for whichever team has the ball: 3 minute rotation (including the players on the outside)The aim of this is for teams to keep possession of the ball for as long as possible.The players on the outside are 2 touch only.Have a goal at each end with Goalkeepers. The 2 outside players (yellow) nearest the top goal are numbered "1" and those nearest the bottom goal are numbered "2".One team attacks towards the end with the "1" players, the other towards the "2" players.Once a team in the area has had 6 consecutive passes then they can play the ball to the players "1" or "2" and then can enter the penalty area to shoot at goal.Players "1" or "2" only have 2 touches to pass to the player running in.If players aren't getting enough opportunities to take shots, due to not breaking through Defence then each team can shoot in both goals. This will create more space for both of them.6 games, so each team plays the others twice.

General

Numbers Game Conditioned games...

Split your players into two equal teams and have them wait on the sideline opposite the coach who is standing with the ball in hand. Give players on each team a number from 1-5 (higher number if you have more players).The coach then calls out a set of numbers. The players with these corresponding numbers must react to the call and run onto the pitch.The coach kicks the ball into play and the two teams compete to score.

General

9 v 9 Wide Play Possession - F...

Setup: 50 x 40 with wide zone for full backs / wingersExplanation: Ball starts with either the coach or either GK.Once the ball is in play, the defending team are tasked with getting immediate pressure on the ball from front to back.1st and 2nd defenders show press aggressively and force the opposition to play backwards or side wards or long.Look for clear communication from players in positions behind to help support the closest players to the ball.Aim is to win the ball back and counter attack quickly or regain controlled possession.

General

Defensive Pressure Defending -...

Play 3 v 3 in the middle area with goalkeepers stationed in each of the goals. Balls are placed around the field so that as soon as a ball goes out, the closest ball is played in. As soon as a player receives the ball from the goalkeeper or an outfield teammate, he should attempt a shot on goal. The defending team must attempt to pressure the ball carrier and closely mark all other attacking players.

General

Barcelona Small Sided Game Pos...

The aim of the drill is to work on helping your team keep possession all over the field. The game starts with normal rules, no limitations on touches, with both teams simply trying to score. The game changes when the coach shouts the following: 1. Possession - Players must keep possession in their own half, which of course means they are not allowed to score. If a team wins the ball, they must take the ball to their own half and try and keep it. 2. Normal - Teams return to a normal game and are allowed to score. 3. Barca - Similar to possession, but this time players must attempt to keep the ball in the other teams half, but they are not allowed to score. If the other team wins the ball they must get the ball into their opponent's half and keep it there.

General

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communication DRILL CATEGORIES
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Conditioned games Drills
Passing and Receiving Drills
Possession Drills
Conditioned games Drills
Passing and Receiving Drills
Possession Drills
communication SESSIONS
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Team Possession Confidence

This simple all-ages plan is designed to improve your players' on the ball confidence and team communication.

6 Conditioned Games

6 conditioned games with purpose, guaranteed to bring a smile to your players' faces and improve key areas of their game including possession, communication and attack.

Making the Pass Playable

Take things back to basics and nail down the simple skills to play with fluidity. Pass, dribble and receive with a quality with this session that sharpens your players basics.

Attacking with an Extra Man

Create an overload in attack by providing support to attack with an extra man. Use this session to help your forwards plus develop your defenders defending capabilities with one less player.

Keeping Possession

Reduce the turnovers and get your team working up the field by keeping possession and building attacks by selecting the right pass.

Make your Corners Count!

Set pieces need to be made the most of in a match. This plan will make those corners count, and improve the communication between your players

Team Defending

Develop a team mentality that works to win the ball back and swarm in groups. Understand the roles and responsibilities of team defence to shut out the opposition as a unit.

Dealing with Long Shots

Goalkeeper positioning is vital when dealing with shots from long range. Develop your keepers concentration, positioning and movement to be solid behind the speculative efforts

Attacking Play within SSG

Get your players playing in small groups and transfer it to the match to work the ball up the field progressively.

Passing, Receiving & Combining to Attack

Set up attacks by encouraging your players to show for the ball and make/receive a pass with confidence.

Defending - Pressing

Press high and defend from the front. Teach your players how to nullify the oppositions outlet and win the ball high up the pitch with this session.

Retreating Defence

If it breaks down in the middle, your players need to be thinking about recovering straight away. Make it a habit with this session.

Pressing in the Defending Half

All the great teams do it, win the ball back as soon as you’ve lost it by pressing as a team in small units and as a team ready to set up another attack.

Prevent Opponents Playing Through Midfield

Sometimes you have to play negatively. If their midfield gets on top of you, it’s time to break it down and stop them playing.

Playing Out From The Back

Build your attacks from back to front with patience, skill and quality understanding between the players.

Combination Play for U9s and under

Use this junior session to develop positive passing, support runs and highlight the importance of good verbal communication.
communication ANSWERS
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Coach doing my FA Level 2 badge, looking for skill & SSGs on pressing?

hi im currently doing my FA level 2 badge. I have just been given my final topic on " pressing " has any one got any good technique, skill and ssg drills for this. many thanks j

Archived User Coach

How to get players to talk to each other during a game?

How would you encourage your players to start talking to each other during game? This lack of communication at times is a hinderance to their overall play

Archived User Coach

Getting your team to communicate on the field

I coach a high school team and I'm having a hard time reinforcing the habit of regular communication on the field between the players. Does any one have any drill ideas to help reinforce the importance of talking on the field?

Chad Bruns Coach, United States of America

Midfield Shape Missing

My teams midfield always loses its shape in the second half Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Alan Zelli Coach, England

Terminology and communication

I'm a development officer for a women's university football team where we get many different people from all over the world and we seem to struggle with communication and terminology as we say different things from where we are from I was just wondering if anyone had a suggestion on how best to tackle this or any solutions to help the team communicate better?

Joanne Shelton Coach, England

Communication Sessions

Good Evening Does anyone have any good communication sessions? Even if its just a basic man on, turn, time session.Any help appreciated

Christopher Cook Coach, England

moving defence and midfield up as a unit

having issues with defence and midfield moving forward together when attacking any session out there to help . thanks

football first Coach, England

No subs-Under 10's 9 a-side

Hi all, due to lack of recruits I only have 9 players this season for my 9 a-side U10 boys team. I have tried very hard looking for recruits but no luck....so far. My season is starting and I have to work with what I have. I just want to see what tips do you have for me? What can I focus on to ensure this is not too much of an disadvantage!

Craig Killian Coach, Australia

late

how do i manage my players if they late

dagi morich Coach, England

New Coach

Hi, I am a long time player, first time coach. I am going to be coaching 13-15YO girls who are very enthusiastic and most of the team have good skills already. We are about to start our 2 months of pre-season training and we are still looking for more players to join the team. There will be a small number of beginners in the group. During the open training session we held, I found they got bored very easily. How can I structure our first few sessions to ensure;1. They want to come back 2. They have fun and get to know each other 3. They feel like I am going to be a good coach that will help them develop their skills. I want to make sure they believe in me as a coach while I get the hang of actually coaching. Very overwhelmed at the moment.

Jaimee Wegner Coach, Australia

New to coaching

hi my named jamie i am currently going through the process of stepping into my first coaching roll with an under 12s boys team. i have no experience in coaching i will be joining the team alongside 2 other experienced coaches i am very excited about this opportunity i have been given also want be a great addition to the team and be the best coach i can. any tips on how to first settle in and also how to get the boys i will be coaching to believe im good enough to develop them or any other tips in general you may think will come in handy on my coaching journey. thank you

Jamie Bodie Coach, United Kingdom

communication

i am a under 10-12 coach and i want to work on communication what can i do?

Damon Wessels Coach, United Kingdom

How to promote teamwork in my u9 football team?

I am taking over a u9 team next season and will have some new players and players who are familiar with one and other. how can I promote teamwork in my sessions?also does anyone have good ideas on how to create a positive environment for the kids to give feedback to each other. Many thanks!

Adam Brett Coach, England

Struggling to work alongside coach

I joined my sons football team last year as they were struggling for assistant coach's. However I'm working with someone that is insufferable. he manages two teams and is just generally all over the place. Late to games and training so I'm left to step up. wonders off during games or leaves early. The kids have done brilliantly last few weeks me and the other assistant have stepped in we really seen in a change in the kids. he turns up today and completely changes everything again. Our team lost terribly all the kids look confused as to what's going on and parents were angry. he left early and I'm left to speak to the parents myself. I poor my heart and soul in to this team but I feel I am going to have to walk away. Where do I go from here?

Alex Coach, England

Team pressure as a new coach

I’m a new coach assigned to coach my college faculty, but I believe there would be a lot of pressure and bad energy from students/players. How can I solve this problem peacefully and effectively?

Famuyide Segun Coach, Nigeria

whats te

whats the key teaching points

Hinchingbrooke Students Coach, England

How to get players to talk to ...

How would you encourage your players to start talking to each other during game? This lack of communication at times is a hinderance to their overall play

Archived User Coach

Getting your team to communica...

I coach a high school team and I'm having a hard time reinforcing the habit of regular communication on the field between the players. Does any one have any drill ideas to help reinforce the importance of talking on the field?

Chad Bruns Coach, United States of America

Terminology and communication ...

I'm a development officer for a women's university football team where we get many different people from all over the world and we seem to struggle with communication and terminology as we say different things from where we are from I was just wondering if anyone had a suggestion on how best to tackle this or any solutions to help the team communicate better?

Joanne Shelton Coach, England

Children misbehaving in traini...

Hello, I am currently coaching an u9's boys team and a majority of them are well behaved and want to play football, but the odd 1or2 tend to mess around at training which distracts the others. I have sat them out in training and spoken to the parents but still this goes on. Do I decide to kick them out of the team altogether or does anyone know the miracle cure to stop this happening?

duane Coach, England

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