Creating Movement & Speed Of Play

SoccerSpecific

Paul Kerridge is currently serving as the Assistant Director of Boys Teams for Carmel United Soccer Club, a Nike Premier club in Indiana, USA. He is a former Head Coach of Curry College in Massachusetts and a former Assistant Coach at Harvard University also in Massachusetts. He also held the position of Director at FC Greater Boston – during that time the club was voted by Soccer America as the 12th ranked Club in the Nation. Kerridge Holds a USSF ´B´ License and an NSCAA National Youth Diploma.

Activity #1:

Set Up:

As shown in the diagram, a 20 X 20 yard grid is created. To start, position eight players in the square and number them 1-8.

Diagram A
Diagram A

Explanation:

Player 1 passes to Player 2, Player 2 passes to Player 3 and so on. Player 8 passes the ball back to Player 1. After playing the pass each player must touch one of the corners of the playing area. A player may not go to the same corner twice in a row. If two groups are playing next to each other they can compete against each other, the first group to complete 10 cycles (80 passes total) wins.

Coaching Points:

  • Timing of runs
  • Creation of angles and triangles
  • Communication and maintaining a high tempo.
  • Progression include two touch and one touch and add a second or third ball if applicable

Activity #2:

Set Up:

As shown in the diagram, two areas are created approx 20 X 20 each. Eight red players are in one square and eight green players in the other. The coach should have several balls available in between the two squares. The green team has just won the ball and is transitioning back to their grid to possess the ball.

Diagram B
Diagram B

Explanation:

The coach passes a ball to the red players. They try to complete 8 passes to score a point. Three green players come and try to steal the ball. If they win possession and pass into their own square they score a point. They now have the ball and try to complete the eight passes, while the three red defenders try to steal the ball. If the ball goes out of bounds off of any player the coach passes a new ball into the other square, no points are scored but possession has changed.

Coaching Points:

  • Creation of angles and triangles
  • Communication, high tempo, and quick transition
  • Encourage the players to be moving and not always in a circle
  • Progressions include; if you lose the ball you must become a defender, two touch, one touch if applicable

Activity #3:

Set Up:

As shown in the diagram, an area is created approx 60 X 45 with 6 goals. 6 reds play against 6 greens, there are two neutral players in yellow who can be used by either team. There are 6 goals and they are two yards wide. Behind the goals is a goalkeeper who will act as a target player.

Diagram C
Diagram C

Explanation:

In order to score a team must pass through one of the three goals they are shooting toward and the pass must be received by the hands or feet of the target player.

Coaching Points:

  • Timing of run
  • Creation of angles and triangles
  • Communication, quick transition, high tempo, overlaps, wall passes and takeovers
  • Progressions include two touch, one touch and you can´t pass to the person who gave it to you

Activity #4:

Set Up:

As shown in the diagram, an area is created approx 70 X 50 with goals. 6 reds plus a keeper play against 6 greens plus a keeper, there are two neutral players who can be used by either team.

Diagram D
Diagram D

Explanation:

Normal soccer rules apply.

Coaching Points:

  • Creation of angles and triangles
  • Timing of runs, speed of play, overlaps, one-twos, takeovers and quick transition
  • Communication

Activity #5:

Final Activity

Set Up:

Create a 70×50 yard area with goals. 8 greens v 8 reds to goal.

Diagram E
Diagram E

Explanation:

Both teams compete for the ball and attempt to score in their opponents goal. Normal soccer rules apply.

Coaching Points:

  • All previous points of emphasis
  • No touch limitations or restrictions