Penalty Corners

DESCRIPTION

 Warm-up, or "overflow" activities if group is large:

• Quick passing activity in 3s/4s (see image), and/or injection practice in pairs

Procedure:

Attackers have [3] attempts to score, then rotate defenders and replay.

Play 3 "rounds" of 3 attempts.

Scoring system:

3 pt per goal

• Attackers - bonus pt for: Goal, inventive routine, deflected goal, rebound goal, winning a foot foul
• Defenders - bonus pt for: clearing ball out of circle, interception, tackle, goalie save

Safety rules: 

Light ball, pushes only, no hitting or slapping, shots below shin level, wear masks.

Variations:

Secret mission: you get bonus pt this attempt if:

• (to involve players in certain positions) player [5] scores.
• you win a foot foul.
• you score a deflected goal.

COACHING POINTS

Focus:

• This practice introduces penalty corners to U12-U16 players.
• Focus is accurate, fast passing under pressure + trying different routines to outmanoeuvre the defence, not to practise shooting technique/power.
• If possible, provide some example routines for players to try

When is a penalty corner is awarded?

• when a defender commits a foul inside the circle. 
• when a defender commits an intentional foul outside the circle within the 25-yard (23 meters) defensive area.

Make sure attackers:

• appoint an organiser/captain + huddle to discuss a routine beforehand.
• swap attacker positions with each round.
• use simulation (disguising body language, no-look passes etc.) so defenders can't guess the routine.

Make sure defenders:

• are assigned roles by a 'captain' or the GK.