Chris Cartlidge is an assistant coach with the New Mexico men´s soccer program. He has spent the last 10 years as the Director of Coaching of the Rio Vista FC in New Mexico. Cartildge is a native of Essex, England, and is a graduate of Essex University where he received a law degree in 1992. He was captain of the men´s soccer team at Essex and went on to player semi-pro soccer in England after graduation.

Activity #1:

Warm Up

Set Up:

4 v 2 + 1 directional transition game. Two 12 X 12 yard grids are set up next to each other. Four players are positioned in each box with an all time attacker designated in yellow.

Explanation:

If the red team is in possession of the ball then the green team sends two players into the other grid to defend and regain possession. When the 2 green players win possession they successfully play the ball back into their own grid and join the play. Two red players must transition over and defend. At any time if the defending team knocks the ball out of the grid they are rewarded by a change of possession and a new ball is sent into their grid.

Coaching Points:

• Force the play to the middle of the two grids to make transition easier.
• Defenders must prevent the split and provide proper pressure and cover.
• First defender should make the play predictable.

Activity #2:

Set Up:

4 V 4 Directional. Create a 30 X 35 yard grid. Position two teams of four inside the grid.

Explanation:

Regular directional possession game. Each team scores by dribbling over their opponents end line.

Coaching Points:

• Defenders must apply immediate pressure on the ball and make the play predictable behind them.
• Good team defensive shape with proper pressure, cover, and balance.
• Force the play into numbers up situations defensively.

Activity #3:

Splits game

Set Up:

A 40 X 50 yard grid is split into three zones with the middle zone (20yds) being the largest. Position a team of four in each zone as shown. A supply of balls is needed on the perimeter of the grid.

Explanation:

Yellows and Greens play against the Reds who are defending the middle zone. The Yellows and Greens score points by splitting the Reds on the ground or by playing behind them with a service that is waist height or lower. If a ball is played overhead then the outside group that played the ball must switch with the Red team. Once the team defending the middle grid wins the ball three times then they are out of the middle and a new team of four changes positions.

Coaching Points:

• The defenders must communicate and shift as a unit.
• The team must have good spacing while providing good cover and balance.

Activity #4:

6 Goal game

Set Up:

Organise a 4 V 4 to three small goals with GK´s playing behind the goals as support players as shown.

Explanation:

Each team of four compete for the ball and attempt to socre in their opponents open goal(s). The small goals can be penetrated by a shot or dribble. If the opposing teams GK is able to field the ball behind the penetrated goal the goal is disallowed.

Coaching Points:

• When the GK is in possession of the ball the defending team must drop off and protect the space in behind because there is no pressure on the ball.
• The defending team must try and force the ball away from their three small goals.
• Look to squeeze the space on any square pass or negative pass. Look to win the ball and quickly counter to goal.