By Chris Kouns
USSF A License (USSF Coaching Education Instructor) – NSCAA Premier Diploma (NSCAA Coaching Education Associate Staff Coach) – Head Women’s Soccer Coach – Georgia Gwinnett College
In these activities we are working on players improving their ability to turn balls and exploit the space available.
Turning the Ball Activity 1
Set-Up
In groups of four there will be two players on the outside of a 15 yard long area with the other two players in the middle of the area.
Execution
The player closest to the ball (on the inside of the area) will drive their defender away and then check back to the ball. As they check back the ball will be played and they will receive it (side on) turning wide of the passive defender and playing it across the area to the other player. When the ball gets to the other side then the player closest to the ball will now be the one who checks and turns. Rotate after 2 minutes.
Variations
Passive defender can "hold" where they are driven for a 2 count and then close down the player trying to turn at full pace.
Coaching Points
- When checking back to the ball take a peek over your shoulder to see which side defender is on and then turn to the opposite side
- As you turn get the arm closest to the defender out to act as a buffer as you turn the ball
- Be prepared to turn the ball with either the inside or outside of the foot depending on the direction you will be turning.
- Make sure you turn the ball at an angle that will allow you to begin to eliminate the defender. Don't turn too wide or on a flat plane.
Turning with the Ball Activity 2
Setup
This activity is almost like half-court basketball. So, there will be a GK in the one big goal located on the end line. The area in front of them will be divided into three vertical zones with one attacker and one defender in each zone. In the grid attached to the three zones will be 3 v 3.
Execution
The 3 v 3 will be working the ball trying to play it to one of their attackers who is checking back to the ball within their vertical zone. When the ball enters the vertical zone the attacker must receive the ball and turn to play 3 v 3 to goal.
If the defending team wins the ball they play the ball to their teammates in the grid up top and then the process continues. If a GK makes a save then they play the ball to the top 3 v 3 and if there is a goal scored or shot missed the 3 v 3 in the top grid will grab a new ball from their stack of balls and continue.
Variations
Allow two players from the 3 v 3 in the top grid to join the attack after there is a turn making it 5 v 3 to goal.
Coaching Points
- As the player turns with the ball take a peek over your shoulder to see where your help will be on that side.
- Use your free hand to try to gain a step by pulling yourself forward by using the defenders body when you are on the turn
- The players playing into the 1 v 1 should give them a ball that is on the side where they have the most space to turn
- Communication as to what direction to turn will help in the attack
Turning with the Ball Activity 3
Setup
In a field that is the length of between the top of the 18 yard boxes you will have two teams playing 7 v 7 plus GK's
Execution
Throughout the flow of play if a player can receive the ball and beat a player on the turn that is worth 1 point. If a player
is able to turn and score a goal within two touches or play a ball that leads to a goal within two touches then that goal is
worth 5 points.
Coaching Points
- Work to play players where you will have space behind the defender for them to turn and exploit
- Focus on the technical aspects from earlier: Check away first, come to ball at an angle, and keep your arm out to help
create space for the turn, etc. - Players off the turn should not bring their defenders into the area where the player is going to turn.... space is needed
for a successful turn - If the player turning can get behind their defender take a big touch and go across their defenders body so they cannot win back the ball
By Chris Kouns: USSF A License (USSF Coaching Education Instructor) – NSCAA Premier Diploma (NSCAA Coaching Education Associate Staff Coach) – Head Coach Georgia Gwinnet College Women’s Soccer (GA)
