By Keith Scarlett This activity works on combination-play and off the ball movement. Set-up: A 40 yard x 30 yard grid with 5x5 yard grids on each corner. There are three teams of four. Two teams are in the middle playing against each other, while the third team has one player each in each of
Continue reading
By Mike Smith Question - My team was up 3-1 at halftime and playing well. In the second half we conceded two early goals. The team then completely lost their shape, left players unmarked and were totally disorganized at the back. In this situation, would you consider changing to a different formation to try and
Continue reading
By Anthony Hazelwood The following activity has the defending players working on their soccer specific muscle strength, while targeting their anaerobic energy system. Four grids are created in a half field environment. A four vs. two activity is played in each grid – with each grid measuring 15 x 15 yds. The four attacking players
Continue reading
By Matthew Carroll Description: The purpose this game is to create full field awareness. While players must focus on the task of breaking the defensive line and scoring, they also must be aware of the game occurring simultaneously on the other side of the pitch. The game also challenges the goalkeepers to do double duty
Continue readingWORLD CLASS COACHING 40 Possession Exercises By Luca Bertolini Table of Contents PART ONE Introduction Types of Ball Possession Direct Play v Possession Play PART TWO Possession Exercises 1 PART THREE Possession Exercises 2 PART FOUR Possession Exercises 3 Introduction - how to calculate and consider the average of ball possession Pep Guardiola, in Pep Confidential,
Continue readingWORLD CLASS COACHING 40 Possession Exercises By Luca Bertolini Table of Contents PART TWO Possession Exercises 1 Possession Exercises 1 Exercise 1 (play the way you face): ball circulation - 1 Set-up and sequence: 7 players (3 reds with the ball and 4 blacks without) are placed inside a rectangular area and they dribble and run
Continue readingWORLD CLASS COACHING 40 Possession Exercises By Luca Bertolini Table of Contents PART THREE Possession Exercises 2 Possession Exercises 2 Exercise 14 (create connections): 4 v 4 (4) - play in behind Set-up and sequence: 2 teams of 4 players each are placed in a rectangular set-up and 2 mini-goals are placed in the center
Continue readingWORLD CLASS COACHING 40 Possession Exercises By Luca Bertolini Table of Contents PART FOUR Possession Exercises 3 Possession Exercises 3 Exercise 28 (make a pass and move): 5 v 5 - run forward to create numerical advantage Set-up and sequence: a 5 v 5 duel is played inside a rectangular space that is divided into 3
Continue reading
By Mike Smith Seven years ago, I coached a game against a coach with whom I have since become very good friends. We actually run a spring developmental league together and we both coach at smaller private schools who play in the states small school tournament, called the “ All A”. One of the things he
Continue reading
By Mike Smith - "If you can touch the bar you can stop the high shots." I say it, my old coaches all said it, I'm sure their coaches all said it and there are perhaps few truer words ever spoken about goal keeping. However, theory and practice are often two different worlds and I
Continue reading
By Sean Reed - Objective This session focuses on build up play into wide areas to cross and finish, specifically cross-field passes and a combination to create a crossing opportunity and eventually a shot on goal. This session enables players to work on specific aspects of their game. Set Up – 1st Part This session
Continue reading
By Philip Connolly Objective: To work on players ability to play through midfield in order to attack. Practice 1: 4 v 4 + 4 Practice focusing on players retaining possession was playing in a shape representing the 1-3-4-1 formation in the 9 v 9 game. Try to use the two CM (white) players as often as
Continue reading
By Keith Scarlett This activity works on technique and communication. Set-up: A 10 yard x 10 yard grid. Each corner has a player with a ball. There is one player in the center of the grid down on their hands and knees. The player working is also in the center of the grid. The player
Continue reading
By Anthony Hazelwood The following activity has individual players working on their CNS and linear speed activations. This activity may be used after a warmup and before the start of a session to get players ready for what’s coming ahead. When preparing the activity, if needed, concentration and difficulty levels may be increased by having
Continue reading
By Matthew Carroll Description: The 2 v 1 Striker Madness game is meant to simulate as many situations a striker may see in the box, with pressure, as possible. The idea is that although it is a team game that implements passing, defending, and movement on and off the ball, the focus stays on the
Continue reading
By Keith Scarlett Question - How do I beat a team that "parks the bus"? I have a state high school tournament this weekend and the first two teams that we will face have a tendency to defend with 8 or 10 players. Thank you for your help. The aim must be in one
Continue readingWORLD CLASS COACHING 40 Individual Defending and Small Group Exercises By Luca Bertolini Table of Contents PART ONE Introduction Defending Roles and Responsibilities Create Skilled Defensive Players Create Effective Group and Team Defense PART TWO 1v1 Exercises PART THREE 2v2 Exercises 2v2+1 Exercises PART FOUR 3v3 Exercises 4v4 Exercises Introduction - Defensive Principles of Play Soccer
Continue readingWORLD CLASS COACHING 40 Individual Defending and Small Group Exercises By Luca Bertolini Table of Contents PART TWO 1v1 Exercises 1 v 1 Exercises Exercise 1 - 1 v 1: on the ball, recover or retreat Set-up and Sequence: 3 players (2 forwards and 1 defender) and the coach are placed inside a rectangular space,
Continue readingWORLD CLASS COACHING 40 Individual Defending and Small Group Exercises By Luca Bertolini Table of Contents PART THREE 2v2 Exercises 2v2+1 Exercises 2 v 2 Exercises Exercise 26 - 2 v 2: mark the man on or track the opponent (1) Set-up and Sequence: a rectangular space is divided into 2 areas as in the
Continue reading
Or view in easy-to-read web pages
Continue readingWORLD CLASS COACHING 40 Individual Defending and Small Group Exercises By Luca Bertolini Table of Contents PART FOUR 3v3 Exercises 4v4 Exercises 3 v 3 Exercises Exercise 33 - 3 v 3: prevent the opponents from playing behind the defense line (1) Set-up and Sequence: a 3 v 3 possession duel is played inside a rectangular
Continue reading
By Mike Smith This weekend I had the great pleasure of coaching a team of 5th graders, most of whom were playing their fifth and sixth soccer games ever. They are working hard and want to improve and are very disciplined in their efforts. So disciplined in fact I had several players open with the ball
Continue reading
By Mike Smith - Many players and coaches think the idea of winning a ball only means coming away clean with it, and in most respects I would agree. For keepers however, the idea of winning the ball is different and this difference is especially important when facing crosses. Denying shots is a win for
Continue reading