Exercise 1

please click here to read the article, Drills 3, 4 and 5

1 v. 1 after heading to the outside

1. Game Setup

• The coach divides players into attackers and defenders, according to their usual positions.
• The defenders line up on both sides of a goal with goalkeeper.
• Attackers position themselves as follows: Some stand just in front of the center circle with balls, while the rest line up on both sides about 15 yards in front of the centerline.

Basic Sequence

The first defender runs out in front of the goal, receives a pass from the center circle and heads the ball to one of the outside attackers. The defender follows the ball and immediately presses the attacker, forcing a 1v. 1. As soon as the attacker gets a shot on goal or the defender wins the ball, the round ends and a new round begins on the other side of the field. When all players have had a chance, the attackers trade positions. The two teams may also switch roles after a while.

Focus On

• Quick switches from defense to attack
• Keeping the opponent under pressure and on the sideline
• Aggressive 1 v. 1 play

Suggestions

• For more efficient practice, try running two rounds simultaneously, one on each side of the field.
• Keep plenty of extra balls near the center circle.

Variations

• 2 defenders v. 2 attackers 
• Set up small goals on the centerline; defenders can counterattack if they win the ball.

Exercise 2

5 v. 3 + 3 on one goal with goalkeeper

3. Game Setup

• The coach divides the players into Team A (5 players) and Team B (6) according to usual positions.
• The field is the penalty area, extended lengthwise by about 15 yards, in front of one goal with goalkeeper.
• Three players from Team B are wall players, one on each sideline and one on the endline opposite the goal. All of A's players stay on the field.

Basic Sequence

Team B's objective is to keep the ball as long as possible, with the help of the goalkeeper and the three wall players, who may move freely along their assigned lines. These three may also pas to each other (diagonally across the corners or switching from one side to the other). Team A's objective is to win the ball and score as quickly as possible.

Concepts for Team A

• Keep the opposition under pressure
• Move quickly with the ball to the sidelines to prevent long passes.
• Play aggressive 1 v. 1s