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
Set Up:
Set up cones in a “T” formation with approximately 8 yards between them. On the opposite side of the cones place two small flag goals approximately 7 yards from the goal (this allows the net to be in play as a ball stop and keeps finishing on the flags a bit more realistic.
Instructions:
Player on the ball will begin at one cone and dribble to the center of the “T”. There they will step on the ball and kill it, then sprint to the other side of the “T” cones. As soon as the ball is stepped on the player on the step of the “T” will sprint to the ball, take a touch (or more if your players need it) and then finish on one of the flag goals. The player who left the ball will be rounding the opposite cone and pressuring the shooter if they can get there in time.
Coaching Points:
- Accuracy is the priority – finish to a spot don’t just shoot the ball
- First touch of the ball should put it in a shooting position away from the body
- Plant foot should go towards flag goal and next step after shot should as well.
- Alter foot for finish as well as surface of foot for finish to encourage comfort.
Set Up:
Just outside the 18 yard arc set up four mannequin (or flag) defenders in a small box (2 yd x 2 yd or smaller). Set cones out wide of the box as well as deep with players on each cone and the balls at the top of the area.
Instructions:
The player at the top of the box will play an entry ball between the mannequin defenders, to one of the wide players who is making a run between them, and then make a bent run on the backside of the mannequins. At the same time the player from the other side will be making a diagonal run behind the mannequins. The first player will use the outside of their foot to help the ball split the mannequins on a one touch pass. The player making the diagonal run will take a touch and then finish. (Can add next person will count two then become chasing defender)
Coaching Points:
- Entry ball between the mannequins must be precise and with good pace
- Player running between mannequins must weight their ball so that it can easily be taken on run or finished if 1 touch is desired
- Diagonal runner must not get in too early but should bend run in as ball is touched
- Finish should be taken to the far post )from where shot is taken not where run began
- Focus on first touch making GK readjust footing to aid shot opportunity
Set Up:
On half of a field set up two goals and a width equal to the penalty area.
Instructions:
Within the field teams will begin 6 v 6 with remaining player scattered evenly on both sides of the field. Each team is scoring on a specific goal. When players on the field pass a ball to the outside teammate that player has two attacking touches then they must either pass or shoot. (Decision based on where they are on the field) That player who entered the field may stay on until their team loses possession giving their team numbers up finishing opportunities. When their team loses possession they will return outside. Play two minute finishing games then rotate positions.
Coaching Points:
- When taking the ball on the wings utilize dynamic first touch towards a post because time is of the essence in the final third.
- If first touch does not create immediate finishing opportunity find areas of the field where a diagonal pass can create a shot for another player.
- Players on the field should look to either shoot or play someone who can shoot, that is their only priority
- Focus on placement and finishing rather than just giving the other team the ball by shooting from unrealistic angles or with unnecessary power.
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)
