Here is a drill that works on possessing the ball and looking for penetration while also including a transitional piece

In the video below Bobby Muuss, Wake Forest University Head Men’s Soccer Coach (2016 NCAA College Cup Runner-up), describes his 5 v 2 Reactions Drill.

Coach Muus explains that this drill can be played on a grid ranging in size from 6×6 to 8×8. Four players are placed outside the grid. A central midfielder is placed and two defenders are placed in the grid. The goal is for the 4 outside players to possess the ball and attempt to play the ball into the central midfielder in an attempt to switch the point of attack. If the defenders gain possession, it is the job of the four outside players and the central midfielder to win the ball back.

The drill is played in one minute intense segments. The goal is to play the ball into the middle and then out to a third player as many times as possible. Coach Muus makes this competitive my setting up two grids and having two teams of five competing. A point is earned each time the ball is played to the middle and out to a third players. He usually plays four 1 minutes segments.

In the first part of the clip below coach diagrams and explains the drill and then in the second part of the clip you get to watch the drill executed in a live practice.

This drill is just a sample from Coach Muus’ coaching DVD. For more information about the DVD click the link Open Practice: Possession for Penetration

The YouTube video has audio, so please make sure that your speakers are turned on and that you have access to the site. Note that some schools block access to YouTube.

This is a great drill to help increase your opportunities to score more goals

In the video clip below Charlie Cooke, Director of Coerver Coaching USA, instructs players on an Opportunism & One Touch drill that is part of his Finishing demonstration. This drill is set up with two groups or teams of players that start on the end line of the grid. There are four small goals set up and located in the middle of the grid that is each facing a different angle. A coach passes a ball anywhere on the field and then yells a number, which is the number of players each team can send in. The first player to the ball gets possession and that team must try to score on any of the small goals with a one touch finish. The group or team defending can steal or win the ball anytime and try to score the same way.

There are several key areas in this drill to focus on with your players:

Movement

Offensive players that don’t have the ball must be constantly moving to try and find open space in the grid. If defenders are playing close and tight, the offensive players need to be making quick runs to either help keep possession or get themselves in a scoring position on the field.

Communication

All players need to be constantly talking and communicating with each other. Offensive players should be talking about where to attack, how much time a teammate has, and where they see opportunities to score. Defensive players must be communicating on how to defend together with closing down the ball, forcing in a certain direction, and situations where they can win the ball back and score.

Combination Play

The offensive players need to be creative when keeping possession and looking for opportunities to score. A quick combination play like a give and go or take-over can catch the defenders off guard and create the space needed to finish.

This clip is just a sample from Coach Cooke’s presentation. For information about how to gain access to the entire presentation, as well as hundreds of others, click the link Glazier Soccer Clinics

This post was provided by World Class Coaching

The objective of this activity is for defenders to shape very quickly to protect the goal as the offense moves the ball from place to place on the field.

By Steven Smith

Steve Smith has been a men’s college coach that holds an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and a Doctorate in Physical Education.

Area Size: Three cone or mini goals are set up on each end line of a 25 X 35-yard field. Players line up with half on each end line ready to come on as a 3 vs. 3 group to attack or defend.

Teams: Two teams of 9 players each

Time: For full progression approximately 12 minutes

Objective: The objective of this activity is for defenders to shape very quickly to protect the goal as the offense moves the ball from place to place on the field. Coaching feedback should be exclusively given on defensive shape. Verbal cues of TRIANGLE when ball is in the center of the field and ARC when the ball is on the flanks is key to this training activity.

Set up and Execution:
One team serves from the end line and immediately moves out to defend. The other group of three move the ball and attempt to score on any of the three goals at the opposite end line. If a turnover occurs, the serving team attempts to score on their three goals. When the ball goes out of play, reset and start over with a new group. If the ball is served to the central attacker, then the defending group must make a triangle with pressure and cover. If served to the flank attackers, the defenders should defend in an L or arc shape as shown in the diagram.

Variations:
Ball always served from one end and then switch after ten balls.
Can become a transition game when the ball goes over the end line, the attacking team begins to defend the new group coming onto the field from the end line.

World Class Coaching is offering the following eBook for FREE. Just click the link: 44 Small-Sided Games   

Here is another great versatile shooting drill that you can add to your coaching toolbox.

In the clip below Tom Mura of World Class Coaching diagrams what he calls the Rangers FC Shooting Drill.

In this exercise  midfield line is established using cones and/or flags.  Two goals are placed on either side of the line. The goals should be between 14-18 yds away depending on the age group you are training.

Players are placed in lines next to each goal. The basic version of this drill calls for the players to dribble towards the cones/flags. When the reach midfield they can take a touch away (pretending that the cone/flag is a defender) and attempt a shot on goal from that point.

Coach Mura describes several variations of this shooting pattern that he utilizes in his training sessions.

This drill allows you to get a lot of reps shooting while allowing you to focus on actions that you would your team to practice.

This is certainly a useful shooting drill. You can get even more great shooting drills for free by click the link: 31 Favorite Shooting Sessions

The YouTube video below has audio, so please make sure that your speakers are turned on and that you are on a servers that allows access to the site. Note that some schools block access to YouTube. Click the arrow to play the video.

This passing activity allows you to work on wide variety of patterns and skills. Add this drill to your soccer coaching toolbox and use to add variety to your practice sessions.

In the clip below Tom Mura from World Class Coaching animates a classic drill. Many of you have probably used the Dutch Wine Glass Passing Activity that he describes.

The value of the clip lies in the many variations that Coach Mura describes. While he does explain the variation very quickly, I believe you will get the point. This activity can me altered in a nearly unlimited number of ways to meet the needs of your team.

Take Coach Mura’s suggestions and use them in your sessions. You can also use your imagination and build on some of the variations that he suggests.

This is a great classic activity that will benefit your team.

I would also like to point out that World Class Coaching is currently offering their eBook 31 Favorite Shooting Sessions for free just click Here to get your copy.

The YouTube video below has audio, so please make sure that your speakers are turned on and that you have access to the site. Note that some schools block access to YouTube. Click the arrow to play the video.