In Episode 6 of the WCC Podcast, Coach Matt and Coach Carrezola discussed increasing stimulus in strength and conditioning to better prepare athletes in a more game-like fashion. They discussed challenging players not just to run one direction or another, but adding some type of stressor or decision-making. This can be used to test the players' different body systems as well as their ability to make the right call while using those systems. One of the drills they said filled some of these requirements is the penalty shootout game.
In the Penalty Shootout Game, all players on the team are lined up on the end line on their backs. Several balls are placed near the outside of the 18, and one or more goalkeepers can be used, alternating after every shot. On the coach’s command, all the players must raise their legs 6 inches from the ground while keeping their backs flat on the ground. The first player in the line of players on the end line must then get up and sprint to the PK spot, grab a ball, and make a penalty shot. If they make the shot, all the players on the end line can put their legs down for a 10-second respite. If they miss, the players keep their legs up. Regardless, after the initial penalty, the next player in line sprints to a ball and sets it up for a penalty kick, and the process repeats until every player has gone.
The drill can be modified to whatever type of physical conditioning you want the players to d,o and the time of the break can be changed as well. The key coaching points here are going to be working on focus and control while taking the penalty. Players will go from a static position to a sprint to a decision-making/technical event. Players will need to transition from these modes quickly and efficiently, and if they are still in sprint mode while trying to take their penalty (they also will likely be rushed by their teammates) , they may not be able to effectively execute their penalty.
