By Steven Smith
Target play is the emphasis of this training session from the first to the final activity. Extra points are given for finding the target and coach feedback must be focused on this vital aspect of play. This is a great progression for teams that desire to run an up-back-and through approach to match play. The activities will isolate target players and force them to combine with support players behind the ball and then roll back into the attack with a stretched presence during match play.
Activity 1: Heads Up Warm Up
Warm-up
Setup:
A large grid is set up with multiple obstacles inside the grid. Half of the players are inside the grid with a ball and half are outside of the grid without a ball. Players inside of grid each with a ball must dribble across the grid to any side of grid and hand off the ball to another player stationed at the outside of the grid.
Execution:
Players move through the grid with dribbling while using Coerver moves and hand off the ball to player waiting outside of the grid. That player then enters the grid and does the same. Players must avoid all obstacles as they move through the grid to the other sides of the grid. Coach blows whistle every two minutes and alternating stretches and range of motion activities ensue for one minute. Restart.
Variations:
Start with the ball in hands and play handball.
Move to foot skills with alternating stretches.
Activity 2: 6 vs. 6 End Zone Target
Main Phase
Setup:
30 by 35 yard grids with two end zones with target players in each zone as shown
Execution:
Emphasis is on possession in the middle grid and then finding targets on either end. While maintaining possession in the middle portion a player attempts to find the target player in either end zone with a pass. The receiving player in the end zone then dribbles into the middle portion and the passer replaces the end zone player.
Variations:
Players in the end zone are unopposed
Players in the end zone have defensive pressure from the opposing end zone player
Activity 3: 2-3-2 Quick Play
Main phase
Setup:
Field is set up with 16 players including two keepers. Field is divided as shown with 2-3-2 line up in each zone.
Execution:
Players are restricted to their zones initially and attempt to move the ball through the three zones to get shots on goal. Players can only touch the ball three times in each end zone but unlimited in the central zone. Ball can only go forward initially to encourage direct play. No skipping zones initially as well.
Variations:
Players may dribble into the next zone but must be replaced in their former grid by another team mate in order to balance zones.
Players can overload the next zone by running into the zone but must keep in mind that they are defensively vulnerable.
Numbers and spacing can be increased in each zone.
Activity 4: Target Striker 2 v 2 + 1
Shot on goal
Setup:
Field is set up with a 20X25 space as shown in the diagram. A middle field is set up as shown where the players will play 2 vs. 2. Goals can be set up as shown or other arrangements depending on desire of the training session. Three players on each group with rotation groups waiting or multiple fields.
Execution:
Players play 2 vs. 2 inside the restricted space. After a series of passes or on cue from the coach either team tries to find the striker who has been constantly moving to align himself/herself to receive a pass. After the successful pass to the striker the player attempts to score on full size goal.
Variations:
Run a striker at both ends as shown in diagram or only at one end.
Center players must connect 5 passes without loss of possession before connecting the pass to the striker
A single center player can break out of the grid to support the striker for any rebounds from the keeper
Activity 5: Shooting Patterns
Shot on goal
Setup:
Functional patterns are set up as shown in the diagram. Coach selects various passing sequences before the shot takes place.
Execution:
Passing patterns are run with speed and precision with flank services coming from outside of the box.
Activity 6: Full sided play
Main phase
Setup:
Groups of 11 vs. 11
Execution:
Full field. Coaches randomly end play with whistle and start a new ball where the coach desires to work on functional play to target players especially.
By Steven Smith Head Coach at Hope College, Holland, MI
