Blog
Nines and Wingers
Spend some much needed extra time with your #9s and Wingers! Nines and Wingers is a fast paced, ten shot sequence, finishing activity that will allow your players to build…
4V4 Penetrate
Here is a nice twist on a possession activity that encourages attacking space on the dribble, breaking lines and switching the point of attack. Could be adapted slightly and utilized…
Rondo Progression to Goal
Hazard or Mané? Sterling or Salah? Don’t overlook David Silva! Who do you want your attacking players to emulate? Here is a simple 60 minute session that slowly builds from passing sequences with pressure, straight into a 4V1 rondo using the same space, followed by an 8V2 rondo and finishing with a 4V4+2+GKs small sided game. Your players will appreciate the seamless transition from one activity to the next.
Tracking the #9
Don’t let the simplicity of the diagram fool you. Tracking the #9 is a simple and outstanding activity to try with your GKs. All you need is a group of balls and three different colored cones or bibs.
Goalkeeper Reactions & Decisions
GK Reactions & Decisions is an economical, creative, and comprehensive way of training both your GKs in one activity. If your objective is shot stopping and you would like to focus on reactions and dealing with congestion in the box, spend 20 minutes and try this activity. The key is to train the breakaway, shot, and chip so your GK develops a clear understanding of where his/her starting position should be.
Diamond Passing Warm-up
Try this continuous, fast-paced, medium intensity, short range passing progression! These three simple variations allow your players to focus on their spacing, timing of runs, combination play, properly weighted passes, field awareness and overall technique when passing and receiving.
Three Shot Finishing Sequence
This Three Shot Finishing Sequence is great for match day minus one or two! Have fun with this rapid fire finishing activity that incorporates a shot from the top of the box, a cut back ball and a first time finish from across the goal mouth. Your Goalkeepers will certainly have a lot to do!
Switching the Attack to Exploit Wide Areas
must understand that possession in certain areas of the pitch is a means to shift the opponent to create space elsewhere. Utilize this full session to develop an understanding of exploiting wide areas of the pitch.
Sideways-on: Check the Shoulder
Two of the most valuable techniques you can teach your young players are to receive the ball sideways-on facing the playing field and get them to check their shoulders at least once before they receive the ball. Work the non-dominant side: through the repetitions in these passing variations, challenge them to receive the ball with their weaker foot and make sure they are checking both shoulders at least once before receiving the ball.
Clint Stricker Team Warmup
This is a great standard warm up for all the teams in your club. An excellent video on pre-activity activation that can also help to support a players’ overall athletic development.
5v5+2 Possession Pierce The Circle
Here is a unique possession activity focusing on your two central midfielders’ ability to show for and possess the ball in congested central areas of the field. It also gives your players the opportunity to play sharp, piercing, penetrating balls on the ground into your central midfielders feet. Well timed runs, committed movements off the ball, and spreading out the opponent will help you possess through your midfield players.
Moving Rondos
Here is a challenging but fun version of possession to try with your team. The objective is to possess the ball in all six grids without losing possession. Have some fun with your players and see how well they do!