By George Kee
Area Size: 2/3 field
Players: 12-18
Time: 15-20 minutes
Objectives
- To develop attacking combinations create and exploit space for the center forward
- To develop timing of runs
- To understand movements of center forward and attacking midfielder or winger
Set up
This setup calls for one large zone (10x10), 2 small zones (5x5), and 4 mini goals.
Execution
Player C takes up position in the large zone while two players (B) take up position just outside the smaller zones. Player A starts the line and begins with the balls. Player A plays a pass to the left or right into the marked area. This action forces player B to drop into the small zone to meet the pass. Player B drops the ball back first time to Player A, who receives the ball and dribbles forward through the cones. This action triggers player C to drop back creating space for the other player B who has already moved toward the large zone to exploit the created space. He receives the pass and finishes in a mini goal.
Players then move forward one position (A>B>C) except for player B that dropped back for the lay-off. Player C moves to the other side.
Description
In order to create positive habits and ensure play is realistic have players coordinate their movements. Players B on both sides should check away from the ball before making their run towards the ball. It is important for Player C to hold the run until Player A is in control and ready to play the pass into space. Passes should be weighted correctly and played into space in front of teammate as to not slow down the attack.
Progression
Instead of Player B dropping the ball back to Player A, Player B will pass to Player C who will drop the ball to player A, who then plays the long pass to player B on the other side into the created space.
It is important for player C and Player B to time their runs in order to account for the extra pass.
The pass from player C to player A should be played to the correct foot with the proper weight so that the forward pass can come as quickly as possible.
Coaching Points
- Timing of movements on the weak side
- Timing of runs into space
- Timing of pass into the space
- Direction and weight of pass
- Correct movements to create space/ Body positioning
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, George moved to northern California in 2014 to take over as the head soccer coach at Lassen College. In his brief time with the program George has won an undefeated conference title, coached four players of the year, and won three Coach of the Year Awards.
