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6V6 Attacking Patterns
Here is an attacking activity from Stuart Sharp, currently the Head Coach of the U.S. Paralympic National Soccer Team. Playing out of a 2-3-1 in attack and defending in a 4-2 block, this activity is a very economic way of utilizing his entire roster of 14 players. Paralympic soccer is 7-a-side format with no offside. Run through these eight patterns to goal focusing on trying to find ways to break down a very compact 4-2 defense. If they drop on top of their goal mouth, utilize shots from distance and service from wide areas. If they maintain a defensive line higher up the field, look to utilize combination play getting the 9,7, and 11 in behind. Remember, no offside!
Recovery Runner
Recovery Runner will force them to manage the ball as well as the lurking forward behind them. Plenty of reps for both your forwards and your defenders in this fast paced 2V1 and 3V2 activity!
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.
7v7 Plus 3 Possession
If you prefer to play out of a 4-3-3 formation and you want your focus to be on the three central midfielders, then try this 7V7+3 possession activity. This simple…
Eliminating the Defender
Here is a high intensity session that focuses on different ways of eliminating the opponent as efficiently as possible. Plenty of 1V1, 2V1, 3V3 and 4V3 scenarios. This is great for attacking in small spaces as well as learning how to defend in an overload situation. Enjoy!
2V1 / 2V2 to Goal
Do you use the goal as a reference point when teaching your players how to defend? Are your forwards useful when working with their back to goal? How do we…
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.
Wide Area Rondo
Wide Area Rondo is a great functional 8V8 position specific activity to goal with an emphasis on attacking out of wide areas. Adjust the system of play to fit your teams style of play and personnel. Challenge your players by increasing the difficulty of the wide area rondo. Breakdown a compact opponent by finding ways to combine to get in behind with the #9, #10, and overlapping outside backs, #2 and #3.
Barcelona Finishing
Barcelona Finishing was observed by SoccerSpecific Staff in Barcelona while watching the FC Barcelona youth teams train at their training facility.
Rondo Playmaker
This 30 minute progression will give all your players the opportunity to become a #10!
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.
Modern Trends Handling & Shot Stopping
In this joint theory and practical session Eric will look at the ways in which the goalkeeping position has evolved and the adaptations that have occurred in the goalkeeper’s technical repertoire.