By Keith Scarlett
This training session is designed to provide opportunity for players to learn the when, why and how of making decisions when attacking.
Unrestricted space – warm-up: ball between three people – passing and moving
Coaching points:
– Good passing technique
• In order for the players to make good tactical choices they must possess good technical ability
• Players constantly moving
Restricted space
Team plays 2v2+1 in a 35-x-30 yard area with a neutral player who plays for both teams
– Teams try to complete 5 consecutive passes – get one point for doing so
– Penetrate by making the best tactical choice
• Weigh game situation
• Location on the field
• Positioning of teammate versus opponents
• 1st attacker’s technical ability
One goal with counter
Play 4v3 to goal
– Team of four attacks goal
– After defending team wins ball they can score by passing to the target player
Coaching points
– 1st thought – shoot the ball
– 2nd thought – get the ball to someone in scoring position (pass)
– 3rd thought – penetrate by passing or dribbling
4v4 + GK game
No restrictions on players
Coaching point
– Observe to see if the 1st attackers are making good choices
By Keith Scarlett, Former Assistant Women’s Football Coach – Perth Glory FC, Australia, former U.S. Soccer National Staff, follow him on Twitter @keithscarlett and catch his personal blog, “An American Coach Down Under:” http://keithscarlett.blogspot.com
