Setup:

12x12 grid

5 attackers

2 defenders

Activity:

Attackers combine to keep possession. 10 passes = 1 goal.

Defenders work together to win ball and pass through any gate for a goal.

Play 3 minutes then rotate.

Coaching Points:

+ Immediate pressure on losing ball. If you made the mistake, you run the hardest.

+ Recovery runs to cut passing/scoring lines.

+ Win ball and play out of pressure.

Progression:

+ Add more defenders

Setup:

40x30 Field with big goals

3 teams of 4, plus 2 GK

Gates in field as shown

Activity:

5v5 (teams in 1-2-1 formation)

3 points for goal in big goal. 1 point for dribbling through gate.

Play to 3 points then rotate (winner stays on)

Normal soccer rules (offsides)

Setup:

Blue team: Back four + #6

White team: #11,#7, #10, #2, #3

Neutrals for Blue: GK, #8, #10

Neutrals when white in possession: #6, #8, #9

Activity:

2 teams of 5 work with neutrals to move ball from target to target. Defensive team works to win ball back and keep possession.

Players need to be in usual positions. Ball is in white's attacking third, blue's defensive third.

If blue ball, start at GK.

If white ball, start at #6.

Coaching Points:

+ Defensive team needs to deny penetration. Work as unit to be compact.

+ Upon losing ball, quickly apply pressure and force long pass and/or turnover. Press as a unit.

Setup:

Half field (70 wide x 60 long)

Attacking team of front 5 + 2 outside backs

Defending team of Back 4 + 2 CM

Activity:

1) Front 5 attackers keep possession in tight space. 2 CB and #6 try to win ball and play out to supporting players (outside backs, GK, or #8).

2) White team's Outside backs can now join in to help as they press to win ball back.

Blue team tries to score through 3 gates at midfield. White team tries to win ball back and score on big goal.

Coaching Points:

+ White team (pressing team) needs to work as a unit -- COMMUNICATE

+ Quick transitions to get immediate pressure on ball

+ Blue team needs to take advantage of space and get high and wide in order to get away from pressure

+ Blue team should use goalie as extra support player