Soccer: Shadow defending

Working in pairs, the drills starts with the defender passing the ball to the player practicing the skill. The skill in this practice is that the player drags the ball with the instep of the right foot across the body. The player then steps over the ball with the left foot pretending to kick the ball in the opposite direction (moving the defender out of the way). The ball continues to roll and the attacker runs past the defender and continues to run to the opposite cone.

Three players line up facing each other. Player 1 plays the ball into player two's feet. They meet the ball and turn before playing a wall pass with player 3, and once the ball has returned, player 2 then shoots first time.

Player uses the sole of the boot to drag the ball laterally. Repeat twice and then use the instep to move the ball back to the starting position.

Move the defender laterally to create space in which to dribble the ball and exploit the space behind the defender.

Move the defender laterally to create space in which to make the pass behind the defender. Attacker should make the pass through the goals at either end of the coaching square.

The attacker dribbles the ball in a confined space from left to right in order to try and move the defender. The aim here is not to get past your man but to reach the cones at either end before the defender by creating as much space as possible.

Red player 1 stands on the red cone closest to the blue player. When red 1 is ready they should run and tag red player 2. Red player 2 can try to win the ball once tagged. The blue player then plays the ball towards red player 1 who receives the ball on the move. Red 1 can choose to lay the ball back to Blue 1 or turn and try to score a goal by passing or running the ball through the goal where red 2 started.

Player 2 passes to player 1 in the centre then follows the pass. Player 1 either controls the ball and shoots or shoots first time. The type of pass used can be varied so to vary the shot used. For example a lofted pass may be used to introduce the use of a volley when shooting.

Both players face each other on either side of a line drawn between 2 cones (10 metres apart). Both players must stay on their own side of the imaginary line. Player 1 starts with the ball and to score a goal he/she must stop the ball against one of the two cones. If the ball crosses the line or player 2 puts a foot on the line next to the cone before player 1 touches the ball against it, then possession changes to player 2. Play for 1 minute then change.

The 4 players inside the blue square must protect the square and stop the ball carriers entering. To begin with the players inside the square are only allowed to shadow and block the outside players from entering. One point is scored by each player who successfully carries out their objective. If the defender wins the ball then the players switch roles.

Players are working in pairs. Player 1 dribbles forward and player 2 shadows them, not trying to win the ball but trying to put pressure on the player in possession.

Players work in pairs with one ball between two cones. The attacker must move the ball from side to side, using changes of direction, speed and feints and step-overs the try and wrong foot the defender. The defender's job is to shuffle and follow the attacker, trying the hold them up and not give them an opening.

Set up as shown with a goal at each end. Play 3 v 3. Each team elects a goal keeper. This player is allowed to use his hands when saving a shot. He must also go forward as an outfield player during attacks on the opposing goal. Rotate keepers every two minutes. When a player gets the ball in the opposition's half, he should try to dribble past them. Award 3 points for fakes past the defender and 5 points for every goal. The first team to 21 wins. Allow the players to pick scores for different skills.

In this practice the defender passes the ball to the player practising the skill. The receiving player steps out then steps over the ball to then take the ball into the same direction with the instep of the opposite foot to the step over leg and beat the opponent. Both players then reverse roles when returning to the cones.

Put a goalkeeper in each goal and play 1 v 1 in the middle. Play pair vs. pair for 3 minutes, then change. The object of the game is to score in the opposing goal. The team in possession must attempt to attack the opposing goal as a pair using passing, dribbling and shooting skills to score. Hence, the goalkeeper of the team in possession comes out of the goal to support his partner, but cannot score. Repeat in the opposite direction.

Players run towards each other, and then sidestep around each other at the last moment. Ensure players communicate and decide on a direction of sidestepping before they begin the exercise. This is important that both players pay attention to avoid any collisions.

This drill uses 3/4 cones to simulate a defender. The attacker dribbles with the ball then steps over the ball, taking the ball either side of the cones. Get players to change the direction of their stepover every time.

Step over with left foot; turn and take away the ball with right foot. Practice individually.

Step over with the left foot. Turn. Take the ball away with right foot.