• Half pitch with an additional 10yd channel inside opposing half
with goal at one end, as illustrated.
• 19 players (incl. GK) organised 8v8 plus GK, with
2 Target players beyond half way line in 10yd channel, supply of
balls in centre circle, with coach.
• Practice starts with: ball fed into practice area by coach to Attackers
or T who then feeds into A’s.
• A’s objective: build play & create goal-scoring opportunities.
• If Defenders gain possession: they try to play to feed T’s.
• Process continues for 5 minutes non-stop & is
then repeated.
• If ball goes dead: coach immediately feeds another into
practice area.
• Throw-ins are taken by either team as appropriate.
Detail
• Continuous un-interrupted defending for 5 minute period includes
defending when organised & when dis-organised.
• If possession is conceded as team plays towards
T’s & is intercepted: quick reorganisation is necessary.
• Concentration & communication between team mates in
defensive situation.
• Simple progressions for this practice are:
- On receiving possession: T may quickly carry ball forward as an
extra attacker & contribute to attacking build-up.
- A’s may use T’s as support from behind as outlet passes, to relieve
opponent’s defensive pressure.
• Movement & positioning of D’s in relation to location
& movement of ball.
• Distances between players, units & GK.
• Pressing & forcing opponents to play in a chosen direction.
• Tracking & marking opponents.
• Continuous positioning & changing defending roles &
responsibilities, whilst regaining & maintaining defensive
compactness.
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
Possession without purpose is pointless. These drills combine ball retention with physical conditioning to create teams that dominate and outlast opponents.
Teams have just 6 seconds to exploit a turnover before defences reorganise. Learn how to train your players to attack with speed and purpose.
The U10 age group is the golden window for developing ball mastery. Miss it, and you're playing catch-up forever. Here's how to get it right.