By Lawrence Fine, Author of the FineSoccer Coaching Bible.
Welcome to the FineSoccer Drills Newsletter. Today’s featured activity works on bringing the ball out of the back.
Start with a keeper in goal, four backs and four midfielders (alter for the formation your team plays). There is a server at midfield with balls and two opposing forwards
The server plays a ball in and the two yellow players pressure. The objective is to work the ball from the back, over the midfield line, under control. If possible, playing the ball back to the server
The two yellow players try to win the ball.
If the yellow players win the ball, the attacking team loses 3 points.
If the black team plays a long ball over the midfield line (to no one) they get 1 point.
If the black team plays a long ball over the midfield line to the server they get 3 points.
If the black team works the ball out of the back and up the field and over the midfield line they get 3 points.
If the black team works the ball out of the back and up the field and over the midfield line to the server they get 5 points.
Next, add two yellow midfielders to have more pressure
Do the same thing but now it’s 8 v 4 so a bit more difficult.
Next add two more midfielders so now there are two opposing forwards and four opposing midfielders.
This is a form of shadow play and while you want the players concentrating on the points, it’s more important for them to understand the concepts so please be willing to stop play and fix mistakes and explain options when appropriate.
This is an excellent way for players to learn when to work the ball out of the back and when to play safe and play long.
Have a great day!
Lawrence
By Lawrence Fine, Author of the FineSoccer Coaching Bible.
