By Danny Carvalho
Warm Up (10 – 15 minutes)
Working in groups of three being one starting central with the ball and two starting wide. Players pass and overlap the player they passed the ball to. This goes all the way up the field and ends with a shot on goal.
Have the players rotate positions so they experiment them all.
Activity 1 (20 minutes)
This next activity is practically a progression of the warm up. We now add a defender so when the trio reaches the attacking half it will be up to their perception of the defender and creativity to score on a 3v1.
Again, rotate (clockwise or counter clockwise, up to the coach) positions.
Progressions:
- 10-15 seconds to score
- If they score with the ball passing by the right, left and center the defender stays another round in the defensive duty
Coaching Points:
- Body position to pass and receive
- Look forward. If you can score, do it. If you can't, look for support.
- Move to get open, move to distract
Activity 2 (20-25 minutes)
A small-sided game played on a 3+(2) v 3+GK. Attacking team is organized in two midfielders and one center forward. Defending team is set in one center back and two side backs. Neutrals play as wingers.
Attacking team’s goal is to score on the big net. Defending team’s goal is to stop attacking team and when in possession score on one of the mini-goals.
Attack has 30 seconds to score. If they fail, switch roles with defenders. If defending team scores on the mini-goals, switch roles right away.
Progressions:
- 4v4
- Make the game sectorial (3 lanes) with no merging allowed
Coaching Points:
- Body shape to pass and receive.
- Set good angles for passing lines and support.
- If you can play forward, do it. If you cannot, play sideways.
Activity 3:
On a 7v7 game, field is split into 3 lanes. Goal scored = 3 points. Every time a team manages to play with the ball in each lane on the same play without opponents touch it, they get a point. If they score on the same play, they get 5 points total (3 for the goal, 1 for the possession and 1 extra).
Progressions:
- The possession point only counts if it happens on attacking half
- Score from a cross = 2 extra points
By Danny Carvalho, DOC at Corinthians Campinas Youth Club, Brasil
