Here is an attacking activity from Stuart Sharp. 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!

Stuart Sharp is currently the Head Coach of the U.S. Paralympic National Soccer Team. Previously, Sharp was the Director of International Development for BlazeSports America (the legacy organization of the 1996 Paralympic Games) where he worked with Paralympic committees and coaches across the globe to support the development of the sport overseas. Sharp was also the National Development Manager (Disability) for the Scottish Football Association and Head Coach of the Scottish National CP Team from 2005-11.  In addition to his coaching credentials, Sharp serves as the Head of Technical Development for the Cerebral Palsy International Sport and Recreation Association, the world’s soccer governing body for athletes with cerebral palsy.

When this activity was observed, the United States Paralympic National Team was competing in an International Tournament in the Netherlands as part of their preparation for the Paralympic Games hosted in Rio. The U.S. was one of 8 teams who qualified for the Paralympics, along with Russia, Ukraine, Great Britain, Netherlands, Ireland, Argentina and Brazil.

6V6 Attacking Patterns

Setup:

6V6 Functional Finishing Patterns To Goal. 12 field players, 2 GKs and plenty of balls. Economical training of all 14 players, 2-3-1 attacking shape (red) vs 4-2 defensive shape (yellow).

Instructions:

All patterns are initiated from the coach at midfield. Pattern shown is 6-9-10-7 focusing on either the #7 or #11 penetrating in behind for a shot or cross. The second pattern focuses on the #9 getting in behind, 6-7-10-9 or simply 6-7-9. Third sequence is providing a shot for the #10, 8-9-10 or 6-11-9-10. Fourth an final pattern focuses on simple layoffs for the #6 and #8 from the top of the box, 6-9-8 or 8-9-6. If the #9 stands next to the GK, utilize the #10 as the target player laying off the ball, 6-10-8 or 8-10-6.

Coaching Points:

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. Try using offside and then take it away and see how both sides of the ball adjust accordingly. In Paralympic soccer there is no offside!