Nick Blackwell, Head Men’s Soccer Coach, CSU-Pueblo
You can see the full video on Glazier Drive: Increasing Player Actions During Training to Improve Technical & Tactical Ability Specific to Game Model
SESSION OVERVIEW
This video features a college soccer coach walking through three training activities designed to improve individual defending, finishing, and transition play — developed after a loss where the team struggled to score in the final third.
ACTIVITY 1: 1V1 ON THE 18
Players go one versus one on a full-size goal at the top of the 18-yard box. The team was split into two groups (internationals in black vs. Americans in yellow), playing one-minute rounds with cumulative scores tracked across 11 matchups. Goalkeepers could only make saves and distribute — no involvement in build-up. The emphasis was on winning individual duels, applying pressure before opponents can turn, and completing the last action — whether that’s a finish, save, or block. Transition moments were also highlighted, as many goals came from quick restarts.
ACTIVITY 2: INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING CIRCUIT
A structured circuit focused purely on defensive actions. One player cycles through: pressing a cone (simulating pressure on the ball), heading a ball back, blocking a shot on a mini goal, executing two inside-of-the-foot volleys (simulating clearances), blocking another shot, then defending a live 1v1. Multiple groups run simultaneously so players stay active. The goal is to ingrain habits of closing space, making play predictable, and winning individual defensive moments.
ACTIVITY 3: EIGHTBALL — 8V8 BOX DEFENDING WITH TRANSITION
An 8v8 setup with a back four and midfield four defending their box against eight attackers. Two attacking players are positioned beyond a red line for a transition target. Coaches serve balls in to create crossing and box-entry scenarios. The defending team’s job is to win first and second balls, clear with purpose, and quickly transition into a 2v1 going forward. Key coaching points included maintaining defensive shape, protecting the 18, stepping out to reset the line, and clearing the ball out rather than just kicking it away.
CONNECTION TO THE GAME
The very next match after these sessions, the team scored a goal that directly reflected the trained principles — winning the ball higher up, playing forward quickly, running in behind, and finishing. The day before the game, attackers took 60–70 individual shots each to reinforce finishing habits.