By Mike Smith
I constantly catch myself reminding my team, “it’s” not always about what you are doing, it’s about what you are doing to the other team. Many times, the player in possession of the ball doesn’t look for or see the space that is created by team movement, but IF you have players who are looking for this space, simple diagonal runs, by forwards or even wings can really open up vulnerable space. IF you do not have players who naturally see space, this session will help create them.
Lesson 1
Pass, Move,Turn, Dribble
Set-Up
3 players, each with a ball run a pattern in a 15 x 15 yd square. The starting player passes the ball to their right ( as shown )and goes central for the return pass. They then turn with the ball and hit the diagonal player with a pass. After the pass, the central player runs around the open cone and returns to the center, receives the return pass and then dribbles back home. Each player runs this pattern from their starting cone, ( one will make the starting pass to their left ) and then the players rotate starting positions.
Coaching Points
The coach should encourage each group of two to communicate constantly and do the warm up with as much speed and intensity as possible without sacrificing quality.
Lesson 2
3 v 1 to Goal
Set-Up
Start with 4 cones spaced as shown across the top of the defensive third. The central player, who is staggered back a bit, plays the ball to the right. The wide right player sends the ball back central to the wide left player who has come central with a diagonal run. This player is shadowed by a defender, who at this stage is passive and does not attempt to tackle the ball. The diagonal running player must decide whether to turn under pressure and keep the ball, send it back out to the right wing player or lay it back to the oncoming support player who started the drill. The keeper should stay inside the goalie box.
Coaching Points
The focus here is getting the diagonal running player to recognize how to use the space their run created. By holding up the ball and turning AWAY from the pressure, there will be options for assists in the open space. The coach should focus the players on choosing the right option here.
Lesson 3
5 v 4 to Goal
Set-Up
Five attacking players set up in a W ( as shown ) at the top of the defensive third. 3 defending players are set to pressure the top 3 attackers. An additional defender is in the box but must stay there. The keeper should stay in the goalie box.
One of the players at the bottom of the W sends the ball into the central player. As this happens, the two wide players make diagonal runs into the center. The central player should drop the ball out to the other supporting attacker. This player may dribble to take space, but should make the read to the open space / attacker. Should the defenders win the ball they should work on clearing high and wide under pressure.
Coaching Points
This is a very realistic game scenario. The coach should set an amount of time for each scoring attempt, 10 seconds, 5 seconds, etc. The idea here is to quickly and aggressively take advantage of the confusion the diagonal runs create with a shot on frame.
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.
