By Mike Smith
Some players have that thing you just can’t coach – touch, creativity, vision….. but that doesn’t mean those things can’t be polished. So many times momentum is gained or lost on simple hustle; not just speed, but complete mental, emotional and physical hustle. This session gives players a chance to work on timing, energy, vision, touches at speed, accuracy, anticipation and many other aspects which make up overall “hustle”.
Lesson 1
Touches at Speed
Set Up
Set up a 10 x 10 grid. Step back about 30 yds and place a cone. Then step back another 10 yards and stagger another cone ( as shown ). One line of players starts with a ball on the 30 yd cone. When this player yells “go”, the player on the 40 yd cone starts their sprint. The idea is to hit a driven through ball which the sprinting player corals at speed with in the 10 yd box and then dribbles back. The passing player then drops back to the sprinting line and the sprinting player dribbles the ball back to the passing line to become a passer on their next turn.
Coaching Points
Think about how many through balls aren’t hit hard enough to get through and lead to counter attacks. Make sure the passer is driving the ball. Also, think about how many players don’t anticipate the through ball getting through and don’t commit to their run only to see the ball run out over the end line while the keeper stands and watches. Make sure the sprinting player is at speed and gets there when the ball does.
Lesson 2
4th Man Gets the Shot
Set Up
Using half the field, set up stations as shown using the edges of the penalty box, goalie box, half line and center circle. 4 players rotate around the stations counterclockwise. At the top of the penalty box and the end line, the first player passes the ball to the player at the top of the 18. This player sends the ball back across the box to the player waiting at the intersection of the goalie box and end line. This player serves the ball back towards the penalty spot. As these passes are developing, the player at the top of the circle times a run into the box to control and shoot the ball at speed from around the penalty spot.
Coaching Points
There is recovery time built in so the coach should make sure the 4th man is making a full speed run. The keeper is going to get a lot of work in this activity so any keeper coaching is perfect here. All the passes should be made quickly, accurately and with pace.
Lesson 3
Win It or Defend It
Set Up
Set up a 15 x 15 yd grid between the 18 and half line ( as shown ). Players are in groups of two and then divided into attackers and defenders. Play starts with a neutral serving the ball into the grid. One member of each team ( yellow and black) enters the box to try and win the ball. An additional member of each team is waiting on the half line in the center circle. In the first progression of this drill, once the ball is won in the grid, the ball winning player is allowed to serve it across and the other grid player runs into the box to defend the shot. The ball winning players partner runs from the center circle, controls the cross and dribble to the top of the box for a shot. The other player in the circle shadows this player but does not attempt to defend them or steal the ball. After the cross, the ball wining player bends a run into the box to play for a rebound. 4 new players step in each time. As the drill progresses the coach can allow pressure from the shadowing player to the point if the shadowing player steals the cross, the roles reverse and the shadowing player becomes the attacker and shoots.
Coaching Points
The idea here is to set up multiple opportunities for “hustle”. Hustle to win it. Hustle to get the ball and shoot. Hustle for the follow up or goal crash. Hustle to defend after a ball is lost. Hustle for a steal. Obviously the keeper will have to hustle for the saves. The coach should reinforce the need for hustle; mentally , emotionally and physically, in all these situations as many times these situations are the difference makers positively or negatively in the game.
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.
