1 v 1 Defending and When and Where to Drop Off Against Pace

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1 v 1 Defending and When and Where to Drop Off Against Pace

This is a breakaway 1 v 1 situation with the striker running at the defender in a straight line towards goal and kicking the ball past them and chasing it down. The defender must be “side on” already with their body turned back and ready to run towards their own goal. Defender must increase their speed dropping back; running almost side on and backwards (but head facing forwards watching the striker and the ball until it is played pass them, then they have a full turn and chase) as the striker kicks the ball past them and must start their dropping run early enough to give themselves time and space on the striker. 

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Competitive Directional Three Team Awareness Game Introducing Goals As Targets

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Competitive Directional Three Team Awareness Game Introducing Goals As Targets

Here is an interesting way to work on awareness training and passing, movement off the ball, fitness and looking for the penetrating pass. Add triangular goals to score through, this means the game continues after a goal is scored as the ball must be received and possession maintained by another player on the other side of the triangle to count as a goal. This ensures continuous play.

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Awareness “Look, Think and Decide” Challenges with Players in 2s and 3s

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Awareness “Look, Think and Decide” Challenges with Players in 2s and 3s

These simple ideas are designed to get (forces) players to look away from the ball but at the same time be able to control and pass the ball accurately when it comes. It can be 1 touch or 2 touches. This prevents them from just being focused on the ball as it is arriving and therefore not being aware of their immediate options.

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Why Man Marking is good to use in practice even if you don’t defend that way in a game situation

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Why Man Marking is good to use in practice even if you don’t defend that way in a game situation

In the game players must develop the ability to be calm under pressure, to be confident to receive the ball in tight spaces and to have the confidence of teammates to give the ball to you under pressure.To be good at this takes time and practice and many sessions where constant pressure is applied in the training environment hence why man marking games can be so productive.

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A Simple Explanation on How to Defend as a Team in 11 v 11

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A Simple Explanation on How to Defend as a Team in 11 v 11

Playing in 5 Corridors widthwise to help define the positioning of players. Also playing in 3 thirds from goal to goal lengthwise (lets call these ZONES FOR CLARITY). Here we have a good balance with players positioning at angles to each other. Must get the team into 2 thirds only, except for the keeper, both offensively and defensively.

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Teaching Changes in Team Shape in a 1-4-3-3 Incorporating Developing Angles and Timing of Support

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Teaching Changes in Team Shape in a 1-4-3-3 Incorporating Developing Angles and Timing of Support

In this presentation we are working on moving and passing into HALF SPACES between opponents positioning. Players position so they are AT LEAST side-on improving their PERIPHERAL VISION at ALL times on the field of play. This presentation concludes with attacking in the final third opening to 5 corridors.

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Pre-Meditated Patterns of Play: Building from the Back in a 9 v 9

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Pre-Meditated Patterns of Play: Building from the Back in a 9 v 9

9 v 9 is at the younger ages; and not wanting to baffle them with science too early; we will choose far fewer ways to build out from the back than we do at 11 v 11. But we will establish patterns of play they can learn to do that are very simple; but also very effective when done correctly; and we will change the boot ball mentality many clubs follow; and teach the game correctly without fear of failure. 

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Functional Crossing and Finishing Session

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Functional Crossing and Finishing Session

This is a great crossing and finishing routine to practice as it is on going and you can keep a lot of players working. As soon as the three central attackers have made their runs and got back to the start they are ready to go again. Rotate defenders and wide players. You can have fifteen players and more working constantly.

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