Here is a simple drill that you can easliy implement into your training sessions. This 2v2 drill allows you to work on overlapping runs while also training defenders to work cooperatively.
In the video clip below Charlie Cooke, Director of Coerver Coaching USA, instructs players on a 2 v 2 drill that is part of his Finishing demonstration at a recent Glazier Soccer Clinic. This drill is set up with two groups of players that are split up on opposite sides of a 40 yard grid. The defensive players start the drill by passing a ball across to one of the offensive players who receives the ball and has the option of dribbling either direction or passing to get a shot on goal.
The second offensive player must do an overlap run once the first player receives the ball. The drill progresses to when a defender steals or wins the ball, they are allowed to attack either goal as well to score. Once a shot is taken or the ball goes out of bounds, the play is done and a new ball is restarted by a new group of players.
This clip is just a part of Coach Cooke’s presentation. For information about how to gain access to his entire presentation, as well as hundreds of other great clinic presentation, click the link Glazier Soccer Clinics
TheYouTube video below has audio, so please make sure that your volume is turned up and that you have access to the site. Note that some schools block access to YouTube.
There are a couple important coaching points in this drill:
- Overlap Run
This run by the second attacker determines if the offensive players are going to have success or not. A quick and hard overlapping run can put that player in a good scoring position and sell to the defensive players that they are going to receive the ball. The first attacker makes the decision or whether they are going to pass the ball or not, but if this run is slow and takes too long, the defenders can put more pressure on the ball and close down options.
2. Team Defending
The second defender gives the first defender support and cover during this drill. This is only beneficial if the two defenders work together as a team. The first defender must put quick pressure on the ball and force the ball in one direction while the second defender watches the run of the second offensive player to close down any space. Also, there needs to be a lot of talk and communication between the defenders as the play progresses and if there are any break downs so they can quickly regroup.
For more great drills, check out this FREE eBook from our partners at World Class Coaching
