By Chris Kouns
USSF A License (USSF Coaching Education Instructor) – NSCAA Premier Diploma (NSCAA Coaching Education Associate Staff Coach) – Head Women’s Soccer Coach – Georgia Gwinnett College
This session is focused on moving the ball quickly away from pressure and into space on the other side of the field.
Set-Up
There will be one goal with a GK inside. Beginning at the PK spot the space will be divided into three different vertical channels. Each channel will have three attacking players and one defending player.
Execution
The attacking players will look to keep possession of the ball with an eye on setting up a shot for their attacking partners in another box. When the ball is played into another box that trio will have one pass to get a shot off or they must continue to keep possession.
Coaching Points
When possessing the ball the players in that grid should have their body positions open to moving it to another channel in one touch.
Those players in the other channels must not be standing and must constantly be adjusting their starting points so that when a ball is coming into their channel they can shoot or set up an immediate shot.
When changing the point of attack the ball must be played at an angle that would allow a first time finish or would allow the first touch to be a pass that can be finished.
Setup
There will be two big goals on the end line with a GK in each. From the PK mark to midfield the field will be divided in half. The activity will be set up as a 6 v 6.
Execution
Within the game the team defending can not have more than two players in the grid opposite the ball. This should encourage the team with the ball to open them up and utilize the space available by moving to overload an area away from the ball.
Coaching Points
The team in possession should look to make their shape as big as possible.
When keeping the ball look for opportunities to move the ball into the side of the field where there are less defenders.
When you get in that side of the field go quickly to goal to enable your team to take advantage of the change in attack and the numeric advantage.
Setup
There will now be four big goals placed at the half way line and on the end line. Each goal will have a GK in it.
Execution
The two teams will be playing 8 v 8 and they can score on either goal that their team is attacking. Teams get 1 point for a goal without changing the point of attack and 3 points if they change the point of attack and can score within three passes.
Coaching Points
The team in possession should look to keep players at the full width of the field as well as at the top and bottom of the field.
When possessing the ball look to play the ball forward right away but if that is not available then the next pass should look to be at an angle away from the current direction.
When receiving a ball that has been changed from the other side of the field look to eliminate as many defenders as possible, as quickly as possible.
By Chris Kouns: USSF A License (USSF Coaching Education Instructor) – NSCAA Premier Diploma (NSCAA Coaching Education Associate Staff Coach) – Head Coach Georgia Gwinnet College Women’s Soccer (GA)
