By Lawrence Fine, Author of the FineSoccer Coaching Bible.
Welcome to the FineSoccer Drills Newsletter. Todays featured activity works on playing a long ball, receiving long balls, attacking from width and defensive shape
Start with a player with a ball near the center circle. There are 2 attacking players out wide on each side between 18-25 yards out. There are three defenders inside the 18 a keeper in goal.
The player with the ball starts by playing a long ball to either of the most advanced attackers out wide. Unfortunately, this is a lost art these days so really emphasize the importance of being able to play and receive this type of a ball.
The player with the ball then attacks and the game is live. The teammate on the same side might overlap and the two players on the far side would make runs. The player who served the ball also joins in the attack.. The defenders adjust accordingly
The attackers will have numbers up on both sides so the key is for them to attack at speed and take advantage of the situation
Next they do the same thing in the other direction.
Once the players get accustomed to this type of attack, add a defensive midfielder.
To make it even more difficult for the attackers, you can add a fourth back
If you want, you can keep building and add a forward and two backs on the attacking team and two outside midfielders for the defending team
The idea is to get numbers going forward, encourage runs, and force the defending team to adjust on the fly.
Have a great day!
Lawrence
By Lawrence Fine, Author of the FineSoccer Coaching Bible.
