Dave Clarke is currently a US Soccer Federation Licensing Instructor – he is responsible for developing and implementing the information taught to candidates on the USSF A, B, and C coaching courses. Dave is also the Head Coach at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut – a position he has held for 7 seasons. Originally from Dublin, Ireland he has experience working at the Sheffield United Academy prior to embarking on a successful career in the US. He has traveled extensively to professional clubs around the world to continue his soccer education and currently writes several articles / columns for prominent soccer publications world-wide.  Dave has gained a reputation in coaching circles as one of the top young coaches in the USA at this time. He currently holds a USSF ‘A’ License.

Activity #1:

Set Up:

Use half the penalty area which is a 18×22 grid as shown below. 6 yellows and 6 reds are postioned inside the grid. The coach starts with all the balls and dictates the point of attack. As soon as one ball exits the grid the coach should start the next ball immediately.

Instructions:

It is a possession game in a tight space to encourage individual and small group defending as well as speed of play. Every third pass is a goal and the yellows and reds compete against each other. Keep track of the score, first team to five wins and play as many games as you wish

Coaching Points:

• Set the tone defensively and establish a work ethic.
• Defend hard and close people down immediately.
• Don’t allow the other team to complete the third pass for a point.

Activity #2:

Set Up:

Use the penalty area with two regulation size goals, or make a grid 18×44 as shown in the diagram below. Set up both the teams in a 2-3-1 formation.

Instructions:

Both teams compete for possession of the ball and attempt to score in their opponents goal. If a goal is scored the goalkeeper starts with a new ball and if it goes out of bounds during the run of play the coach will dictate the point of attack.

Coaching Points:

• Press high up the field and pressure the first pass out because the field is narrow.
• Pressure the nearest player.
• Try and win possession in the opposing team’s half.
• Win the ball immediately and go to goal! – Reward yourself for defending well.

Activity #3:

Set Up:

Set up a 4v4 plus goalkeepers in a grid 36×20 yard field as shown below. Place a supply of balls in each goal in order to keep the game going. Organize each team in a 1-2-1 formation.

Instructions:

If the ball goes out over the end line or the side line the new ball always starts with the goalkeeper of the team earning possession. First team to five goals wins the game. If your team wins the ball in your opponents half and you score, the goal is worth two.

Coaching Points:

• Win the ball and reward yourself by going directly to goal.
• Invite the first pass and then pressure the ball.
• Encourage the closest player to step and pressure, his teammates must follow suit and be touch-tight in support of the first defender.
• High intensity, high pressure, good communication, watch for visual clues.

Activity #4:

Set Up:

7v7 to goals in a restricted space 44×60. Divide the field in three sections to act as visual cues for the players. Organize one team in a 3-2-1 formation and allow the other team to pick their own.

Instructions:

Both teams compete for possession of the ball and attempt to score in their opponents goal.
Normal soccer rules apply – no restrictions.

Coaching Points:

• Review all previous coaching concepts
• Pressure high up the field, win the ball and go to goal!