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break DRILLS
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Barcelona Small Sided Game

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.

Conditioned games

Break football

2 players outside the area play a ball into one of their players in the grid. The 2 players in the grid play 2 v 4 to try and score a goal on the half way line by dribbling the balll through the gate. The 4 players try to win the ball and when they do they have to break as quick as they can and try to score a goal. the only 2 defenders that can stop them are the 2 defenders out side the grid. (Blue dot players)

Crossing and Finishing

Breakaway

Set out three grids within the area according to the dimensions shown in the above diagram. Play 3 v 3 in the 30 x 40 yard grid. The team in possession plays the ball around the central area. The goal of the game is to penetrate into the attacking area and finish a 1 on 1 with the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper must stay on the line until the attacker crosses the attacking line. Progression: Allow a single defender to pursue the attacker to pressure or block the shot.

Conditioned games

Change Soccer

Position 3 players who link arms or hold hands on the goal line. Play 3 v 3 until coach shouts, "Change!" then the chain breaks and the team previously out on the field becomes the chain in goal. The original chain players now become field players. 3 players from each team form a human chain by linking arms or holding hands. These players are stationed on the goal line in front of a goal approximately 8 yards wide. The team in possession must attempt to score past the human chain defending the opposing goal. Goals and saves are each worth 1 point(players in the chain are not allowed to use their hands to defend the goal and must control the ball within 5 yards to score).

Conditioned games

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

Hit, Miss, Run and Recover!

Play a normal rules game across an area slightly narrower than half the pitch. On both sides of the pitch set out three cones at regular intervals. Teams play out the game as normal, however after any missed/saved shot players on the attacking team must immediately run back and touch the next line behind them (marked by cones) - if players are stood on or close to a line they must retreat to the next closest line. This will open space for the defending team to quickly launch a counter-attack. Once players have run back and touched a line they can then rejoin the game.

Conditioned games

Jailbreak

One team runs clockwise round the inside of the circle with the other team running anti-clockwise around the outside of the circle (blue cones). When the coach shouts 'Jailbreak' the players inside the inner circle try to 'escape' to outside the 10m x 10m square (yellow cones). The inside team scores a point for each 'jailbreaker' - swap over. If you have an odd number of players give the defenders the extra man.

Conditioned games

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

Wake Up the Giant

The coach starts in the middle of the circle, lying down facing upwards. When the coach yells Rise and Shine the players must break the circle and run back to their safe houses (cone). Only one player allowed per cone. If the coach tags the player, he becomes a sleeping giant also.

Dribbling

Break football Crossing and Fi...

2 players outside the area play a ball into one of their players in the grid. The 2 players in the grid play 2 v 4 to try and score a goal on the half way line by dribbling the balll through the gate. The 4 players try to win the ball and when they do they have to break as quick as they can and try to score a goal. the only 2 defenders that can stop them are the 2 defenders out side the grid. (Blue dot players)

General

Waves Of Attack Possession - F...

Setup:Full half field, central channel which the first attacking team starts in. Waves of attack vs defence. Explanation: The ball starts with the coach who plays to the greens and are trying to score. If they score in the direction they are attacking, they turn and return to the middle and attack the other teamIf they miss the target or the attack breaks down they must swap with the defending team and that defending team now becomes the attacking teamCounting scores i.e goals scored. Working with 4 players being desperate to disrupt the attack and get the chance to be the attackers. If defending team win the ball they must find the middle area with a player in there to get the chance to attack

General

Shoot, Recover, Finish Crossin...

Make a pitch from the edge of one penalty box to the same the other end, full width. Set up a goal with a GK at each end.A group of Attackers start in the centre circle. A group of Defenders start offset to the left of them.The coach feeds the ball in to and Attacker and they run forward to a 1 vs 1 situation with 1 Defender. The Attacker should take on the Defender and attempt to score.Once the Attacker has taken a shot they recover in an arc to receive a ball cross in from the right side.As this is going on, when the GK at the other end has seen the coach pass the first ball then they pass the ball to a player in the fullback position out to the right (F).F passes the ball down the line to a winger (W), who will be the one to cross the ball in after the Attacker has taken their first shot.At the same time the exact same is happening at the other end of the pitch.Players move positions:The Attacker becomes the F for the other side, attacking in the other direction. F follows their pass to become the W, the W joins the line of Attackers. Rotate the Defenders after 5 minutes. Play different progressions/variations for about 30 minutes in total.Includes breaks for water and feedback to the players

General

Wake Up the Giant Dribbling - ...

The coach starts in the middle of the circle, lying down facing upwards. When the coach yells Rise and Shine the players must break the circle and run back to their safe houses (cone). Only one player allowed per cone. If the coach tags the player, he becomes a sleeping giant also.

General

Decision-making and creating t...

The player stood on the half-way line passes to the player up field and then runs in to create an overlapping run. The player on the ball can choose to: Take on their defender. Pass to the supporting striker. Pass to the overlapping player. The attackers should play out the drill and try to score.

General

Football: Crossing and Finishi...

The set up in the diagram shows how to set up for a left sided drill, but can be copied onto the right side.This drill requires quality passes to play rom the center out to the sides and create a cross oppurtunity, which will set up a shot.The ball starts at the center with player 1. It is passed on to player 2 who lays it of for 1 to pass long to 3. Player 3 turns and plays the ball to player 4. It is dribbled towards the box and crossed to either 1 or 2 who shot.

General

Football: Crossing and finishi...

Set up:3 Attacking players from each team on each side of one half, taking it in turns.If you have 2 GKs then have a GK for each teamAttacking players A1, A2 and A3 positioned as shown in diagram.Description: A1 passes to A3, and runs towards the penalty area.A2 runs behind A3 to the upper right corner of the field to be passed the ball.A3 then also runs into the penalty area.Out of the 2 strikers running in, the first person who gets to the box is the one who takes the front post. This will usually be A1 as they started running in first. Therefore A3 takes the back post.A2 crosses in and A1/A3 finishes.The opposition have the same set up the other side and they go while the other team is setting up again.Swap the GK for the oppositionHaving 2 teams makes the drill competitveThe teams switch sides after 10 crosses.After 10 crosses each on each side the team who gets the most goals wins and you can make the other team do a forfeit. (For example a high intensity run)

General

Hit, Miss, Run and Recover! Co...

Play a normal rules game across an area slightly narrower than half the pitch. On both sides of the pitch set out three cones at regular intervals.Teams play out the game as normal, however after any missed/saved shot players on the attacking team must immediately run back and touch the next line behind them (marked by cones) - if players are stood on or close to a line they must retreat to the next closest line.This will open space for the defending team to quickly launch a counter-attack.Once players have run back and touched a line they can then rejoin the game.

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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break SESSIONS
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Playing through the thirds

The modern style of football encourages teams to get the ball down and pass into the guts of the pressing team to break the lines and move the ball up the field through each third.

Counter attacking from deep

Develop the ability to sit back and soak up pressure by inviting pressure to turn the ball over and counter-attack at pace.

Using width when attacking

Stretch your opposition and drag defenders out of position with this wide attacking session, complete with two great conditioned games!

Plan B defending - On the edge of your Box!

Danger zone defending - create defending pressure, in and around your 18 yard box, to test your how your defenders cope!

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.

Breaking the Block

In attack, shift a deep defence and create space with clever movement and proper decision making to exploit a block of defenders.

Pre-Season Introduction: Running and Ball Work

Use this session during the pre and early season period to welcome your players back and get them working on their fitness with a ball at their feet!

Transition Play

To develop and enhance players knowledge and understanding of transition play from attack - defence, and defence - attack.

Team Shape Out Of Possession ? Defending Principles

To develop players' understanding of their roles and responsibilities when out of possession - in regards to team shape and organisation.

Switch Play - Use the full width of the pitch!

Make the most of the space on the field by getting your players into the mind-set of switching the play, rather than trying to hammer down the same congested channel each time.

Goalkeeper 1v1's

Develop your keepers mindset to stay on their feet for as long as possible and to stay big in 1v1?s and make the attacker make a decision.

High Dives and Top Hand Saves

Improve the goalkeepers ability to deal with high in-swinging shots into the top corners and ensure the correct technique is being used.

Improving Shooting Technique inside the Box

Teach players to take the shot early, to avoid being closed down, and improve your side's shooting percentage from inside the box

Dealing with the back pass

Deal with the back pass with composure and skill to be an outlet for an under pressure defence and clear your lines. But it’s not always as simple as it seems… work on coping with even the trickiest of passes!

Passing Options & Combinations

Get your players moving off the ball effectively to offer multiple passing options. Then develop the passer’s decision making to give the best pass every time then offer an option again.

Attacking Principles when opposition are in balance

Find the right principles to play through a defence that is balanced and well-structured. Get your team playing with precision to cut through the defence.
break ANSWERS
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I need a drill to combat break away goals

I need a drill to combat break away goals

Archived User Coach

Some 11 year olds are joining our team and are moving?

Some 11 year olds are joining our team and are moving from 7-a-side to 11-a-side. What should I practice with them to help this transition?

Archived User Coach

What is a good way of disciplining Under 6's.

What is a good way of disciplining Under 6's. The characteristics of a 6 yr old means they are excitable, enthuiastic etc which is good, but i have a couple of boys that can be extremely disruptive. I have sat them all down at the end of a session and laid down some rules, but the same couple of boys break these rules week after week. How do i discipline without causing them not to want to attend the fun session?

Archived User Coach

what is the best way to get a 10 year old girl to start diving?

what is the best way to get a 10 year old girl to start diving in goal? we have a diving mat but i think its a mental block thats stopping her from reaching her potential. many thanks %3A)

Archived User Coach

How can i teach the team not to herd the ball

I am a coach with a U12 girls team, we are having difficulty keeping them in their zones...they all rush to where the ball is and the other team passes into the open area and then socre.

Archived User Coach

Defending the through ball

How can we defend the through ball from a faster team?

Archived User Coach

Attacking the ball for U10s

I am a coach of a U10 girl’s team, who for the majority haven't previously played.   I'm finding that they are now shying away from the ball and moving backwards instead of closing the gap, tackling or putting the attacking team under pressure when they have the ball. Does anyone have any tips or drills that I can use to help them overcome this?

Archived User Coach

Team thrashed every week - where to start?

Team keep getting thrashed every week - where to start? Having been the sole coach/manager of a little league team for the past two years, this year I lost all my senior players. I was therefore presented with 10 brand new lads, some of whom have never played competitive football. We are 8 games in and my lads are getting thrashed every week. The main problems are that they cannot get the ball out of their half, positions are usually a mess, finishing and chance creation are non-existent, and they don't apply any pressure or are unable to tackle. The main problems are keeping the ball as a team, getting it in the opponents half and staying there, and creating/finishing chances. I only have 1 and a half hours a week with them. I don't really know what to do, and I'm a little desperate. Does anybody have any advice? Thanks for literally anything.

Coach, England

Best trial ideas for U10s and how to break bad news?

I am taking over a team next season who will be under 10's and I am wanting to bring in a few new players but don't know what will be the best way to trail them and how long I would trail them for. There are many tournaments pre season would that be a good idea. Also what is the best approach with the lads who are not good enough, how do you break it to them

Archived User Coach

Team Building drill for girls

Hi everyonehas anyone got a good team building drill i can use for a u15's girls team please?I have 18 girls signed on and they all attend training religiously, but we often have a split in the team as there are two groups from two different schools. They tend to train well together but during a match there is the odd occasion when they don't talk to each other or they only pass to their school mates...

duane Coach, England

Getting players to switch play

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to break the go straight ahead mentality? I saw a coach implement a system where he has a counter in his hand. Passes equal 1pt, Passes back to a defender is 3 pt and a pass back to the keeper is 5. This was done in a scrimmage with the team having some sort of number of points needed per half. Has anyone ever seen this?

Roger Caramelo Coach, United States of America

small sided games.pitch dimensions-work time-recovery time-sets

i would make you some questions specifically about the ages of 9-10 and 13-14.a)which is the right work time,recovery time and sets playing 2v2,3v3,4v4 in these agesb)which is the correct work time and revery time playing transition games?As expert you are i am waiting for your answer. THANK YOU

vaios psallidas Coach, Greece

Running and Fast game

How do you make players play running and faster game without getting tired? Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Archived User Coach

drills for corners please

hi corner drills please for u10s

Mathew Coach, England

Attacking and recovering with midfielders

When my team attacks the near the opposing teams 18 box, we always seem to give the ball away to the other team and my midfield is never covered adequately. What is the best way to balance trying to attack but still maintaining shape from a defensive standpoint?

Hunter Williams Coach, United States of America

4-3-3 and U23s - basic coaching methodology

I'm coaching a u23 development squad and due to the nature of them bringing eligibility rules this year, we have a squad of variable quality. Any tips/drill/s plans around effectively coaching 433 would be awesome.

Daniel Rock Coach, New Zealand

Best trial ideas for U10s and ...

I am taking over a team next season who will be under 10's and I am wanting to bring in a few new players but don't know what will be the best way to trail them and how long I would trail them for. There are many tournaments pre season would that be a good idea. Also what is the best approach with the lads who are not good enough, how do you break it to them

Archived User Coach

Hi,I have taken on my first U1...

Hi, I have taken on my first U11 football team and we are building a squad from scratch for all comers, we have picked up some good players with a few who have hardly ever kicked a ball. I have always promoted everyione is welcome but it seems some of the better players are now making comments that they wont stay if the lesser players continue! What do i do?

Archived User Coach

Team thrashed every week - whe...

Team keep getting thrashed every week - where to start? Having been the sole coach/manager of a little league team for the past two years, this year I lost all my senior players. I was therefore presented with 10 brand new lads, some of whom have never played competitive football. We are 8 games in and my lads are getting thrashed every week. The main problems are that they cannot get the ball out of their half, positions are usually a mess, finishing and chance creation are non-existent, and they don't apply any pressure or are unable to tackle. The main problems are keeping the ball as a team, getting it in the opponents half and staying there, and creating/finishing chances. I only have 1 and a half hours a week with them. I don't really know what to do, and I'm a little desperate. Does anybody have any advice? Thanks for literally anything.

Coach, England

Attacking the ball for U10s | ...

I am a coach of a U10 girl’s team, who for the majority haven't previously played.   I'm finding that they are now shying away from the ball and moving backwards instead of closing the gap, tackling or putting the attacking team under pressure when they have the ball. Does anyone have any tips or drills that I can use to help them overcome this?

Archived User Coach

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