Chaka Daley is currently Head Coach at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island. After graduating from Providence College in 1996 he had several successful seasons in the professional ranks having played for the New England Revolution (MLS) and for the Boston Bulldogs of the A-League. On being appointed at PC he earned the distinction of being one of the youngest head coaches ever to compete in the prestigious Big East Conference. Chaka is a USSF ‘A’ Licensed coach.

Emphasis:

Multiple – Overall coordination of midfield play, both attacking and defensively. The ability to maintain possession combined with the timing and coordination of midfielders in making positive forward runs into the attacking 1/3rd.

Set-up:

A full field is coned off as shown in diagram (a). Three zones are created: The two end zones extend from the end-line to approximately 25-30 yards out. The central midfield zone is approximately 50-60 yards long. The entire game occurs within the width of the 18-yard box (44 yards). The team is split into two teams of 11 players. Goalkeepers are assigned to each team. Both teams line up in a 3-5-2 formation.

Exercise #1:

A light warm-up activity was performed for 5-10 minutes prior to this exercise. Goalkeepers are positioned at the edge of the midfield zone as shown in diagram (a). This creates a 10v10 situation in the middle zone. Both teams try to maintain possession in the midfield zone only. The goalkeepers can be used as support players but may only use their feet. This exercise is used as part of the extended warm-up to prepare the players for the next stage. Duration – 5 minutes.

Exercise #2:

10v10 in the middle zone – No goalkeepers. A touch restriction is placed to put increasing demands on the players as the game progresses. The restrictions are as follows: 3 minutes @ 3 touch limit, 3 minutes @ 2 touch limit, 3 minutes @ 1 touch limit.Stretching is performed between each phase of play. The goalkeepers prepare for the next stage by performing light shooting and crossing activities.

Coaching Points:

• Quality of possession. Can the players maintain possession of the ball under tight conditions?
• Accuracy of passing and quality of touches.
• Angles and timing of support.
• Speed of play – must be sharp!
• Communication at all times

Exercise 3: Final Phase

Explanation:

11 v 11 (45 minutes total). Players must stay in their assigned zones. Diagram (b) above illustrates the line-up of both teams – 3 defenders, 5 midfielders, 2 center forwards. The field of play remains the width of the 18 yard line (44 yards). Play is started by a pass from either goalkeeper to one of their defenders. Touch restrictions are placed on each group of players. The restrictions are: Defenders – 2 touch limit, Midfielders – 3 touch in their defensive half of the field, 2 touch in the attacking half of the field, Forwards – unlimited touches. Defenders are encouraged to play quickly into a midfield teammate. If a midfield player passes the ball into a forward he can then enter the next zone to support the 2 center forwards. This creates a 3v3 situation in an advanced area of the field which should result in positive goal-scoring opportunities. The midfield player must continue to play within the touch restriction (2 in attacking half). To allow for greater success in the midfield area one of the defensive team can “take a knee” when his team is trying to regain possession. This creates a 5 v 4 in favor of the attacking team. Because the defensive team is a player down this restriction forces them to defend as a compact unit to try to regain possession.

Coaching Points:

• Midfielders should try to maintain possession through quick, accurate ball movement until the opportunity to play forward arises.
• Players are encouraged to play forward quickly and support the forwards as the ball is traveling
• Proper timing and angles of support is vital.
• Forwards must offer well-timed and angled runs to receive the ball.
• Must try to get an attempt at goal with every attack.
• Defensively in midfield – must work as a compact unit.

Progression:

Any midfielder can join the attack to create the 3v3 in the attacking zone. Diagram (c) below illustrates the opposite side midfielder breaking into the attacking zone to support the front players.