EXERCISE 2X1 ON GOAL LINE

set up
- 10x15 yd grids
- groups of strikers, servers and defenders

sequence
- striker checks away from defender
- sever plays ball to striker
- server and striker play 2x1 against defender to the endline
- players switch roles

variation
- server and striker play 2x2 against 2 defenders to endline

4-4-2 EXERCISE / BASIC GROUP TACTICS

set up:
- make a line 35 yards out from the goal with 3 goals starting 5 yds from each sideline
- a GK in goal
- 4 defenders line up in front of the line
- 3 attackers start at center

sequence
- the 3 atackers pass the ball around and attempt to dribble the ball across the 35 yd line between the cones marking the goals
- any attacker successfully dribbling the ball over the line can then attempt to score without opposition on a breakaway to goal

coaching focus
- outside defenders push attackers outside
- inside defenders form a compact tight defensive unit
- closest defenders supports pressuring defender

THE MATCH AS A PART OF TRAINING

matches play a valuable role in soccer training at any age provided they're adapted to the interests and abilities of the players being trained.
team and field size aren't the only things to adjust, either. concepts, systems, positional roles and requirements must be age-appropriate as well.
game systems and tactics should never be too hard or too easy.

WALL PASSES AND SHOOTING

players involved
- 2 GK
- 2 "wall players" T1 and T2
- 1 defender
- 4/5 attackers

exercise
players should run with the ball, play a wall pass movement with T2 and then a wall pass movement with T1 and receive to score past either GK

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FOOTBALLERS

- flexing and stretching exercises before warming-up

- after a match or training and perhaps during a break in training or game or after a normal
warming-up, sub-maximal easy stretching should be practiced

- once or twice a week, following strenuous exercise and before a rest do maximum stretching 3 or 4 repetitions per muscle group

- be systematic- from head to toe or vice versa

- use variety- different exercises for various parts of body

- use control- stretching under control (don't bounce up and down) progressive approach

- allow for individual differences- different bodies will need different emphasis in terms of stretching exercises

WHAT ATHLETES WANT FROM THEIR COACHES

if you, as the coach, are going to create a fun environment where young players can develop their skills then you need to realise why your players participate and what they want from their participation. the best way to get this information is to ask them.

- care about them
- be patient and understanding
- be energetic
- have a good knowledge of the sport
- dispaly a sense of humour
- treat players equally and fairly
- be supportive and encouraging especially if the player is unskilled

taking into account all of the above information will enable you to develop your coaching philosophy and adapt your coaching style and methods to meet the needs of your players and cater for individual differences.

WARM UP 03

add 3 defenders into the circle
these defenders are trying to win the balls either by intercepting a pass or trackling the ball from another player. each time a defender wins the ball, they get a point. they then give the ball back to the attackers and try to win another ball. the defenders stay on defense for 2 minutes and try to get as many points as possible. after 2 minutes, they switch with 3 of the attacking players so this would be done for a total 8 minutes with each player getting 2 minutes on defense.

WARM UP 02

the players in the middle pass to a player on the outside and the receiving players dribble toward the middle while the passer takes their place on the outside.

WARM UP 01

exercise
- start with 6 players in a circle 20x30 yards in diameter with 3 players in the middle with balls

ADDITIONAL RESPONSABILITIES OF PLAYERS

- analyzing the probable strengths and weaknesses of the opponent

- mental preparation for the match and the opponent

- testing the condition of the playing field and deciding on proper shoes

- attitude adjustments before the game

ADDITIONAL RESPONSABILITIES OF THE COACH

- analysis of the opposing team (lineup, game strategy, playing methods, strengths and weaknesses
of individual players).

- designing game tactics for the specific opposition and the environmental conditions.

- establishing the lineup according to game tactics

- evaluating the condition of players and preparing them accordingly (calming down or pepping up)

- choosing the proper equipment (shoes, types of cleats)

- overseeing warm-ups

- providing drinks for the break

1X1 FAST BREAK ATTACK

exercise
player 1 passes the ball to player 2, who dribbles the ball and tries to enter the scoring zone five yards from the goal.
the attacker can score in either goal. once player 1 passes the ball he moves to stop players 2 from scoring. as soon as player 2 shoots or the defender touches the ball player 2 moves to defend player 3 and the play continues.

RECEIVING DRILLS

EXERCISE
X2 checks off X5 and receives a pass from X1
X2 plays the ball back one-touch to X1
X1 passes to X6
X6 sets to X5
X5 passes to X3
move around in a clockwise direction after you have played tyhe ball