Possession to Finish

By Chris Kouns
USSF A License (USSF Coaching Education Instructor) – NSCAA Premier Diploma (NSCAA Coaching Education Associate Staff Coach) – Head Women’s Soccer Coach – Georgia Gwinnett College

In these activities we are working on possession with the purpose of finding the correct opportunity to create finishing chances.

The Blitz

Set Up

Place two full sided goals back to back. In each goal there will be a goal keeper and around the goal will be a 5 v 5 game being played.

Instructions

The two teams are playing 5 v 5 in the area around the two goals, however, there is no specific direction. Teams are able to score on any goal. The goal keepers, upon making a save, should distribute the ball in various different areas around the field so that the buildup opportunities will vary. Teams must complete a minimum of three passes before attempting to finish.

Coaching Points

• In possession make sure movement of those off the ball creates angles where the ball could be played to either goal. This will translate in the game to having multiple options when you receive the ball.
• Due to the fact that an errant pass will result in a quick counter opportunity to one of the goals for your opponent look for numbers up in an area so that you can maximize your chance to keep the ball.
• Since there are two goals to attack diagonal balls will allow you the greatest number of attempts on goal, so, focus on diagonal passes rather than straight balls.
• As soon as a turn over occurs work to win the ball back immediately before your opponent can escape the area in possession and create their own scoring opportunities.

In the Gap

Set Up

There will be two full size goals that are separated by a gap of about 12 yards. In the area around the two full size goals there will be two teams playing 6 v 6 and then there will be two goal keepers in the nets.

Instructions

Similar to the previous exercise there are two teams playing 6 v 6 in the area around the two goals and again there is no specific direction as teams are able to score on any goal. However, in this progression the ball must be played through the gap in order to be able to finish on any goal. In addition the minimum number of passes is now four passes so that it forces them to pay more attention to options and look for chances to change the point so that they can go to goal. In terms of the goal keepers they should distribute the ball in various different areas around the field so that the buildup opportunities will vary.

Coaching Points

• The shape of the team should be such that their possession can always offer an opportunity to change the point of attack through the gap
• Players must not stand in the gap or else they will kill the space. So, encourage them to check away and not enter the gap till the ball is ready to be played
• In the gap play must happen very quickly. Either a combination or a dribble from the gap must take place before the players can be confined to that small area
• When a ball is won we should look to change the point of attack through the gap right away as we cannot score without clearing that area. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to get through
• If the gap is closed then keep possession and do not try to force it through. Take your time!

Changing the Game

Set Up

Two teams will play 9 v 9 with two full size goals and goal keepers. Each team has a designated direction to attack.

Instructions

The two teams are playing 9 v 9 plus goal keepers but have the following restrictions

1. Prior to creating a scoring chance a team must change the point of attack
2. Once the point of attack has been changed they have a total of ten seconds to get the shot off (if the change takes place in their attacking end) and fifteen seconds to get the shot off (if the change takes place in their defensive end)
3. A goal scored in those time windows will count as two points
4. However, if a team possesses the ball for 8 passes they can score a goal without changing the point of attack, but, that goal is only worth one point

Coaching Points

• Passes should focus on moving the ball in diagonal manner ( North/South) than Horizontal manner (East / West)
• Once possession changes the field attack should be undertaken quickly to take advantage of the transitioning defensive shape
• If we cannot change the point or get a shot off don’t rush it…. Keep the ball and good things can happen shortly (i.e. after eight passes we can still have a chance to score a goal)
• All players should focus on the body position so that they are able to play in less than three touches per person

By Chris Kouns: USSF A License (USSF Coaching Education Instructor) – NSCAA Premier Diploma (NSCAA Coaching Education Associate Staff Coach) – Head Coach Georgia Gwinnet College Women’s Soccer (GA)