By Mike Smith
“Be in the right place at the right time.” Tons of success stories on and off the field and in all walks of life have come down to that statement. In soccer, the idea of team shape exemplifies this concept. However, actively managing team shape can be hard for players (especially young ones ) in the heat of the moment, hustling for the ball, trying to make things happen. I use these two simple activities to work on shape and demonstrate the need to never lose shape in the central areas of the field.
Lesson 1
Hold the Middle
Set Up
On a half field, set up two grids (as shown ) to serve as defensive, central and attacking thirds in the middle of the field. I extend the corners of the 18 to the half line and split the middle. Be sure to leave the wings open. Two teams of 9 ( 8 plus the keeper) play free soccer, however, the attacking team has 3 players who are restricted to their areas: 1 in the defensive third, one in the central third and one in the attacking third. ( this player is not off sides if they are on the 18 when the ball is kicked, regardless of where the defenders are). These players are the ones who manage the shape: physically by holding their positions and verbally by instructing the other players to shift, or drop, or push, etc…. This game should run between 25 and 30 minutes.
Coaching Points
The coach is working with the attacking team only in this activity. The holding players should prevent counters and provide pressure in all areas of the field, which to me is a main function of team shape. The 5 free players should move to support, defend and attack as the play provides. MOST of the time in this drill, the team focusing on shape scores more goals and allows fewer. The coach should use natural stoppages to instruct the attacking team only.
Lesson 2
Hold the Wings
Set Up
For this progression, remove the center cone from the previous set up changing the zones from central thirds to two wings areas. The attacking team must now hold 1 player in each wing area. IF the remaining 5 players keep good shape in the center of the field, even if the defending team moves all of their players central, any mistakes, missed passes, etc.. should be quickly exploited by using the holding wing players. HOWEVER, if the shape breaks down in the center, the defending team could quickly get back in the game.
Coaching Points
The coach should encourage the attacking team to keep good shape in the center. Just because there are no centrally restricted players, does not mean the attacking team no longer needs to worry about shape and holding positions. This is the coaches chance to see if the lessons from the first activity have stuck. The second game should last an additional 25-30 minutes and then the coach should review with both teams the lessons learned in both game.
By Mike Smith
Currently the Head Coach for University Heights Academy Boys Soccer in Hopkinsville, KY , Mike is in his 14th year as a high school head coach with 23 years coaching experience overall and 34 year as a student and fan of the game. He holds a USSF D License.
