Blog
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.
Small Sided Shooting Game
This is a great finishing activity from long-time contributor Stuart Sharp. This basic and effective shooting game encourages your players to utilize their technical skills around the opponent’s box. Adjust the dimensions or number of players to adapt to your team and environment.
Back Four Functional Defending
Back Four Functional Defending is a great activity to economically train your eight defenders and work on the different principles of defending. This simple but demanding game will enable your players to learn how and when to apply pressure to the ball, force them to stay connected laterally as well as vertically, teach them to cut off passing lanes, and through communication, develop a cohesive working relationship.
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!
Dinamo Zagreb Passing
This passing activity was observed by SoccerSpecific Staff in Zagreb while watching the Dinamo Zagreb youth teams train at their training facility. This activity will be especially effective in the U10-U14 age group, but can be used at higher levels as well.
Passing in 18 Finish on Goal
This week’s activity is fast paced and fun with plenty of repetition that is great for the goalkeepers as well as the field players. It’s an excellent combination of passing and finishing that is great for all ages! Try it out with your team and let us know what you think!
Attacking Patterns to Goal
Try these Attacking Patterns to Goal with your attacking players! Focus on the timing of runs, properly timed and weighted through balls, dealing with a recovering defender and finishing under pressure. These repetitions are good for working on principles of defending as well.
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.
Rondo Playmaker
This 30 minute progression will give all your players the opportunity to become a #10!
Screening Defenders
This is a defending session that primarily focuses on cutting off passing lanes, denying penetrating passes and playing through lines quickly. Tweak it to fit the personnel and framework of your team!
7v7 Modrić & Rakitić
Inspired by Croatia’s journey to the WC Final and in particular by the play of their midfielders Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić, here is a simple 7V7 training game that will encourage your players to join into the attack from deeper positions.
Anthony Latronica – Way of Champions Podcast
Listen to this great conversation between John O’Sullivan from the Way of Champions Podcast and our Co-founder, Anthony Latronica. Hear Anthony’s unique and valuable perspective on player development from youth to…