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
This session will train your team to keep possession while looking to penetrate the defense.
Set-Up
Divide a square into four 8 x 8 grids. Inside each grid will be a 1 v 1. In the center intersection of the grid there will be a neutral as well as a neutral on each side of the square.
Execution
The teams are trying to complete 21 passes total utilizing the 1 v 1 in each grid and the neutral players. No player should have more than 2 touch. When your team loses possession you do not count your pass total over, instead, when you win it back you pick up with the pass number you left off at when you lost the ball.
Coaching Points
The neutral players should adjust their position on every pass so that they can always be an option to keep possession.
The players within the 1v1 grids must constantly be checking away in their grid and then arriving at angles to help their teammates also in 1v1 grids.
Focus on opening your hips to the pass option you will be going to as you check to the ball.
Play the ball the way you are facing and then move away after passing with an eye towards getting the ball back again.
Part 2
Setup
Divide a rectangle into 8 grids with each one approximately 12 x 6. On each side of the mid line there will be four players defending with two opposing finishers behind them. There will also be two small goals on each end line behind the defenders.
Execution
The four players in possession of the ball will move it from side to side and try to find a way to penetrate the space behind the defenders on the other side of the grid. Once the ball passes them the two finishers will try to put the ball in either net.
The team defending cannot cross the mid line, but, should work together to close off the passing lanes with pressure up to the mid line. The finishers should also work to find open space between the defenders so they can get the ball.
Coaching Points
The team in possession should move the ball, and their bodies, so that they can play the ball forward as soon as the chance arises.
The finishers must constantly be popping into spaces where they can not only get the ball but finish first touch or play it first touch to their partner.
The defending unit must be moving in unison at all times and the pressure on the ball must be immediate so the player in possession cannot have time to look for an opening.
Part 3
Setup
On half a field set up two goal on each width that are facing away from the field of play. There will be two teams of 10 v 10 playing and they may score on any of the four goals.
Execution
The teams will play normal soccer rules, including throw in's if the ball goes out of bounds. Goals must be scored 1 touch if utilizing counter goals. However, if using futsal or smaller goals you can have a GK in each and play two touch.
Coaching Points
The team in possession should focus on body positioning that will allow the ball to move quickly.
The team in possession should look for openings to eliminate the defenders with a pass to any of the four goals (based on the goal where their team has numbers up).
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)
