Football: Strikers Space

Position players in pairs and singles in the zones as shown in the diagram. Players must stay in their respective areas. Goalkeepers can throw or kick the ball into any area.

The object of the game is for defenders (lone players) to pass to attackers(pairs) who attempt to shoot on goal. If a defensive player blocks the path to goal, the player in possession should pass the ball to a teammate in a better scoring position. Change positions after a period of time or after a goal is scored by either team.

Progressions:
1. Add players for groups of 2 and 3.
2. Add more balls for younger players.
3. Make it 2 touch for older players.

Create a halfway line in the area using discs. Store soccer balls behind each goal. Play 4 v 1 in each half with a goalkeeper.

The goalkeeper serves the ball to any of his teammates in his half. They must get a shot on the goal in the opposite field. The lone player in that area is a defender trying to block the shot. The lone player in the opposite area is the cherry picker, following in on the goalkeeper for rebounds. Repeat in the opposite direction.

Progression: Take away the halfway line and progress to a full field game of 6 v 6.

Encouraging 1st time shooting by using the correct technique to take the shot early and finish from close range.

Get your knee over the ball and use the pace of the ball to generate the power. By trying to strike the ball too hard, the likelihoood is the accuracy will be poor.

Blue 1 plays ball into area and clue 2 moves in to shoot 1st time. Blue 2 goes to replace blue 1 and blue 1 runs around working area to take blue 2s place.

Set out three grids within the area according to the dimensions shown in the above diagram. Play 3 v 1 in each large area, plus a goalkeeper.

The 3 blue players combine to dribble the ball past the lone white defender into the midfield area then shoot on the goal. The lone blue player in the other area follows up on rebounds from the goalkeeper. Repeat in the opposite direction. Rotate positions.

Progressions:
1. The lone defender can track the attacking player into the midfield area in an attempt to pressure the attacker or block the shot.
2. Change the ratio of attackers to defenders to 3 v 2.