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DRILLS (9)SESSIONS (1) ANSWERS (5)

channels DRILLS

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1 v 1 Passing Grid

The Object of this drill is to retain the ball whilst moving it from end to end. The Setup requires 6 grids and 3 groups of 4 player arranged as the diagram shows. In each central grid there is an attacker marked by a defender. The end grids contain neutral players as a passing option. The attackers start with the ball and work together to create passing channels to manover the ball towards the opposite end. When the defenders win the ball they immediatly become the attackers. The neutral players are always a passing option to the current attackers

1 v 1 skills

3 vs 2 - Two channels

2 players in one channel attack 1 defender whilst another attacker and defender wait in the other channel. The 2 attackers in the first channel play a 2 vs 1, trying to score a goal. However the 2nd defender can choose to come across and help defend making it a 2 vs 2 . Having drawn both defenders across into one channel the 2 attackers may choose to use the other channel and exploit the open space or continue to attack without using the unmarked player.

1 v 1 skills

Defensive Unit Work

This drill encourages players to work together in a Defensive unit and is especially relevant for midfield players. Set up 3 areas in a line: 5 x 5 yards, 20 x 5 yards and another 5 x 5 yards Opposite this, within shooting distance (about 15 yards), set up 4 goal areas in a line, marked by cones. The 2 inside goals will be used for the first game and then just the 2 outside goals will be used for the second game. Have 1 player restricted to each of the 5 x 5 areas, and 2 players in the 20 x 5 area. The goal of these players is to pass amongst themselves to score (firstly in the goals marked "1" and then in the goals marked "2"). Against them will be 4 defenders who will need to work together to shut down these shooting opportunities, starting midway between the boxes and the goals. The coach plays the ball to the Attackers, and at this time the Defenders will approach the Attackers. They cannot travel into the boxes but will use angles to try to stop a quick pass and shoot option.

Defending

Early Cross

Set out 5 x 15 yard channels in each corner of the area as shown in the diagram. Station one player in each channel. Play 2 v 2 in central area. The goalkeeper serves the ball to one of his two teammates in the central area. The goal is to get the ball to either of your teams players stationed in a channel. This player delivers a crossed ball into the attacking area. The two attacking players stagger their runs into the near post, mid-goal and far post areas. Finish with a shot or header on goal.Progression: When the wide player gets the ball in the channel the opposing wide player on his side of the field may run into his area to challenge the cross.

Crossing and Finishing

Individual 1 v 1

Objective: To be able to defend in 1 v 1 situations & learn how to slow down attackers and win the ball back. Detail: Set up 20 x 40 area with cones marking out every 10. Within that area will be 4 channels of 20 x 10. Spilt group into 4 and give a channel each with a small goal at one end. Practice starts 1v1 and P1 (defender) passing into P2 (attacker) then closing down. Objective for P2 is to try and beat the defender and then score into goal. Objective for P1 to win the ball back and counter. Rotate around and rest whilst remaining players have a go. To begin the practice make sure the pass is quality & accurate. Delay & Deny Defender needs to immediately press the ball, reduce space for attacker to work in & reduce decision making time. Body shape/position - side on, low centre of gravity, front font defending, show away from danger or onto weaker side. Speed - Quick to reduce space then de accelerate on approach to give enough time to get into a good shape and position. Be patient and wait for trigger (heavy touch, head down, weaker side etc) to steal the ball.

Defending

Minefield Passing

In both the wide channels put one defender and two attackers. Both attackers in the same rectangle must touch the ball before trying to pass to the other attackers. However the ball is not allowed to touch the floor in the minefield area (middle box). If the pass doesn't find its intended recipient because it falls short or is intercepted the player who passed the ball swaps over with the defender in their area.

Possession

Retreating Defence

Objective: Opposed practice developing recovery runs and increase understanding on roles and responsibilities. Detail: Mark out 4 channels / areas 15 x 30 (age / ability dependant). Players are organised into groups of 4. Each group work within a channel. Player one serves the ball to player 3 who attempts to beat player 2. Player 2 must retreat into own half before applying pressure.

Defending

Shooting across goal

Set up two goals, one at either end of the half pitch and two narrow channels (with cones), one to the left and the other to the right of the goals. Players must dribble with the ball using both feet through the channel towards goal. When they are within 15m of the goal they should prepare to shoot, with a shot across the goalkeeper into the far corner.

Shooting

Wonder Wingers

Set up 4 meter wide channels along each sideline. Play 3 vs 3 in the middle area (between the channels) with a goalkeeper at both ends. Station one player in each channel. The object of the game is to get the ball to your wide player as quickly as possible. As soon as the wide player receives the ball they should sprint to the goal line and cross the ball in towards the goal to their team mates who are attacking the near and far posts.

Crossing and Finishing

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channels SESSIONS

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Developing Quick Play

Play with a tempo that the opposition can?t handle. Discover combinations on the field to get the ball moving quickly and cut open defences.

channels ANSWERS

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how can I progress this session?

Cedric Pisani Coach, Malta

How can i teach the team not to herd the ball

I am a coach with a U12 girls team, we are having difficulty keeping them in their zones...they all rush to where the ball is and the other team passes into the open area and then socre.

Archived User Coach

How do I teach channel passing?

What are some good drills to teach 10/11 year olds how to identify and pass into the channels? Asked using Sportplan on Mobile

Archived User Coach

Positioning ( staying in positions)

I am wondering if there is any drills to help teach kids to stay in positions they are a young age group so its hard so I am wondering if anyone has any ideas

Nat taylor Coach, England

BUILD-UP PLAY

How does this session encourage build-up play?

Nder Isaac Ibrahim Coach, Nigeria

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