Turning and Shielding

Set Up:  

There are sixteen players set up inside the grid, each player starting with a ball. On the signal, the first group of eight players dribbles directly towards the cones at game speed. When they get close to the cones, they perform a 180 degree turning move and dribble the ball back out. As soon as they turn, the second group of players starts in towards the cones, and both groups must avoid contact with each other. Coach determines rest time. Possible moves are: Step over, Step on, Full sole roll, Pull behind the leg, Cruyff, Chop with inside or outside of the foot, etc.

Coaching Points:

1.   Accelerate out of your turning move in order to create enough space to pass.

2.   Sell your turning moves with ball and body feints.

3.   Keep the ball close to your foot and be able to turn away from pressure at any time.

Progressions: 

1.   Players can kick the ball away from another player.

Set Up:  

Two teams of four are set up on a small grid, playing 1v1 on the inside, with the other six players stationed on the outside. The two players on the inside of the grid try to win the ball and maintain possession. They can use their teammates on the outside to relieve pressure, but the outside players are limited to one touch. The outside players can pass to their teammates on the outside as well. New pairs of players switch into the grid every 30-60 seconds.

Coaching Points:

1.   Shield the ball as you receive it and collect the ball with the outside foot.

2.   When receiving, feel for the defender and take your first touch away from pressure.

3.   After passing to the outside, sprint away from the ball and then check back.

Progressions:

1.   After three passes, the defender switches out.

Set Up: 

Ten players are set up on a field split into three zones, playing 2v2 in the central zone, with two neutral attackers stationed on each end line. In order to score, the attacking team must pass the ball from the center zone to a neutral player before they can shoot on goal. Neutrals get one touch. Players can enter the end zone at any time, but they cannot shoot until the pass is made. The attackers can also use the neutrals on their own goal line to relieve pressure and maintain possession. When a goal is scored or the ball is put out of play, the GK re-starts play in the center zone. After five minutes, the neutrals switch into the center zone.

Coaching Points:

1.  Get sideways on to the defender.

2.  Use your arm and upper body as you shield.

3.  Shield the ball during takeovers.

Progressions: 

1.   Add a defender in both end zones.

Set Up: 

20 players are set up on a full field, playing 8v8 plus two. The two teams play for twenty minutes with no conditions. After the attacking team scores, they keep possession of the ball and attack in the other direction. When a goal is scored or the ball is put out of play, the GKs re-start play with a pass to the attacking team.

Coaching Points:

1.  Force the play into a sideline or into defensive help.

2.  Cover the most dangerous players first.

3.  Step up when the attackers play the ball backwards.

Progressions: 

1.  The neutral players must stay inside of a flank zone with a one touch limit.

Set Up:

Teams of five play games to two goals with a five minute time limit. Free play, no stops for coaching. Play is re-started by the GKs. When the game is over, the third team comes onto the field for the next game, and the losing team goes off. In the event of a tie, the coach can decide to let the defending champs stay on or go off, or determine the winner with a crossbar challenge.

Coaching Points:

No stoppages for coaching during play.