By Mike Smith
This is one of my favorite sessions as it works on midfield movement, midfield recovery (marking ) and beating a defense with an accurate long pass. IF your team struggles in transition or playing on the ground through the midfield this will help them both improve AND recognize opportunities for a quick deep ball, i.e. a quick transition to attack.
Lesson 1
Possession
Set Up
Create a 30 yd wide by 35 yd deep cone box on one side of the field ( as shown ). 11 players play 6 v 4 in the box with the keeper serving as the defensive teams target player. 6 attackers simply possess the ball to start, however any steal from the 4 defenders may be converted to goals by passing to the target player. I usually allow the defensive team to get 3-5 goals before making the next progression. For all restarts the first pass is free, this includes kick ins for balls out of bounds.
Coaching Points
Good passing, movement and recovery when the ball is lost are the main points here. Ideally 4 players should not touch the ball on 6, but soccer happens and a good aggressive group of 4 defenders will get some scoring chances. Make sure the balls to the target player are handled cleanly before awarding a point.
Lesson 2
Give the Attackers a Target
Set Up
The attackers now have a target. AFTER the first free pass is made, any attacker may send the ball over the line of sticks blocking out the wide corner of the field ( as shown ). Any balls landing in this area are points for the attacking team. A coach should stand on the side with an ample supply of balls and can choose to allow a kick in for the defensive team on missed shots or send in a live 50/50 ball.
Coaching Points
This drill exposes poor decisions, hesitation, poor body position and poor touch, including passing. Therefore, it is great for improving those areas as well. From a tactical match perspective, the goal is for the attacking players to recognize when they have a chance to serve an accurate long ball into a dangerous area and make sure their possession has a purpose.
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.
