By David Johnson -
Objective
This session will focus on shooting, passing, and team dynamics on both offense and defense. The focus needs to be on proper weight and direction of the pass and the quality of the finish. The focus is also on moving without the ball and maintaining possession while looking for a finish. This should be done as close to game speed as possible.
Diagram 1
Set Up
There are 2 grids by dividing the penalty area into 2 grids with a row of cones. There are goals positioned just off the lines so the keepers have room to play without being in the grids. 5 attacking players along with 3 defensive players are in each grid. The exercise begins with the keeper on each grid playing a ball to the attacking team.
Execution
The first game is for the attacking players to play keep away using the keeper as a neutral player to keep possession. This is a timed exercise of 3 minutes. The goal is for the attacking players to count the maximum number of passes they can complete without losing possession. The defensive players once they win the ball they need to hold possession. The more time the defense holds possession the less time the offense has to complete passes.
Diagram 2
The next progression is for the 5c3 to continue play as before except now after a set number of completed passes (3,5,7 passes) the attacking team has a finish on goal. The keeper once they make the save they play the ball to the defending players to hold possession. Again this is a timed exercise so there is a sense of urgency for the attacking players to win the ball back and finish goals. The total number of goals is compared to the other group and the losing team has pushups or sprints.
Coaching Points
- Ensure the players are opening up to receive and send the ball. The player must be in proper position in order to play the ball quickly
- Passes must be weighted properly and sent to the correct foot of the receiver
- The finish must be with direction and power – ensure the shooter follows their shot to the end.
By David Johnson
David Johnson has been a high school coach for more than 20 years.
