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Contents

1v1 Transition
Ab Work
Shifting D
Three Team Scramble
Around the Barn Passing
Circle Passing
Recovery
Drive and Drop
3v3v3
Passing Pattern #1
Passing Pattern #2
Passing Pattern #3
5v2 Defense
5v2 - Attack
No Tackling
Short and Wide
Tire Dribbling
Toe Poking and Chipping the GK
Switching the Point of Attack
Drop & Shoot
Diagonal Run
Weave Your Way

1v1 Transition

Posted: Wed, 19 Aug 1998

Divide an area into three zones. At the high school we used 20x20, but I suspect that 15x15 would be a good average size. A player starts in each zone. The middle zone player has the ball and attacks the defender in one of the end zones. Neither defender can enter the middle zone. When the attacker loses the ball or scores by dribbling over the end line, the defender takes the ball and immediately attacks the defender at the opposite end. The attacker can work up some speed on the dribble within the center zone as the defender waits for him. This is an excellent defensive setup to work on slowing down a fast moving dribbler. It is also a good attacking 1v1 setup. Because this exercise should be run with high intensity, it is recommended that several extra players be at the ends. The next player in line will step in as the defender of that grid, replacing the attacker. _______________________________________________ | | | | | | | | XX| D1 | .A | D2 |XX | | | | | | | | |_______________|_______________|_______________| After A attacks D1, D1 will attack D2. One of the X's will replace A and wait for D2 to attack them. Progress to adding a second attacker that starts in the middle zone. This second attacker can be a neutral that goes in both directions or trades with another player that is waiting in the middle zone. Finally, go to two players in each zone and play 2v2v2. If the grids are next to one another, small goals or large goals with GKs could be added at each end, remove the vertical dividing line and play 3v3v3 or 4v4v4 in a transition game. Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Ab Work

Posted: Thu, 20 Aug 1998

Every soccer player needs to strengthen their abdominal muscles. Here are just a few exercises with and without ball: Without Ball: * crunches--a concentrated activity for the abs; raise the shoulders off the ground with knees bent; can be done quickly or slowly, with feet on or off the ground * full bent knee sit-ups--old staple, recently forgotten for crunches; however, this exercise still works the hip flexors and should be reintroduced into the strengthening session * bicycles--lying on the back, extend one leg as you pull the other knee towards the chest, touching the elbow to the opposite knee * lateral leg lifts--lying on the back, arms spread bracing the ground, lift the legs straight up in the air, then lower to one side (keeping the L body shape), raise up and lower to the other side With Ball: (ball between feet) * crunches, knees bent, ball and feet off the ground * sitting with hands back as support, raise legs and do figure eight with feet and ball * same, except bring legs towards chest * sitting with back and feet off ground, straighten legs and lean back (don't touch ground), then raise up and bend knees towards chest * lateral leg lifts (with partner) * both partners do sit-ups and overhead pass the ball as they come up * same, except one partner serves on his sit-up and the other heads (switch after 5-10) * sitting with ball between the feet, the players circle their feet and ball around their partner's feet and ball (optional, no hand bracing). We try to do over a 100 of different types of abdominals every practice. Generally we do it in groups of 20-30 with another exercise, such as a stretch or pushups in-between. We also will do ab work, when we finish a footwork exercise and we are waiting our to turn for the next round. Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Shifting D

Posted: Thu, 20 Aug 1998

Setup: about 25 yards out from the goal line and about 6 yards out from each goalpost are two attackers. Two Defenders are on top of the penalty area, straight off the goalposts. A ball is served from near the halfway to one of the attackers. Procedure: The attackers are fairly passive at first. The defenders are to shift to ball, with one defender closing down the ball. The other defender shifts over to support the first defender about 5-7 yards from ball. The second defender must support the first defender in case he is beaten by the first attacker, but he must also stay close enough to his mark in the case of a pass to him. The first attacker is to try to beat the first defender, then he is to play the ball across to the other attacker. Coaching Points: the coach should watch how quickly and from what angle the defender closes down the attacker. He should also watch the recovery of the other defender into a support role, shifting towards his teammate, but staying close enough to his mark to be able to close down on the pass. One of the key elements in the second defender defense is the constantly looking away from the ball to the off ball side. The second attacker is to watch the defender and move if he feels the defender is not watching him. It will soon be obvious if the defender is not watching. Progression: increase the attacking pressure, but ask the attackers to stay apart in order to watch for second defender breakdowns. If you only have one coach, setup the rest of the team in a game while you work with this subgroup. Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Three Team Scramble

Posted: Sat, 22 Aug 1998 This warm-up helps to stimulate vision, ball control in traffic, double teaming, communication and decision making. It may be used for players U12 and older, though it may need some modification (fewer balls?) for ages below U16. Divide the team into equal numbered groups or as close as you can get them. For instance, if a team is 17 players, then set up as 5v6v6. Play in an 40 x 60 area (e.g., 18 to halfway and touch to touch) or adjust to group sizes. We used 3 balls. Two balls may suffice with a smaller group containing 4 or less players. Consider four balls if the groups are 8v8v8. The object is to maintain possession of as many balls as possible within your group. The players must decide which teammate they will support on the pass or which ball they will try to tackle or intercept. When they are going to receive or gain control of a ball, they may need to call to a player that is not looking to support them. As another option, allow the GK(s) to play with their hands (put them on separate teams), either in ground pick-ups or in taking the ball off a dribbler's foot (be sure they have done some warm-up diving beforehand). Have the GK's teammates try to send some chips to the GK for taking out of the air or to a teammate to head to their GK. During some period of play the GKs should be restricted to playing with their feet. Balls out of play can be restarted by dribbling in, pass ins, throw ins or chips to other side of the area. Be sure that the players communicate when an air ball is coming, else there may be a few unintentional headers. "Apparent disorder is a product of control." Sun Tzu, The Art of War Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Around the Barn Passing

Posted: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 I had seen this basic setup before and didn't think much about it. However, with an adjustment or two, this turned into a nice warm-up for a practice that had a passing and through ball focus. Setup: 4 cones or flags in a 25x25 yard grid. On the starting cone is two players and the ball. There is one player on each of the other cones. Procedures: E A* B 1 \ 2 \ | \ | \V 3 4 D C 1. One/Two-touch passing--Player A passes to B between cones 2 and 3 (see diagram), who passes to C between cones 3 and 4. The passer continues on to the next cone. The next player should start their run from their cone as their passing teammate is receiving his pass. The reason for the extra player is because someone needs to be at cone 1 after A dribbles away. Play continues clockwise for a while, then is switched to counterclockwise. Coaching Points: The goal is to get the passing moving as quickly as possible. Work on the passing technique. Try to keep the receiving player from making his run too soon. 2. Pass behind defender--Starting player A (cone 1) dribbles towards cone 2 and passes to player B that has run behind cone 2. B receives and dribbles towards cone 3 and passes to player D, etc. Each passer continues on to the cone he was dribbling towards. Coaching points: the receiver should start timing his run around the cone to coincide with the pass. The players are to think of each cone as the last defender. The passer is to understand he is making a pass behind the defender to his player running on. Work the series into a one-touch pass when possible, the receiver, may have to recover his run if the passer mis-touches his reception. The receivers run should be open (a wide circle around the cone) to provide the best passing angle. 3. Drop and spin--Player A passes to B on the A side of cone 2 (see diagram above); B one-touches a return pass to A and spins around cone 2 and receives a return pass from A. Play continues with a pass to C, followed by a drop and spin. A continues on to cone 2, etc. Coaching points: after return passing, the player should spin away from the cone (back to the cone). The player should make this spin quick but the run should be wide, not a pivot spin. The reason for the wide spin is to open up the body to the pass (better passing angles) and put some space between the attacker and the defender. Watch the players feet on the spin. The first step should be a drop step wide of the other foot with a big hip and shoulder turn. Many players tend to drop step next to the support foot which puts them into a narrow pivot spin. In this type of spin, they have to take several steps to adjust their feet. Along with the spin, the timing and accuracy of the return pass is critical. Variation: Add a 6th player to cone 3 (see diagram) and have C start a second ball. If you have an odd number of players, then just move the extras to share cones. If you don't want to do that, then adjust your grid to a 25 yard sided hexagon (5 sides). "Those who direct, follow the advantages and adjust their formulas." Sun Tzu, The Art of War Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Circle Passing

Posted: Tue, 25 Aug 1998

This is a nice warm-up exercise to work passing/receiving, checking to ball. Divide the team into two groups. The first group forms a big circle. The second group is on the inside. The coach determines which group has the ball and what type of pass or reception he wants. The players on the inside move to different players on the outside to either receive or pass to that player. At the end of a certain time period (one minute?), the groups switch. Some possible exercises using I as the inside player and O as the outside player: * I two-touches a return pass to O * I one-touches a return pass to O * I chest traps and volleys a hand serve back to O * I heads a hand serve back to O * I receives and turns and plays a ball back to another O without a ball * I (with ball) executes a wall pass with O * I (with ball) plays a long ball to O, follows his pass and receives a short one-touch return * I does takeover with O, and the players exchange places Coaching points--the inside player without ball should move around in the middle at slow pace, identify an outside player, then explode in a quick check to the outside player. Calling for ball is a good thing. I also recommend that the player put out an open hand to the foot side he prefers the pass. This is also a signal to keep the ball on the carpet. The outside players should constantly be bouncing and ready to play at the first show from the inside player. Eye contact is important. The checking player may have to stop his run as the other player is beginning to pass. That way, the checking player can adjust to the direction the ball is played. Variation: split the team in 3 groups; pairs of players from the two groups are on the inside and the other group is on the outside. The two inside players work a 3-man combo with the outside player. Or the second inside player acts as a defender marking the other inside player as he checks to ball. Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Recovery

Posted: Thu, 27 Aug 1998

First rule of thumb--when a team loses possession, the immediate response of the players on that team (with the notable exception of the player pressuring ball) should be to run back towards the nearest goal post (central players or off ball players can use the center of the goal as their target). This is called defensive recovery. The following exercise can help improve the way your team recovers. Setup: At midfield, an attacker is near the touchline with a defender 5 yards inside, but level. A ball is served from between the defender and the attacker, down the touch. Note, for this exercise, it is important that the defender has a chance to recover before the attacker can get to the ball and turn it inside. Procedure: At the play of the ball, the defender is to start his recovery run to the post. As the defender draws even with the attacker, he may start veering out to the ball. The defender must get to a position along the line of the attacker and the ball. The defender must try to slow down the ball, keep the attacker wide and stop a crossing pass--in that order of priority. By recovering towards the goal and then out, the defender can cutoff the attacker's direct line to goal. Coaching Points: First, the coach has to determine whether he would prefer to allow the attacker to dribble to goal line (but be kept wide) or to keep the attacker as far away from the goal line as possible, but allow the attacker the ability to cut to the center. As a general rule, my preference is to keep the attacker out of the middle. If the defender has to give up something, then let the attacker move down the touch, even if it is to the goal line. If the ball is closer to the halfway than the goal line, then I would lean towards stopping the penetration, as long as the attacker can be forced horizontal. Players tend to have two specific problems when recovering. First their recovery angles are often too narrow. That is, they do not recover towards the attacker too soon. This gives the attacker an angle on goal. If a player recovers at too narrow of an angle and the two players are running side-by-side, then recommend a nice little shoulder charge, moving the attacker off the ball. Second, as the defender veers towards the attacker, the often overrun their defensive position and the attacker is allowed to cut towards the middle. All too often the defender is still in a running stride on the cutback. The defender must first get on to the defensive line to goal, then get into good defensive footwork to be able to adjust to the attacker's moves. Setup Variation: Set up a row of cones parallel with the touch, but 12-15 yards inside the touch. The row should extend out to 25 yards. At the end of the row of cones near the goal line, put a 5 yard gate (different cones or objects). The defender must keep the attacker from dribbling across the row of cones once they get past the 25 yard mark. (The coach could allow the defender to string out the attacker towards the middle if it is before they reach the start of the cones.) If the attacker can get to the goal line, the defender must stop any pass or cross attempt between the gate. Progression: Add a second defender (near the center mark) to provide support to the first defender. Then add a second attacker (wide of the second defender). The second defender must now support the first defender and mark the second attacker (in that priority). A third defender could be added (near the second defender) as a true marker of the second attacker. The second defender's role become more like a sweeper. I hope your players can "recover" from this training. Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Drive and Drop

Posted: Fri, 28 Aug 1998

This exercise helps to improve your player's long kicks and the support runs for a player receiving a ball with his back to his attacking goal. Setup: Three players per group; players A and B are 20-40 yards apart, depending upon the capabilities of the players; player C is in-between A and B. Procedure: Player A plays a long ball to B; B one-touches the reception to C, who one-touches a return pass to B; B touches the ball to space and plays a long ball to A; A one-touches the reception to C, who one-touches a return pass to A, etc. Coaching points: reinforce to the receiving players that this is like a goal kick or punt distribution; often, this is a tough reception and the best touch is often a drop to a supporting back player. The support player should determine where the ball is in relation to the receiver and move into a proper supporting position. For instance if the ball is coming to the players right side, the support run should not be to the players left side. The supporting run should be at an angle to the receiver Variation: if a fourth player must be used in a group, this player could either be a second support player or could be on one of the ends. If in the middle, the support players can move to either side of the receiver. If on the end, the receiver could lay off to the support player who drops to the extra player on that end for the long kick to other end. Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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3v3v3

Posted: Tue, 1 Sep 1998

This is a nice exercise to improve vision, adaptability and transition. Set-up: three goals, 2 yard cone goals or 3 full size goals with GKs set in a triangle. with the small goals, I use a 25 yard spacing between goals. With larger goals, I would look at 35-40 yards spacing. Each team of three has a different color pennie and guard one goal. Procedure: White team starts on defense with Red and Green teams attacking in a 6v3. If a player on the Red team loses the ball, Red must quickly defend it's goal as Green and White combine into the attack. Instead, if the Green team scores on the White goal, then Green must defend it's goal as White and Red attack. When a combined team scores, both teams get a point. The team with the most points wins. Variation: All passes must go to a member of the companion team. For instance, if Red and Green are attacking the White goal, the Red player with ball, can only pass to a Green player. The Green player in turn can only pass to a Red player. Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Passing Pattern #1

Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1998

This is the first of a couple passing patterns. These patterns do two things. First, with a definitive pattern, the players can work on their passing technique in a moving, but structured environment. Secondly, there are several concepts that the coach can reinforce in a structured environment. These patterns make good warm-up exercises, as well. Though they are a little difficult to explain in print, they really are not that difficult to set up. The patterns should be age appropriate for U12s and above. U10's may have a little problem with the structure at first. Pattern #1- Check/Drop/Through Setup: in a 15 x 25 yard area there is one player at each corner and one player in the middle. A sixth player is at a corner with the ball. If there are only 5 players, then one of the corner players has the ball. Conceptually, the players 15 yards apart are considered to be supporting backs and the players 25 yards away are the forward players. The middle player is checking midfielder. When the ball changes ends, then roles are reversed. Procedure: If there are 6 players, after a pass, each player follows his pass. Player 1 (see diagram below) passes to the middle player (2), who makes an angled drop to the passer's partner (3), who plays a long through ball (25 yards) to player 4; the next pass is to the middle (now player 1) who drops to player 5 and then plays a long ball to player 6 (who moved into the position vacated by player 1, who plays to player 4 that has moved into the middle, etc. 6 1, 3 6 2 \ /| | \ / | | 3 (moving to pos. 4) 2 | | 1 | | / \ | | / \ 5 4 5 4 If there are only 5 players, the least confusing way to exchange positions is just have the players exchange whenever there is a pass into the middle. For instance, 1 and 2 would switch after 2 receives from 1 and plays to 3; then 1 and 4 would switch after 1 received from 4 and played to 5. Switch directions after a few rounds. Coaching Points: The coach can stress two-touch or one-touch, working the technique required for each. Reinforce the concept of playing the ball in the direction you are facing when you receive it. Reinforce the long penetrating through ball after a couple of short passes. The middle player can delay his "check run" towards the ball, timing it with the long pass. Each player can "demand" the ball before the prior player receives it. Players checking to the middle should pause at the moment of the pass. If they are running as the pass is made, they may not be able to react laterally to a pass not to their feet. Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Passing Pattern #2

Posted: Thu, 3 Sep 1998

The second pattern is a one-touch exercise. Pattern #2--One Touch In and Out Setup: with 4 or above players (5-6 is optimal), circle one player in the middle. The circle size should be at least 15-20 yards in diameter. Procedure: Every player follows his pass. All passes from the outside go to the middle. One-touch is stressed. Coaching Points: The players on the outside may have to adjust their positions to be able to receive the next pass. The player in the middle will have to adjust his position to be able to one touch to another player. Variation: Instead of one-touching, the players can be asked to make quick turns and play to the opposite side. The middle player may be asked to dummy the ball (pretend to play it, but let it go by). Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Passing Pattern #3

Posted: Sat, 5 Sep 1998 11:11:26 -0400 The third passing pattern has a wall pass variation. This pattern may be a little complex for below U12. Setup: There are 5 players in a 15x25 yard grid, one player at each corner and one in the middle. Procedure: Player 1 plays to the middle player (2) , who wall passes back to 1 as he runs towards the position 3. Player 3 has moved towards the center as soon as he sees 1 coming into his space. Player 2 goes to the corner that 1 started in. Player 1 plays a square pass to player 4 who starts dribbling and wall passes with player 3 (now in the middle). Player 5 moves into the middle as player 4 moves towards his position and Player 3 takes over Player 4's old spot. Player 5 lays off a square ball to Player 2, who start the sequence over again with a wall pass to Player 5. ~ dribbling - pass .. player run with out ball () player position after sequence 1->2->1->4 (3 moves to middle, 2 moves to top left corner) ..... 1~~~\ /~~~(1) \ / 3 | 2 | | | 5 4 4->3->4->2 (5 moves to middle, 3 moves to bottom right corner) 2 1 | | | 3 | | 5 / \ | | / \ | (4)~~~ ....... ~~ 4 Coaching Points: Watch the wall pass execution, the initial pass should be to the back foot of the wall man. The return pass should hit the man in stride. The coach may want the initial pass made with the front foot, foot closest to the wall man. The ball should be played by turning the foot inward, the area of the foot just above the little toes and just wide of the laces. Variation: Instead of moving the corner player to the middle as the wall pass is being made, have the player run towards the dribbler as a passive defender. The dribbler must time his pass and explode around the defender for the return wall pass. The "defender" moves into the center and "shows" for the next wall pass series. In the example above, 3 would move up the line as 1 is dribbling towards him. On the next wall pass series between 4 and 3, 5 would become the defender, before moving into the middle. Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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5v2 Defense

Posted: Wed, 16 Sep 1998

A very good keepaway game is 5v2. The grid size is variable, but 15x12 seems to be a nice size for a defensive focus. Five players keep the ball away from two defenders. Defensively, the players want to do three things: * pressure the ball * stop the through ball or the one that splits the defenders * localize the passing options, allowing only two players to play the ball When attacking player A1 has the ball, defender D1 closes down, forcing the ball towards A2. D2 is dropped back maybe 4yards behind D1 and between A1 and A2. D2 the key to not allowing A1 to connect on a pass to A3, A4, or A5. When the ball is played to A2, D1 should drop back and support D2 as D2 closes down A2 forcing play back towards A1. It is very important that D1 does not chase ball as a gap between he and D2 will form. Also, D2 must decide how to support D1 as A2 will have options to A3, A4, or A5. The exception to this may be a weak pass or a double team opportunity. If the defense works it right, only A1 and A2 will touch the ball. Defensive support, direction attacking player with ball is forced and communication are things that can be worked on in this numbers down exercise. Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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5v2 - Attack

Posted: Thu, 17 Sep 1998

The goal of the five players in possession of the ball on the attack in a 5v2 exercise should be to split the defenders with a pass or to at least play the ball to a teammate that is not adjacent. Note, the only option may be to adjacent player in hopes of putting the defenders in a situation where they can be split. The coach should set up the grid size large enough to ensure some success. I would recommend a rectangular shape over a square. Depending on the age, 12x15 is a good average grid size. Be sure the defenders are replaced frequently. One way is to have dynamic replacement by an attacker that makes a bad pass or reception. Do not allow the defenders to kick the ball out of the grid as you want to the play to keep moving. Some things a coach can ask of his attacking players include: * have an "off-ball" player check into the middle * have the passer move to a different position immediately after the pass, with his space to be filled by another play * have the adjacent player look for overlap or take-over opportunities * players should try to receive the ball across their bodies and not return the ball back in the same direction of the initial pass * have the player on ball commit a defender by dribbling at the defender before passing, if a defender does not close down * restrict or mandate a certain number of touches Coaching Points: * watch for players that receive the pass facing the passer; their only immediate passing option is to return the ball to the original passer * be sure supporting (adjacent) players react to each pass * watch for players that get "caught" in a corner as their options will be restricted * make the longest pass possible and still maintain possession * first touch is as important here as anywhere else; players should NOT stop the ball The Rule of Numbers by Sun Tzu, "The Art of War" "When ten times greater, surround them. When five times greater, attack them. When two times greater, scatter them. Even when small opponents have a strong position, the larger opponent will capture them." Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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No Tackling

Posted: Fri, 18 Sep 1998

When an attacker is going on goal, the first thing a defender should do is slow him down. Secondly, he should steer (shepherd) the attacker away from the goal (preferably to his weakest leg side). Third, he should prevent or interfere with the shot. Notice, there were no points that say tackle the ball. A defender should only attempt a tackle on an attacker in the "scoring zone" when he supported by other defenders. The following exercise helps to reinforce this "no tackling" mentality. Setup: Defender D in on the goal line near a post with ball; Attacker A is 40 to 50 yards out; a GK is in goal. Procedure: D plays a long ball out to A and closes down the ball. A receives and attempts to beat D and get a shot on goal. D is only allowed to block the shot, not tackle. Stop play after a few seconds if the defender is able to stop the attacker's momentum. Coaching Points: Defender should have quick and constantly moving feet. The feet should never cross. A reach out of a foot to ball should be verbally identified immediately. Defender should have good lateral or backwards movement. Defender should be side-on, though the stance should close to a slightly squarer stance as the attacker gets into or near the penalty area. Progression: There are several progressions that can be used. #1--add a second defender that is 10 yards deeper than the first attacker and recovers after the second attacker touch; add a second attacker and move the second defender to the goal line; add a third defender that recovers from 10 yards behind the attackers after the second attacker touch; etc. #2--add a second defender from the goal line (1v2); add a second attacker; add a third defender; add a third attacker; etc. #3--add a second defender (from goal line) and second attacker; change to serving the ball from the halfway; add a third attacker that is only for drop support; add a third defender (from goal line) and a third attacker (serve from halfway); etc. Note, sometime during the progression of adding defenders, allow tackling when there is defensive numerical superiority. "Defend when there are inadequacies; Attack when there is surplus." Sun Tzu, The Art of War Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Short and Wide

Posted: Tue, 22 Sep 1998

Problem: * Defense * players do not shift to the ball side very well; * players do not recover to get behind ball; * players are not aware of or do not mark well on the off-ball side * Attack * players do not switch the point of attack from one side to the other * players do not play the ball wide * players do not move well laterally (too vertical with their runs) Solution: Set up a very wide field (wider than normal play) and make the length fairly short (for example, for a high school team of 8v8, use 70x50). Place three 3 yard goals on each goal line, one in the middle and about 10 yards inside each touchline. Put the team in a formation or shape; for instance, a 4-4 or a 3-5. Then play. Coaching Points: * Defense * Be sure the backs and the midfield shift to the ball appropriately * Watch for the recovery of the midfield; do they go to the ball or get behind the ball * Ensure the team's zonal structure or man marking is according to the coach's system * Make sure the off ball defenders are constantly looking at the wide off ball attacker as the defense shifts to ball * Look for support, balance and pressure on the ball * Attack * Central players need to reverse the ball the opposite side they receive it * Wings need to create width as the ball is reversed * Wings need to look for opportunities to make lateral runs to the inside to open up overlapping opportunities for the backs and central players * Central players need to look for wide lateral run opportunities * Do the backs give good supporting opportunities * How well does the team counter attack out of their defensive shape Variation: Consider giving one team some shape and not the other team. Work the starting backs and midfield on one team. NOTE--only focus on the defense or the attack during a session. Have just a couple of objectives to work on and don't try to solve every problem. Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Tire Dribbling

Posted: Sat, 26 Sep 1998

While watching an interview of a (pointy) football coach on a sports channel, I saw an exercise in the background that I thought I could adapt to the rounder ball. Setup: several (4?) old automobile tires; two players per tire, one across from the other about 4 yards separated; each group with a tire is about 5 yards separated in a row. The other players are with a ball at the head of this tire gauntlet. D* D* D* D* XO X X OX XO X X OX Procedure: as the dribbler goes forward, the player with a tire rolls the tire across to his partner. The dribbler is to cut back against the direction of the tire. In some cases, I let the player try to beat the tire; causing the players to push the ball through and leap the tire. The exercise works best if the dribbler heads towards the player opposite the tire or towards the middle. Coaching Points: The chop dribble or the sole of the foot pull back are the most often used evasive moves. Watch for the ball being pushed to far out in front. Have the players move as quick as possible and ask them to think of the tire as a defender that is closing them down with too much momentum. The distance between the tires (vertical and horizontal) can be increased or decreased based upon the success rate of your players. It was a fun and different exercise for the players. Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Toe Poking and Chipping the GK

Posted: Fri, 2 Oct 1998

The following exercises and techniques are not recommended for U14 and below unless the players are very adept at shooting with the inside of their foot or their instep. In a breakaway situation where the goalkeeper closes down space on the attacker the shooter may need a few extra finishing options--namely the toe poke and the chip. Toe Poke--best used when the ball is out in front of the support foot and the GK is within 2-4 yards, still upright. The toe needs to strike the ball at ball center to keep it on the ground. The leg swing is just part of the running stride. Toe pokes should not be taught too young (in my opinion), as it is a tough habit to replace with the technique that should be used in greater than 90% of the shooting chances. Setup: The attacker starts about 40 yards out from the goal and speed dribbles or is served a ball to run onto towards goal. The more speed the attacker can generate, the better the training will be. The attacker is to toe poke a shot by the goalkeeper into goal. Initially a cone about 10 yards out from the goal can be used to imitate a GK. Ask the GK(s) to use this exercise to time their close down and not go into breakaway dives. They can try to stop the shot with low hands by stopping forward movement each time the attacker is going to touch the ball. This is a shooting exercise, but some specific techniques can be worked on with the GKs without compromising the shooting. GK Chip--this technique is best used when the GK comes out too quick and there is still a lot of room to get the ball in the air or when the GK goes into a breakaway dive too soon. Setup: Same setup as above, except the GK should come out to between 6-9 yards as the attacking is closing in on the penalty area. A cone (or stationary GK) can be placed in this area initially. Progress to using GK movement (remind the GK of their vulnerability when they come out too soon). To create an environment for the quick chip over a diving GK, place a ball 10 yards out from the goal. Have the attacker dribble towards the ball. As the attacker approaches, the GK times his run out to make a diving save on the stationary ball. The attacker should chip the GK as he dives. Of course, a stationary prone GK can be used. Be sure the GK protects himself with the forearms and top lower leg in front of and covering the head and torso while in this position. "Take the Indirect route; lure others by holding out advantages. Start out after them and arrive before them." Sun Tzu, The Art of War Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Switching the Point of Attack

Posted: Fri, 9 Oct 1998

Rule of Thumb: Any time the ball is played towards the middle of the field, this is an opportunity to switch (or to consider switching) the point of attack. Skills to work on: * vision--awareness of the central player of what is behind him BEFORE receiving the ball. Practice looking away from a passed ball then re-sighting on the ball before being received. * movement to receive the ball--the central player must go meet the passed ball and position himself to receive it. * turning--the central player must be able to receive the ball into space behind him. More often than not, the ball should travel across the receiver's body to the back foot. The back foot needs to redirect the ball into the proper space. Generally, this space is several yards away from where the player first touched the ball. Exercise: Setup--4 players (3 or 5 can be used) per group. The players are in a "circle" about 20-30 yards apart. Procedure--a ball is played from player to player in either a clock-wise or counter clock-wise direction. The players are to move to the ball, positioning themselves to receive it off their back foot, look behind them to locate the next player, redirect the first touch towards the next player and play the second touch with the receiving foot. After a couple of turns, add a second ball. Switch directions every 30 seconds or so. Coaching Points: positioning for the reception (towards and behind the passed ball); looking behind (ability and confidence to take eyes off the ball, then to pick it up again); receiving across the body (which opens up the player to see the field); taking the first touch several yards past the reception point (not being a stationary target for the opponents and to carry the ball closer to the next player); playing the second touch with the receiving foot (this places the support foot between the ball and the probable position of the opponent). Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Drop & Shoot

Posted: Thu, 15 Oct 1998

Here's a base exercise that can be built upon. This also could be a nice pre-game shooting exercise. Setup: Divide the team into 4 groups, 2 groups with ball near each post, the other two groups out 40 yards and about even with the posts. C D / / / / / / ____ A |xxxx| B Procedure: Player A at the right post, plays a long angled ball out to player D; A follows his pass (effectively checking to the ball) and receives a return pass from D. A drops the ball to D who shoots (one-touch or two-touch). D should be moving into a shooting position after his pass to A. A and D switch and the same procedure is performed between B and C. After A drops, A should spin away from the pass and turn towards goal. Variations: * After B plays to the checking A, he overlaps towards the middle to receive and shoot. * On the return pass from B, A drops to C who shoots (A and C switch). * On the return pass from B, A drops to C who has overlapped A towards the middle. * A drops to B who plays a through ball to A, who has spun towards goal. * A drops to C who plays a through ball to A, who has spun towards goal. * A defends after the drop to either C or D * A defends C and D after the drop (only the player that receives the drop can shoot); A and the shooter switch * A and B defend C and D after the drop. * A and B defend C and D after the initial play out from A. Coaching Points: Shooting technique from long rang and off a drop; the check runs of A; the off ball runs of B (and C); the redirected drop of a forward pass to a player with his back to goal; the spin away from the ball of the forward player; the defensive reaction after the drop pass (pretend it is a loss of possession off a bad reception). Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Diagonal Run

Posted: Fri, 13 Nov 1998

The diagonal or lateral run is an excellent way to setup the attacker for a through ball. Below, exercises are presented to train the diagonal run and the vertical through pass at the back of the defense. >Step 1 Passive defender (D), dribbler (A1) who takes the ball at D, a 2nd attacker (A2) who makes a diagonal (lateral) run AT D. A1 plays the ball past D on the side opposite A2, before A2 reaches D. A1 : A2 : / : / : D - - - - - - : / V / >Coaching Points * Timing of A2's run - based on A1's situation; A2 may need to slow down or speed up. * Timing of A1's pass - based on A2's run, passing angle, D's position and commitment, pressure on A1. >Step 2 D moves up and back randomly, but is still passive; A2 must adjust run to D's movement to still stay on-side. By running AT the defender, on-side status is maintained. >Coaching Point * Direction of the A2's run - stay onside by reacting to D's movement and not getting caught closer to the goal line than D. >Step 3 - 2v1, A1 & A2 about 20 yards apart (for good long run by A2); D passes to A1 and plays defense. >Coaching Point * If A1 delays the pass to long, the passing angle will be taken away. * If D stays back, A1 may have to commit D by dribbling at D. >Step 4 - 2v1 on goal Other progressions could be 3v2, 4v3, 6v4 with diagonal runs being requested of the attackers without ball. Later! Gary Rue grue@mail.state.ky.us

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Weave Your Way

Posted: Sat, 13 Mar 1999

Though an often maligned and sometimes abused exercise, dribbling through and around objects can be a nice way to warm-up players and help develop their dribbling touch. Setup: in its simplest form, objects such as cones or flags are placed 2-3 yards apart in a straight line. The number of objects can vary with 6-10 an average number. The distance between objects can vary as well. The players are to weave through the objects, dribbling a ball. One of the biggest negatives to this exercise can be the objects. If short objects are used, the theory is that this will promote heads-down dribbling. Many coaches will use flags. This allows a player to pick his head up to see the object while dribbling. Another reason flags are useful is that the stick in the ground. Cones tend to get knocked over very easily. Other players can be used as objects, which may be the ultimate in dribbling obstacles and does not require an equipment purchase. In any case, do NOT use any object that is short that sticks in the ground, unless the object will bend easily, in case a player falls upon it. If flags, etc. are not available, then by all means use short cones, as the key teaching element of the exercise is the dribble touch, be it heads up or not. Some of the dribbling exercises that can be used, depending upon age and skill of the player: * free dribbling (no restriction)--the coach should use this time to see how players tend to touch the ball and identify certain problems * inside of foot chop--when on the right side of the object, chop the ball with the right foot, etc. * inside of foot cut--unlike the chop (which is a sharp blow to the ball), this move drags the ball between the object pair as the other foot drags the ball between the next pair; the ball should constantly be "caressed" with a foot * outside of foot cut--the player must move well outside the ball and then drag it through the object pair, then slide past the ball and drag it through the next pair with the other foot * outside of foot chop--the coach should make sure the player chop down on the ball and not just push or drag it, as this outside chop into space is an important dribbling technique * right/left foot only--the player can only use one foot, alternating the inside and the outside through all of the objects * pull the V--as the ball moves to the right of the object, pull the ball back with the sole of the left foot and play the ball through the object pair with the inside of the left foot * scissors--as the ball moves to the right of the object, step over the front of the ball with the right foot and chopping the ball through the object pair with the outside of the left foot, alternating scissors and chop feet on the next pair * step over--as the ball moves to the right of the object, step over with the left foot (in front of the ball), turning the hips to face to the right, then quickly pivoting on the left foot, swinging the right foot around in front of the left and turning the hips to the left and chopping the ball through the object pair with the inside of the right foot. (This is a fairly high level technique) * roll with sole--with the ball moving to the right of the object, roll the ball with the sole of the right foot in front of the left foot between the object pair * step past--as the ball moves to the right of the object, the right steps well past the ball, as the outside of the left chops the ball through the object pair * step on--as the ball moves to the right of the object, the player jumps with the right foot stepping lightly on the top of the ball to stop it and immediately landing to the ground past the ball (as above); the outside of the left touches the top of the ball and then plays the ball through the object pair * behind the support leg--as the ball moves to the right of the object, the left steps over and ahead of the ball as the right plays the ball behind the left support leg between the object pair * back heel (or sole)--as the ball moves to the right of the object, the right steps to the lower side of the ball and plays a back heel between the object pair or rolls it back with the sole of the foot * cross-over back heel--as the ball moves to the right of the object, the left steps to the lower side of the ball as the right crosses over the front of the left leg and plays a back heel through the object pair Coaching tips: * Go as fast as you CAN, not as fast as you CAN'T; dribbling speed comes after developed touch, not visa-versa * dance with the ball, the feet should brush the ground * look up as much as possible * drop the butt by bending the knees (lower the center of gravity) * encourage loose and flexible hips on turns The coach can make the exercise as simple or complex as the players can handle. The techniques above should be first tried in a wide open setting. Because of wide variations of skills on a team, the coach must try to put each player into a situation where they feel challenged, but not inadequate. By moving the objects further apart, the coach could make it easier or harder, depending upon the skill. Also the objects can moved out of a straight line into a zig-zap layout or randomly spaced to add more detail of complexity. Cone dribbling is probably one of the world's oldest dribbling exercises, but when used properly can give players that little extra touch in the game when they need it the most. Later! Gary Rue gary.rue@mail.state.ky.us
Updated 16 March 1999
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