Sunday, February 14, 2016

"Developing Field Awareness and Vision" (for ages u12-u14, depending on skill level)

This practice session will encompass drills used to help your soccer players develop the skill set they need to know and see the field around them. This will help them to become more successful playmakers on the field.


Player's should arrive 10-15 minutes before practice to prepare themselves for the training session. This includes:
-getting touches on the ball
-getting a dynamic warm-up on the ball
-socializing. Once training begins, it's business time.
-mentally preparing for practice


STAGE 1 - WARM-UP - 3 v 1 Rondo
Time - 15 minutes
Intervals - 3 rotations: 4 minutes working, 1 minute rest

Groups of 4 in a 8 x 8 ft grid. See picture below.


Rules:
-keep the ball away from the defender
-if you give away the ball, you switch and become the defender
-play 1 or 2 touch depending on the skill level of your players

Coaching points:
-movement off the ball
-know where you're going before you receive the ball offensively
-be aware - know where the defender and your players are at all times - constantly look up and around and scan your surroundings
-play quick
-communication



STAGE 2 - Four Square Possession
Time - 15 minutes
Intervals - 3 rotations, 4 minutes working, 1 minute break

1 v 1 in four 8 x 8 ft squares. One neutral player who "roams"


Rules:
-Players must stay in box, exception being the neutral player
-8 passes between boxes amongst team equals 1 point.
-team with most points wins

Coaching points:
-play 1 or 2 touch if possible
-movement off the ball, getting open to receive a pass
-constantly scanning the field of play
-knowing where you're going with the ball before you receive it
-communication



STAGE 3 - 7 v 7 with bumpers (bumpers not shown in diagram)
Time - 30 minutes
Intervals - 6 rotations, 4 minutes playing, 1 minute break

Teams of 6 with GK in 60 x 44 ft grid


Rules:
-if ball goes out of play, it is played from the team with possession's keeper
-bumpers are neutral and have 1 or 2 touch depending on skill level

Coaching points:
-play quick; know when to play 1 or 2 touch or when to dribble to open up space
-look to score
-movement off the ball
-constantly scanning the field
-communication



STAGE 4 - 9 v 9 game
Time - 30 minutes
Intervals - 13:30 minute halves, 3 minute break at half

Field dimensions - (18 to 18) 84 x 70 ft


Rules:
-FIFA soccer rules

Coaching Points:
-continuous movement off the ball
-checking shoulder before receiving a pass
-always scanning the field
-communication