By Mike Smith
As a high school coach, I see a wide range of teams and levels of play throughout the season. In addition, as a fan and student of the game, I find myself watching and analyzing all levels of the game year round. One constant at all the levels are the 2 and 3 player attacking combinations. However, the “plays” which I feel truly make soccer the beautiful game are those which involve 4 and sometimes 5 players. When these runs occur fluidly at speed, not only are they beautiful, they are most times unstoppable, (especially at the high school level). The following session can be used to get your players thinking of combining to attack with at least 4 players which will create many more (and more successful) scoring opportunities for your team.
Lesson 1
Get Everyone Moving
Set-Up
At least three teams of 4 players each “race” through the course, which is set up at least three times, depending on number of players and available space. The course is run at least 4 times so each team member can perform each station at least once. Station 1 is a 7 cone up and back dribble. Station 2 is a cone course run without a ball. Station 3 is an up and back sprint and station 4 is a one way sprint back once the player at the third station reaches the far cone. ( see diagram ) The sprints are done without the ball. ( balls can be added to every station as a progression) All players go at the same time, their time ends when the last player crosses back over the starting line. Teams place first, second and third based on when their final player crosses back over the line. I find most players enjoy this activity, and it can get very competitive between the teams, usually leading to a” first team to 5 wins “or best of 10 scenario before progressing to the next lesson.
Coaching Points
This exercise simulates game conditions in that there is one player handling the ball and three other players making runs. The coach should have the dribbling player focus on keeping good close control of the ball. If possession is lost, none of the runs really matter.
The coach should also focus the off ball players to run at speed, with good shape and foot work through and around the cones, and with good timing on the final run.
Lesson 2
Combine Runs and Passing to Create Space
Set-Up
Four player groups. Three each of four different colored cones. 1 set of 4 placed in a pattern ( see diagram, coaches may get creative with specific patterns) 5-7 yards apart. The next set of cones are placed forward of the first set, 10-15 yards apart with two cones marking each spot. The progression is based on color, in the diagram below the progression is Orange, Red, Blue, Green. One player starts on each single cone, passes the ball to the next color in the pattern and then makes their run ( 3 runs will have shape ) to the double cone of the same color they started on. Here they will receive and pass. The final receiving player ( Green in the diagram ) turns and passes the ball back to the starting point where the next group is waiting. ( diagram shows second position AFTER run and pass from single cone starting position). This is your basic “ pass and move” drill.
Coaching Points
Weight and Pace of Passes. Ball Across Body. Good First Touch. Timing and Shape of Runs. Keep Feet Moving. Good Effort and Communication.
Lesson 3
4 Combine to Score
Set-Up
Four attackers, 2 defenders, 1 keeper. Using the penalty box as a guide, two grids are set up. (See Diagram) A narrow grid using the 6yd box and a larger grid using the 18yd box. The top of the 18 is the dividing line in all progressions. The attacking team starts with the ball, the first pass is free. Four attackers play keep away from 2 defenders inside the cone box at the top of the 18. Once all the attackers have touched the ball, one attacker may receive a through ball across the 18 and must shoot in the box created between the 18 and 6. The keeper stays inside the 6yd box. A touch limit can be placed on the shooting player, I like to start with 2 and progress to 1. Additional players can rotate in for both sides after each shot or goal. If the defending team wins the ball they score by possessing it long enough to make 3 passes.
Coaching Points
Same as in Lesson 2, Weight and Pace of Passes. Ball Across Body. Good First Touch. Timing and Shape of Runs. Keep Feet Moving. Good Effort and Communication. (This is an attacking drill but I often find myself reminding the defenders to not stab for the ball and to not get split.)
Lesson 3
Winning Back Possession of the Ball
The final stage of this lesson is a game condition activity with 8 field players plus a keeper. Additional players will be in groups of 4 and will rotate in at each stoppage This is a defensive third drill executed on a half field .
Set Up
The play starts with the keeper distributing the ball to the two central attackers. Two of the attacking team members are neutral and are stationed behind two cone gates in the wide areas of the field. 4 defenders start at the top of the box and chase the keepers distribution out to try and pick up the Space, Ball , Space rotation immediately.
Coaching Points
This is a defensive drill so the attackers should initially be made to get wide in position to attempt a service or cross rather than just attacking straight to goal. Attacking players can use the neutrals, who must stay behind their cones and on their side of the field to start the drill. Should the defending team win the ball, they score by making a pass through the gate to either neutral.
Progression
The next step is to expand play into the larger grid and add players. 5 attackers vs. 3 defenders in the large box at the top of the 18. An additional attacker and defender are added inside the 18, and must stay there. The object is still to free one attacker into the 18yd box to create a 2 v 1 to goal. The attacker inside the 18 can be used as support and can pass back into the box, however this player MUST pass to the oncoming attacker ( or support player who passes to the oncoming attacker) before shooting. Once the additional attacker is in, they can combine for the shot. A touch limit is good here as well, I use 3 touches total between the two attackers as the attacker receiving the ball should be wide open. As a final progression, remove the cones , space and touch restrictions and play half field 8 attackers vs 7 defenders, give the 7 defenders a numbers of passes to complete for them to score.
By Mike Smith
Currently the Head Coach for University Heights Academy Boys Soccer in Hopkinsville, KY , Mike is in his 14th year as a high school head coach with 23 years coaching experience overall and 34 year as a student and fan of the game. He holds a USSF D License.
