By Anthony Hazelwood
The following activity has three groups of three players playing in a 3 vs. 3 +3 activity. The idea is to have a fluid possession game. The objective is to transfer the ball from one neutral player on the sideline to the other. This activity is a muscle tension activity that targets anaerobic capacity training adaptations.
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 the elements of the game being 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: 30 yds. Length X 15 yds. width.
Total Activity Time: 12 Minutes.
Sets: 1 set.
Activity Repetitions: 3 repetitions.
Time of Activity Repetition: 3 minutes.
Recovery Interval Time: 1 minute.
Intensity: High.
Objectives:
• Tactical: Work in groups to maintain possession to move the ball to each side with constant support.
• Fitness: Muscle Tension activity with anaerobic capacity training adaptations.
• 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 a 30 yd. x 20 yds. grid.
• Make three teams of three players (Red, Yellow, and White).
• Make one team become the neutral players by putting one in the middle and two players restricted to the sidelines.
• The team that has the ball has the objective in transferring the ball from one side to the other to gain points.
• The defending team must have a high work rate to regain the ball to possess.
• The activity calls for teams to possess the ball and to defend when out of possession.
• Rotate a team to the outside after three minutes.
Coaching Points:
• Creating spaces to receive the ball in tight spaces and fending off defenders.
• Ability to hold the ball when in possession to gain time to find suitable passing options.
• When defending, high intense actions to retrieve the ball.
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.
