By Mike Smith
The ability to naturally read the game may be one of those “things you just can’t coach”, but when it comes to playing the second ball, I have found it is a very easily learned and valuable skill. This session works on recognizing how and when to come under control and play the second ball which results from either your opponents mis-cues and / or your teams pressure on the ball.
Lesson 1
Win the Second Ball
Set Up
Two lines of players face off outside a 10 x 10 yd box. The defensive player chips or volleys ( they can even start by rolling it up on their foot if needed ) a ball into the center of the box to help simulate the second ball. The attacking player simply runs in and wins the ball by shielding off the defending player with their body. The players then switch lines and repeat.
Coaching Points
The idea here is for the attacking players to recognize how they are actually waiting to read the ball before sprinting in to win it. It is also important they gain and keep control of it by using their body to shield off the defending player.
Progression 1
After starting with volleys, have the defender drive a ball in low on the ground for the attacker to attempt to win. Ideally the attacking player can control this with a good touch, still shielding, but maybe a bit more side on where they would be able to dribble into space or distribute. The defensive player should chase the ball to apply pressure and again, the players switch lines. Close control by the attacker is the coaching point here.
Progression 2
For the next progression, the players start in the center of the box. The defending player throws the ball straight up in the air and the attacking player attempts to win it by flicking it to one side of the box, all the way out of the box. The idea is for the attacking player and the defending player to “body up” and simulate the bumping which occurs during tight marking or set pieces. The main coaching point is for the attacker to move the ball into another space, which quite often takes two defenders out of the play.
Lesson 2
2 v 1 to Goal
Set Up
Two attackers start at the top of the penalty box at one corner of the arch. One attacker plays a lofted ball into a defender who is coming from the end line near the goalie box line ( as shown ). The passing attacker then sprints in to pressure the defender. The following attacker attempts to be in position to win the second ball and convert it into a shot ( as shown on the next diagram )
Coaching Points
While this is a second ball drill, the coach can use it to work on good clearances on the part of the defender. It is also critical the attacker winning the second ball wins it clean in either of the ways practiced in the previous drills, shielding off, shielding off to pass or dribble, or flicking it all the way across the goal. Give the attackers 5 seconds once the ball is won cleanly to combine before rotating the next group in. As a progression the coach can add attackers and defenders making sure the attackers always are one man up.
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.
