By Keith Scarlett
This activity works on finishing, passing, one-touch play and goalkeeping.
Set-up three cones facing one-goal at the top of the box. One cone each should be placed at the point where the field markings form the intersection of the penalty area and “D,” while the third cone should be placed 10 metres out from the edge of the penalty area in a straight line with the penalty spot forming a triangle; per the diagram.
To start this activity, all of the balls should be placed on the “left” cone and the team should be broken up into three different groups which each group being assigned to a different cone, respectively. Goalkeepers are in the goal and are tending the net full-out!
Here’s how it works:
• The first player in the line at the cone with the balls (1) plays a ball square across the top of the penalty area to the first player in line at the cone directly opposite them (2).
• This player then follows their pass at a moderate to quick pace across the face of the goal from cone 1 to cone 2; which is where they initially played the ball.
• At the same-time this is occurring, the first player in line at cone 2 should lay the pass off with one-touch back in the direction it came but more negative and at a slight angle so as to fall into the stride of the first player at the third cone (3). This player should be moving forward to strike this one-touch lay-off on goal first-time.
• As soon as a shot is taken the next pass should be played immediately across the face of the goal and the cycle continues.
Players rotate as follows:
A.) Cone 1 plays square ball to Cone 2 and follows their pass across the face of the goal ending up at Cone 2.
B.) Cone 2 lays the pass off one-touch for the shot and then moves to cone 3.
C.) Cone 3 strikes this lay-off first-time, collects their shot and then begins the process at Cone 1.
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
