Create And Exploit Goal-scoring Opportunities

SoccerSpecific

Dave Kelly’s career spanned 11 seasons as a professional player both in the USA and England. He has coaching experience in the professional ranks as well as college having served as an assistant coach with the A-Leagues Connecticut Wolves and as an assistant at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Dave is an ´A´ Licensed coach and currently is the Director of Youth Development for CFC Wolves in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

Emphasis:

To improve the teams ability to create and exploit scoring opportunities.

Exercise #1:

Set-up:

10 x 10 yard grid. Two sets of colored bibs. 6 players per grid arranged in a 4 v 2 situation, as shown in diagram A.

Objective:

4 players try to keep the ball without losing possession to the 2 opposing players.

Diagram A
Diagram A

Coaching Points:

  • Always play away from pressure.
  • Angles and distance of support.

Exercise #2:

Set-up:

A 20 x 44 yard grid is set up as shown in diagram B with a 7-yard wide middle zone. A 4 v 2 is arranged in each end zone. Goalkeepers are in each goal.

Diagram B
Diagram B

Coaching Points:

  • Always play away from pressure.
  • Angles and distance of support.

Exercise #2:

Set-up:

A 20 x 44 yard grid is set up as shown in diagram (b) with a 7-yard wide middle zone. A 4 v 2 is arranged in each end zone. Goalkeepers are in each goal.

Diagram C
Diagram C

Coaching Points:

Players must balance between safety in possession of the ball and attempting through balls.
All strikes at match speed.

Progression 2:

Players must combine (1-2 pass, double pass, overlap etc) before entering the neutral zone. See Diagram D below. Coach can start implementing offside into the neutral zone to encourage well-timed runs.

Diagram D
Diagram D

Coaching Points:

  • Timing and angles of support to create goal-scoring opportunities.
  • Communication between teammates.

Progression 3:

A forward from the other grid can check into the neutral zone and receive a pass from any of his four teammates. One supporting player may join the forward in the neutral zone. Once the forward receives the ball, all players in the final two thirds of the field are live. Defenders may now enter the neutral zone to challenge for the ball. If possession is lost all players must retreat to their original positions. See diagram E below.

Diagram E
Diagram E

Coaching Points:

  • Timing and angle of runs from forwards.
  • Decisions by forwards (turn and shoot, layoff for incoming runner etc.)
  • Must get shot off quick since the attacking team is in a numbers down situation once they enter the neutral zone (3 v 4)

Progression 4:

Forwards checking back into the neutral zone can now be marked (followed) by defenders. 2 players may now enter the neutral zone to support the checking forward to create a 4 v 4 situation. See Diagram F below.

Diagram F
Diagram F

Coaching points:

  • Timing and angle of forwards’ runs is imperative in order to lose marker.
  • Decisions by forwards to combine with other forward, shoot or lay-off to oncoming teammates.