By Mike Smith
In most aspects of life, having a Plan B or even a Plan C is accepted as clever, solid planning. In soccer, often times we put ourselves in positions where it is “ all or nothing “ and don’t think about a Plan B or C should our initial efforts not succeed. The idea of always having vertical AND lateral support will help your team transition quickly, keep possession and attack with multiple options and opportunities .
Lesson 1
Run the Pattern
Set-Up
Without cones, have two players work in a 10 to 15 yd area and try to keep a dual triangle shape and spacing. One player will move laterally, the other vertically (as shown ). Each player will make and receive a short and long pass. This is a good all round warm up activity. I ask players to run the pattern for 30 seconds, take a 10 second break to switch positions and then go for another 30. After 10 to 15 minutes of this they should be warm and ready.
Coaching Points
The coach should encourage each group of two to communicate constantly and do the warm up with as much speed and intensity as possible without sacrificing quality.
Lesson 2
The Grid
Set-Up
Create two 10yd x 20yd rectangular grids, with a 5 yd space between each. ( as shown ) Two groups of three work inside the grid, one group of three works as neutral support outside the grid. Each rectangle contains a 2 v 1, one for each team. The idea is for the possessing team to use the vertical and lateral support to keep possession and score. A “goal” is scored when a team can consecutively connect a pass from each of their players inside the grid alternating through each neutral. ( as shown ) The teams inside the overall grid must stay in their 2 v 1 rectangle. Teams can possess as much as possible but a goal can only be scored through the consecutive, alternating possession with the neutrals. Once a team has scored, or after a set amount of time, the teams rotate so each group gets to work in the neutral ( vertical / lateral ) role. Play starts with a neutral kick in to a designated team, this pass is free. The lateral neutral must stay in the 5yd space between the two rectangles but should support both.
Coaching Points
While there are 6 players inside the grid working hard, the focus is really on the support provided by the vertical and lateral running neutrals. The coach should work with the neutrals on communication, vision and timing.
Lesson 3
5 v 3 to Goal
Set-Up
Extend the 18 yd box to the top of the defensive third, 15 to 20 yds. 3 defenders plus the keeper take on 2 attackers inside the box. 3 additional attackers take up positions, one on each wing and one at the top of the box ( as shown ). A wing player starts play with a kick into the box to his team mate. Players outside the box have a 3 touch limit or it is a turnover( team switch ). Should the defenders win the ball and hold it for 3 seconds, teams switch out. Otherwise, teams switch on a scored goal or at a set time limit.
Coaching Points
Many times players will “force” play to take advantage of a difference in skill, or size or athleticism. This is great until you face a team which is better in all these areas than you are. The coach should steer the players inside the box to turning a 3v2 into a 5v2 by using their support. Instead of forcing a half chance, CREATE a whole chance. Add players and extend the box 15 more yards to get everyone involved as the drill develops. 5 defenders vs 3 attackers inside the box with 4 supporting players ( and extra lateral player ) provides a lot of match condition situations to teach the value of vertical and lateral supporting runs.
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.
