Heather Dyche is currently the Associate Technical Director for New Mexico Youth Soccer and the U15-U19 Competitive Girls Director for Rio Soccer Club in Albuquerque, NM. Dyche is an instructor for US National Staff. She currently holds a United States Soccer Federation ´A´ License and the National Youth License
ACTIVITY #1:
Warm up 2v1
Set Up: Area 25×20 yards with two small goals. Two teams in pinnies – red v yellow.
Explanation:
1 player with the ball dribbles out and attacks 2 defenders 1v2. Defending team sends one player out, and one to goal mouth. Progress to 2v2.
Coaching Points:
- Work on pressure, cover, communication
- Angle of approach – deny penetration.
- Communicate early
- Force towards cover, win when you can and counter attack
- Establish defensive mentality
ACTIVITY #2:
6 Goal Game
Setup: Area 40×30 – modify as needed. Two teams play 4v4 with each team set up 3-1.
Explanation:
Each team attacks and defends 3 goals in a 6 goal game. Work on midfield player cutting the field in half, team shape and reading cues.
Coaching Points:
- Same coaching points as warm up
- Individual defending technique
- Deny penetration and then make play predictable
- Read cues of when to step and try to create 1v1 or 2v1 situations
- When you can win the ball- tackle and counter attack
ACTIVITY #3:
6v5
Set Up: Area 50×40 – modify as needed. Two teams in pinnies play 6v5 to small goals. Can also play to full goals with keepers.
Explanation:
Work with one team to improve individual and team defending. Get defending team to apply pressure – 1st defender, provide cover – 2nd defender and provide balance – 3rd defender.
Coaching Points:
- Previous coaching points
- Isolate players and force to cover
- Individual defending technique
- Deny penetration and then make play predictable
- Read cues of when to step and try to create 1v1 or 2v1 situations
- When you can win the ball- tackle and counterattack
- Keep play on a side of field
ACTIVITY #4:
6v5
Set Up: Two teams play 7v7 – 1-3-2-1 v 1-2-3-1. Can increase numbers to play 9v9 or 11v11 depending on age group and level. Use offside and normal rules including throw-ins, free kicks, etc.
Explanation:
Focus on improving individual and team defending under the pressure of a game situation.
Coaching Points:
- Reminder of all previous coahcing points
- Isolate players and force to cover
- Focus on good defending
- Pressure and cover on the same page
- Win the ball back early and reward team by allowing them to score goal