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Seattle Sounders U-14 Training Session
The objective of this session is to encourage possession by playing through lines and gaps, finding the #9, provide support underneath and find space to expose behind the opponents back four.
Rondo Playmaker
This 30 minute progression will give all your players the opportunity to become a #10!
4V2 Screening
This is a great rondo to work on the defensive relationship of your two central midfielders, two central defenders or perhaps your two forwards in a 4-4-2. The focus is on all defensive principles in small group defending.
Three Team Rondo
Three Team Rondo is a great transition activity for the younger ages 8-12, or simply use it as a warm up for the older ages, or perhaps the day before a match.
6V6 Interchange
6V6 Interchange is a fast-paced, transitional and continuous action possession activity that focuses on your players ability to maintain possession, improve passing accuracy, improve mobility and movement off the ball, combination play, and decide when to penetrate or when to possess.
50 Pass Challenge!
Take the 50 Pass Challenge! See if your players can connect 50 passes in a row in this 11V5 possession activity. 5V5+2 with four neutral bumpers on the outside. Increase the level of difficulty with three different variations: unlimited, two touch, and one touch.
L.A. Rectangle Passing Sequence
The following is a three-progression, tight-space passing activity that can be used for day before a game, day of travel or regeneration day training. It was observed by SoccerSpecific Staff at an LA Galaxy full team training session.
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.
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.
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.
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…