By George Kee
Area Size: Half Field
Players: 12-18
Time: 25-30 minutes
Objectives
- To develop attacking combinations in order to create space
- To develop timing of runs to exploit space
- To understand movements of center forward and the attacking midfielder
- To understand movements of center forward and winger
Set up
This is for teams that play a 4-2-3-1 and can be easily adapted for the 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. We have 2 zones (10x10) where the center forward starts, 2 zones (5x5) where the attacking midfielder starts, and 1 large zone (30x25) which is divided vertically in half with an end zone.
Execution
The keeper starts by passing into the large area whereby play is 4v3 +3. The black team aims to dribble through the end zones. Once this occurs the center forward will drop back to create space for the attacking midfielder to exploit. The pass is then made to the attacking midfielder making the run into the space created by the forward and finishes in a small goal. If the yellows win possession they will try to score in the 2 mini goals.
Description
The center forward and attacking midfielder take up positions on the strong side or weak side depending on the position of the ball in the larger zone. The center forward always moves towards the strong side, while at the same time the attacking midfielder moves to the weak side. Here it is important that the movements of the center forward and attacking midfielder are consistent with the movement of the ball in the large zone. It is important for players to understand the correct time to get forward. Visual cues for the man on the ball are as follows
Play forward pass:
- If player has time and space to look up and play a pass
- If player has the opportunity to beat opponent and play a pass
Keep possession:
- If defender has closed down the player on the ball
- Player has the opportunity to play a pass to a teammate who has enough space to play forward
First Progression
This progression involves restrictions on the players working in the larger area. Outside players can have limited touches in order to speed up play and force players in the area to support the player with the ball. Players in the larger zone can be restricted to completing a certain number of passes before going forward.
Second Progression
Player roles remain the same in the large area. As a black player moves the ball through the end zone, the center forward drops back to create space while the winger on the strong side moves to exploit the created space. The pass from the large area should be played into space in front of the winger running onto it as to not slow down the attack.
Coaching Points
- Timing of movements on the strong/weak side
- Timing of runs to exploit the created space
- Timing of pass into the space
- Direction and weight of pass
- Correct movements to create space/ Body positioning
Restrictions
- Players in the large zone are limited touches.
- Players must complete a certain number of passes before dribbling through end zone.
Variations/Progressions
- Move smaller zones to wide areas to work with wingers
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, George moved to northern California in 2014 to take over as the head soccer coach at Lassen College. In his brief time with the program George has won an undefeated conference title, coached four players of the year, and won three Coach of the Year Awards.
