By Anthony Hazelwood
The following activity has two teams, with each team broken up into two groups. The activity has both teams playing in a double GK box game. The idea is to have a fast-paced shooting to goal activity to gather as many goals and shots as possible. This activity is a short intensive activity with speed in thought, action and ball being practiced continuously.
When preparing the practice, if needed, concentration and difficulty levels may be increased by having players execute something extra unique by setting more restrictions. Every activity may be modified, and it is up to the coach to be creative. However, it is important to respect the parameters of the exercise time, the rest, the types of actions used and the weekly periodization of the activity.
Additionally, it is beneficial to train a soccer team and its players with all elements of the game is present in the session. By doing so, it will promote soccer specific adaptations to the player’s body, mind, and emotional triad. Ultimately, these adjustments will enhance their real-time game performances on a physical, emotional, conscious, and subconscious mental level.
Area Size: Double GK Box - 44W x 36L.
Total Activity Time: 16 Minutes.
Sets: 1 set.
Activity Repetitions: 8 repetitions.
Time of Activity Repetition: 2 minutes.
Recovery Interval Time: 2 minutes.
Intensity: High.
Objectives:
• Tactical: Train team to play with fast paced ball movements and quick decision making to complete shooting opportunities.
• Fitness: Anaerobic Capacity.
• Technique: Proper fitness and off/on the ball execution/techniques.
• Mental-Emotional: Players fully engaged and concentration is high.
• Concentration Level: High.
Setup:
• Mark out an extra GK Box - making the area a 36 L x 44 W setting.
• Create two teams of 8 players (Black and Yellow).
• Split each team into two groups.
• To begin, put one group from each team inside the grid making it into a 4 vs. 4 plus GK.
• The group of players that are resting is put on their teams attacking half as bumpers (two on sidelines and other two on end lines).
• The team that has the ball has the objective to shoot at goal to score.
• Inside players have two touches and bumper players only have one touch on the ball.
• The defending team must have a high work rate to regain the ball to possess.
• Rotate groups after two minutes of play.
Coaching Points:
• When the opportunity presents itself – shoot to finish.
• Find the most advantageous pass, with either bumper or inside players, to find an opportunity to shoot.
• This activity may entail some muscle tension movements, however, the ball is the protagonist and the objective is to score. Therefore, ball speed and quick thinking actions are key.
By Anthony Hazelwood
Current Seattle Sounders Academy Performance Coach with previous European academy coaching experience as an assistant fitness and strength/conditioning soccer coach with Levante U.D. (2013-2014) and Getafe SAD CF (2015-2016) in Valencia and Madrid, Spain respectively. A USSF “A” licensed coach with a BSc in Physical Education and an MSc in Sports Training and Nutrition.
