Welcome to the Soccer Awareness Coaches Corner. Browse through soccer drills, small sided games, tactical thoughts, full sessions and a variety of resources. Posts marked “Training Center Exclusive” are for members only.
Soccer Awareness: Basic Principles of Development (One Touch Play)
Linking foot preparation, body position and mental preparation to the technique involved in making a one touch pass leads us to a discussion on one touch play and its benefits.
One touch play teaches the value of being able to take your eye off the ball when keeping your eye on the ball can be a disadvantage.
To make this work, players need to have good teamwork and positional sense and therefore must work hard for each other.
This article is the intro to Wayne’s eBook 16: Soccer Awareness “One Touch” Training Developing its Relationship with Movement Off the Ball. Get the full book.
The Importance of Teaching One Touch Play: Improving One Touch Play
Maintaining an Awareness of What Is In Advance and Beyond the Ball
Linking foot preparation, body position and mental preparation to the technique involved in making a one touch pass leads us to a discussion on one touch play and its benefits.
One touch play teaches the value of being able to take your eye off the ball when keeping your eye on the ball can be a disadvantage.
To make this work, players need to have good teamwork and positional sense and therefore must work hard for each other.
A Gradual Training Introduction: Training the Psyche of the Players through One Touch Play
Introduce the training in a gradual way; don’t jump straight into a scrimmage. Set it up so it is easy to do initially. For example, one touch passing in two’s. Here, no great amount of awareness is needed because they are facing each other, but they must look into each other’s eyes and not at the ball. This is teaching them to get their heads up, and is the first most basic stage. It is also working on the pace and direction of the pass, getting foot sensitivity started in terms of that first touch on the ball that is now in effect a pass.
Then move to groups of three where a little more peripheral vision is needed. Then ask them to pass and move in a small area.
Next, add more players so there are more passing options and more awareness is needed. Now introduce the Numbers Game, passing in sequence; this really starts to introduce the awareness concept, but with one touch only.
Communication: Good communication is a must, so have players talk to each other, passing messages on to help each other all of the time.
Also, have them do this without any verbal communication as they then have to rely on themselves alone and in games. Unfortunately as much as we try, this very often happens anyway.
So do this WITH communication and WITHOUT communication. Even compare the two, some may get so good at this they can work it out for themselves most of the time as their peripheral vision improves.
So practice one touch with your team, then play games / scrimmages with your team and insist on it being ONE TOUCH ONLY.
There will be times when 2 touches are needed but do not allow it. Force the error if need be by insisting on one touch only.
Example: A player does not get his feet ready to receive and as a result does not make correct contact with the ball and possession is lost. Everyone can see that his feet were the problem, especially the player involved, and this will register in his mind for the next time.
Example: The ball is passed too heavily and quickly (pace and timing of the pass is wrong) and the receiver needs a touch to control the pass initially and then make a 2nd touch pass to keep possession. That is the passer’s fault, not the receiver’s; and they will learn that from this single pass. It is likely that a one touch play at this moment will not work, which is fine, because this will help them learn why it didn’t work for the next time.
Example: No teammates move to give the player receiving the ball an option to pass it one touch.
This is the fault of the player or players off the ball and not the receiving player, but you must insist it is passed one touch still so they pass it into the space the player should have moved into. Again, this will probably result in giving the ball away, but they will learn from that.
The players will recognize if possession was lost because there was not enough support off the ball, the pass was too heavy, or if it was the fault of the player’s first touch if there were options off the ball.
When you first do it, particularly in a competitive scrimmage situation whether within your own team training or against another team, you may find it is incredibly ugly play; the players will more than likely really struggle with it (or maybe not, they may surprise you).
And it may be ugly for quite a while; but just let it go.
Do not be disheartened and don’t let your players get discouraged. And do not coach, just let them play and work it out for themselves. Tell them you expect it to go wrong more than go right to relax them about it...
They will find with practice that they need to adjust the weight of the pass to help the next player, so foot sensitivity in passing will improve.
They will learn this through their own trial and error, not necessarily just what you tell them.
Get eBook 16: Soccer Awareness “One Touch” Training Developing its Relationship with Movement Off the Ball. This 103 page eBook explores one touch training and movement off the ball and includes 90 pages of drills that you can do with your team. Table of contents is below.
One Touch Training: Teaches the player WHEN to play one touch; and when NOT to play one touch. We are teaching players to have a ONE TOUCH MENTALITY. A One touch mentality teaches players to recognize the best options; and therefore make the best DECISIONS; BEFORE and in ADVANCE of receiving the ball.
Movement OFF the ball: This mentality conditions the mind of players OFF the ball to position and move to help the player who is receiving the ball. This means we want players to always; at every moment; THINK: “I only have One touch”; therefore this will force players to always do what I call the “LOOK and THINK” before they receive the ball to see several options and pick out their best option, which may actually be to DRIBBLE!!
When you use these training sessions consistently you will see the development of that relationship between having a ONE TOUCH mentality and Movement OFF the ball.
So in a nutshell:
LOOK (before receiving the ball);
MOVE (find space off the ball based on positioning of teammates and opponents):
THINK (what is my best option?):
EXECUTE (the Decision; or the SKILL Factor).
The Three Team Awareness One Touch Game
Working with three teams (numbers depends on how many players you have, e.g. it can be 4 v 4 + 4 or 5 v 5 + 5 etc). Teams (1) and (2) work together to keep the ball from team (3). If team (3) regains possession the team who gave it away becomes the defenders. The defenders reward is they keep the ball and link with the other team.
The following clinic is part of the New "Soccer Awareness Age Group Specific Awareness Developmental Training" eBook from Soccer Awareness! Click here to preview the full table of contents!
Working with three teams (numbers depends on how many players you have, e.g. it can be 4 v 4 + 4 or 5 v 5 + 5 etc). Teams (1) and (2) work together to keep the ball from team (3). If team (3) regains possession the team who gave it away becomes the defenders. The defenders reward is they keep the ball and link with the other team.
Rules: Once possession is gained, to establish who gave the ball away the player who gave the ball away calls the color of his team and then everyone knows they are now defending and the game continues without a stoppage.
With younger players it may be best to do this (because the ball may be given away a lot more for one thing); whoever won the ball puts his or her foot on the ball to stop play and the coach can call out the team who gave it away. Play begins again working on transitions.
Develop: Increase difficulty for attackers by
Reducing the zone size.
Decreasing the number of touches on the ball of each player.
Conditioning the passing to be only to the other attacking team’s players e.g. (1) only passes to (2) and vice versa, therefore only half the numbers of passes are available per player.
Using two balls so that as they pass one ball they are now increasing their awareness and vision by looking for the other ball coming.
Players take off their pinnies so they really have to look and can’t rely on color identification.
No talking or pointing, so players have to rely on their own vision.
Prohibiting verbal communication
ULTIMATELY PLAY ONE TOUCH
Three Team Possession Game
Three teams, two teams work together, one defends, creates an overload situation in attack, for example 15 players, three teams of 5, a 10 v 5 game.
Possession changes as one of the two team’s players gives the ball away to the defending team then they become the next defending team this is a good transition game also from attack to defense and defense to attack. This game can be in an area of 40 x 40 yards for example and the challenge to the players can also be to move inside to outside (outside being just inside the touchline) and outside to inside to ensure they avoid standing in one area. Plus it takes greater vision or awareness inside the area; where they need to look around and open their stance up to potentially change the direction of play; than on the outside where they can see everything easily.
Encourage players who play centrally on the team to get in the middle of the area and dictate the play, be the pivot for the team, the player who transfers the ball from one side to the other, the link player, this can be one, two or even three players at a time, but they can rotate between themselves too.
Equal numbered teams in a possession keep away game; this would be the next progression from the overload game being a more difficult challenge of the players. Same principles and ideas as above apply.
Transition games: In two halves, creating overloads in each half as each team gains possession. Team A have to get the ball in one half and play a 7 v 3 for example, team B have to win it back with the 3 defenders and get it back to the other half and have a 7 v 3 in their favor, and so on.
Awareness One Touch Theme Developmental Training: Incorporating Movement Off the Ball
Players are generally all very good at playing using many touches; that is; dribbles, turns and running with the ball, that is more technical training / playing.
But often not so good at one touch quick thinking and quick decision making training, that is more skill training / playing.
Hence why we must increasingly do this training with them.
This article is the intro to Wayne’s eBook 16: Soccer Awareness “One Touch” Training Developing its Relationship with Movement Off the Ball. This 103 page eBook explores one touch training and movement off the ball and includes 90 pages of drills that you can do with your team. Get the full book.
One Touch Training: Teaches the player WHEN to play one touch; and when NOT to play one touch. We are teaching players to have a ONE TOUCH MENTALITY. A One touch mentality teaches players to recognize the best options; and therefore make the best DECISIONS; BEFORE and in ADVANCE of receiving the ball.
Movement OFF the ball: This mentality conditions the mind of players OFF the ball to position and move to help the player who is receiving the ball. This means we want players to always; at every moment; THINK: “I only have One touch”; therefore this will force players to always do what I call the “LOOK and THINK” before they receive the ball to see several options and pick out their best option, which may actually be to DRIBBLE!!
When you use these training sessions consistently you will see the development of that relationship between having a ONE TOUCH mentality and Movement OFF the ball.
So in a nutshell:
LOOK (before receiving the ball);
MOVE (find space off the ball based on positioning of teammates and opponents):
THINK (what is my best option?):
EXECUTE (the Decision; or the SKILL Factor).
Introduction:
Players are generally all very good at playing using many touches; that is; dribbles, turns and running with the ball, that is more technical training / playing.
But often not so good at one touch quick thinking and quick decision making training, that is more skill training / playing.
Hence why we must increasingly do this training with them.
For the ONE TOUCH AWARENESS training game with three teams that I want everyone to do each training session for 10 minutes; to ensure we improve the players quick thinking and decision making, as well as their awareness of how to get free OFF THE BALL, here are some more ideas with the same theme so you do not have to do the same game every training session.
This will also ensure the players do not get bored with the repetition of it all.
Really try to have the players play one touch but depending on their developmental level perhaps start with two touches for them to gain early success and to increase their confidence.
But, As Soon As You Can; Play One Touch Only
Please ensure you do this every session as it is imperative we work on this theme with them.
Coaches choose which session they use each training session please, there are many choices to go at for you.
Shown below are many variations of the theme but the simplest theme to use is focusing on:
“ONE TOUCH PASSING AND MOVING OFF THE BALL”
Many may struggle with this but in time and with patience and practice you will be amazed how much improvement comes in quick decision making using this game. As each player only has one touch to pass the ball this should improve players movement off the ball to support due to this as they know the player receiving needs immediate help and as many options as possible. The two aspects of play go hand in hand, one touch play and movement off the ball.
Players in 90 minutes touch the ball themselves, depending on their position, perhaps 3 to 6 minutes, so what do they do in the other 84 to 87 minutes?
They must understand how best to move OFF THE BALL in that time span to help their teammates.
Hence why the focus and teaching of Movement OFF the ball is so vital and important in the greater scheme of things in the game.
The Importance of Developing Players Through Teaching Rondos
Rondos are a great way to prepare players for the game situations and especially the fast decision making needed within the game. Though the foundation of the basic rondo stays the same, it can be made more difficult or easier by the number of touches players are allowed for example so it benefits ALL players who practice with them.
The following comes from Soccer Awareness eBook "Developing Players with Rondos Using the Soccer Awareness Philosophy"
This 222 page eBook explores the use of rondos in youth soccer. Rondos are a great way to prepare players for the game situations and especially the fast decision making needed within the game. I have included as a way to work into these game situations many Rondo ideas that I feel are great foundation builders for players learning to combine and play together. I have stayed with simplistic ideas that all levels of players can try and be successful at. It is up to each coach to work out how to make it work for their players.
Though the foundation of the basic rondo stays the same; we explore different ways to present it. It can be made easier or more difficult based on the number of touches players are allowed, for example, so it benefits ALL players who practice with them; also the size of area they play within can be manipulated to change the challenge. Preview Here
This is an introduction to my book exploring the use of rondos in youth soccer.
I have included as a way to work into these game situations many Rondo ideas I feel are great foundation builders for players learning to combine and play together.
I have stayed with simplistic ideas that all levels of players can try and be successful at, it is up to each coach to work out how to make it work for their players.
Though the foundation of the basic rondo stays the same, we explore different ways to present it. It can be made easier or more difficult based on the number of touches players are allowed for example so it benefits ALL players who practice with them; also the size of area they play within can be manipulated to change the challenge.
Rondos are a great way; in my opinion; to prepare players for the game situations and especially the fast decision making needed within the game.
Pep Guardiola quoted this about rondos at Barcelona: “What I learnt here is everything starts with the ball and ends with the ball. Sometimes we forget that it’s a game of 11 v 11 with ONE BALL. We try to keep this ball, we try to play with this ball, we try to make everything with the ball. This is what we learn when we start as children there.”
What Do Rondos Teach?
A rondo for example isn't just 4 players playing keep away from a single player and a bit of fun (though they Are fun), what you get out of a rondo is the following:
Soccer Awareness: Assessing options BEFORE receiving the ball: The Think and Look
Technique,
Mobility,
Agility and balance
Body position,
Foot preparation,
Communication,
The 1st touch,
The 2nd touch, and beyond
Teamwork,
Collective tactical understanding in a small sided game environment,
Positioning OFF the ball,
Problem solving,
And developing creativity and imagination,
Intensity of play,
Physically challenging;
Developing Angles of support;
Opening up passing lanes by movement off the ball;
Speeding up thinking and decision making, The SKILL FACTOR;
ltimately providing a competitive environment where no one wants to give the ball away nd finally,
They are fun to do.
An example of how we develop a Soccer Awareness Rondo over time and increase the challenges
We begin with a basic Rondo. It is none pressured, unlimited touches, and presented in a simple way to allow the players to easily begin the process of education. It is the attention to detail that is paramount in the learning process. The Ball must be passed around the square not across it. Players adjust their position based on the ball. They use the cones as positional points of reference.
Players MUST always open up their body stance to receive with their BACK FOOT. Ways to build the Rondo and increase challenges:
Playing unlimited touches
Playing 3 touches
Playing two touches;
Playing one touch when able but 2 touches maximum
Adding a defender in the middle so 4 v 1 (can again go back to unlimited touches, 3, then 2, then 1 when able so many more progressions just within the 4 v 1 itself).
Players change position and rotate on the outside
Add another defender, now 4 v 2 (number of touches, size of area change etc)
Challenge outside player to split the 2 defenders with a pass between them
Add a neutral attacking player in the middle who outside players MUST involve consistently so now 4 v 2 plus 1. Neutral player 3 or 2 touches only
Neutral player ONE touch only
Neutral player can rotate in and out with outside players; so very fast decision making in rotations of players added to the passing itself.
Reduce to a 3 v 1 rondo and assess if the players are ready to play 1 or 2 touches yet. A very fast movement off the ball challenge now
Decrease the size of the grid so less space, faster decisions needed; tighter passing lanes to find, better soccer awareness required.
Can you think of any other progressions you could add to this to increase the challenge and intensity of the practice?
Once players are EXCELLENT at all these progressions a logical move now would be to go to double rondos. More players, more options, more decisions, and now mental transitions happen more going from attacking to defending at pace
Get The Book
Ball Control and Dribbling Skills Ideas
Dribbling is a ball skill that's crucial in soccer. The best soccer players in the world can control the ball when sprinting at full speed and avoiding defenders. Better dribbling skills allows players to create space and time and therefore better control the ball and make plays. Here are two drills you can add to your practices to improve your teams dribbling skills.
The following two drills come from eBook 27: Dribbling Technique and Skill for U6 to U9. This eBook includes drills and teaches technique that you can use in practice to help your team perfect their dribbling. You will learn different techniques to control the ball, specific dribbling moves, awareness dribbling work, dribbling for possession and more than 50 pages of drills that you can use with your team.
Wayne Harrison has put together this collection of dribbling drills from his wealth of knowledge at the highest levels of the game both as a professional player and professional coach. Find Out More
He Says She Says
Emphasis: Ball control and motor skills
Set-up: Use the penalty box or the center circle. Grid size depends on the number of players. Each player has a ball.
Objective: The players must follow the instruction of the coach. For example, if the coach shouts “touch the ball quickly side to side”, then the players must do so. Complete 10 commands successfully and then stretch for a minute. Repeat using different commands.
Progression:
Tap the top of the ball with the bottoms of your feet, alternating feet each time.
Jump over the ball.
Hop around the ball.
Skip around the ball.
Toss the ball up, hit it with your head, and catch it.
Use the bottom of your foot and move it in a circle.
Kick the ball in the air, turn, and catch it.
Coaching Points:
Get the touches right.
Don’t run into anyone.
Indianapolis 500
Emphasis: Dribbling, ball control
Set-up: Set up a 15x20 yard grid (race track). Place all of your players in the grid with a ball.
Objective: The players must not crash into the cones (rails). If the players (collide) with each other or the cones (rails), they must go outside the grid, and do fast footwork with the ball. For example; toe touches on the ball, quick passes side to side, or quick turns with the left and right foot. The players (cars) must obey the coaches (race director) shout. “Shift gears”-change directions, “red flag”-stop the ball, “blue flag”-stop the ball with the knee, “yellow flag”-dribble slower, and “green flag”-accelerate to top speed.
Progression:
Make the grid smaller and more congested.
Players must only use the left foot only.
Coaching Points:
Keep the ball close to your body.
Concentrate on change of direction away from pressure (other cars).
Diagonal Runs Without the Ball in a 6 v 6 Game
The theme is making diagonal runs with or without the ball to receive or create space for a teammate. When it is a forward diagonal run the player making it must avoid running offside in a game situation.
The following comes from Soccer Awareness eBook 12: 16 Team Shape Games. Soccer shape teaches players how to defend and attack as a team. No matter what formation you choose to play, Team Shape is a vital component to how successful your team will play on the weekend. In this book we will look at various options based on age groups for the size of the games. Get the book here.
The theme here is making diagonal runs with or without the ball to receive or create space for a teammate. When it is a forward diagonal run the player making it must avoid running offside in a game situation.
Coaching Points:
Creating Space.
Decision – when and where to pass into the receiver.
Technique – Quality of pass particularly the weight, accuracy and timing.
Angle and Timing of the Diagonal Runs both to create space and to receive the ball.
Support Positions of the players.
In the above example (2) is on the ball to pass it forward. (6) Makes a diagonal run away from the center taking man marking (B) with them. (4) Also makes a diagonally opposite run away from the central area taking (C) away also. This leaves space for (5) to come short with another diagonal run to receive the pass. As in receiving and turning (5) may have run (A) off to check back if time was available to do so thus creating more time and space on the ball.
Another way to create space for (5) coming short to receive would be for (6) to make a run towards (5) and cut across the path of (5)’s marker (A) to hold up their run.
Playing in 5 Corridors and 3 Zones Using the 3-3-1-3 for Attacking and Defending Team Shape
Using Corridors is a great way to work out individual and collective field positioning as a team both offensively and defensively and it also gives players real a “focal point” to work off. We use “Corridors” width wise and then introduce “Zones” lengthwise later. These “focal points of reference” I believe are a great way to really teach players to understand the differences between attacking and defending team shapes both widthwise and lengthwise. A great session to help players identify positional variations, the 4 lines are used as a clear guide widthwise.
The following is part of a 60 page presentation on the 3-3-1-3 that can be found in the recently added 3-3-1-3 System of Play page in the Soccer Awareness Training Center. Soccer Awareness Training Center provides unlimited access to Wayne Harrison's Soccer Awareness systems, training sessions, drills and more. Wayne's system helps develop world class youth soccer players and teams in a systematic and imaginative manner that guarantees performance at the highest level of competition. Whether you’re a beginning coach who needs help getting started or someone who wants to add some variety to their training sessions, the Soccer Awareness Training Center offers a wide variety of drills to choose from. Join Today
You can use this method of teaching with any system you like.
We divide the field up into Corridors and Zones to help players understand the major differences in spacing between attacking and defending team shape. We call them Corridors Widthwise and Zones Lengthwise. Below are some parameters to work off in my opinion. We first discuss the use of the Corridors.
Team Attacking Shape: Based on the 5 corridors width-wise we want all 5 corridors to have players in them. Based length–wise we want a maximum of 2 of 3 zones filled; with the exception of the keeper.
Team Defending Shape: Based on the 5 corridors width-wise we want a maximum of 3 corridors filled with players preferably 2.5 if possible.
Based length-wise we want a maximum of 2 of 3 zones filled preferably the whole team is condensed into 1.5 zones or at most half a field.
Playing in 5 Corridors Using the 3-3-1-3
Using Corridors is a great way to work out individual and collective field positioning as a team both offensively and defensively and it also gives players real a “focal point” to work off.
We use “Corridors” width wise and then introduce “Zones” lengthwise later.
These “focal points of reference” I believe are a great way to really teach players to understand the differences between attacking and defending team shapes both widthwise and lengthwise.
Particularly in defensive set ups (in my opinion); it shows players how to mark in zones and how much tighter it should be than they will likely imagine and especially shows those players furthest from the ball defensively how important zonal marking is.
Example, the balls is on our left with the other team and our right back is marking the opponents opposite side winger far too wide, by having designated lines this becomes much clearer to understand.
The Theme is positioning OFF the ball as a team
A great session to help players identify positional variations, the 4 lines are used as a clear guide widthwise.
Using such a fluid system of play as ours; putting the lines in as a condition is a great help.
Example if (7) goes outside (2) has to be inside (Phase 2 to Phase 3)
Defining lines also force players to play at angles to each other thus improving their peripheral vision and their preferred side-on body shape.
Divide the field in thirds lengthways also for attacking and defending principles to be worked on.
High pressing is vital to allow us to push many players forward so if we lose the ball in the attacking third we don’t let them out.
This is our starting position of 3-1-3-3. The keeper wins the ball and we change shape completely. This is Phase 1 of our 5 phases of play.
This is our defending position of 5-4-1 possibly after recovering back and playing more defensively.. The keeper wins the ball and we change shape completely.
Here we have a good balance with players positioning at angles to each other. This is Phase two of the 5 phases of play are wide and long.
Here we have a good balance with players positioning at angles to each other. This is Phase three of the 5 phases of play where (7) and (11) cut inside to overload in and around zone 14.
Get the rest of this 60 page presentation and much more on the 3-3-1-3 in the Soccer Awareness Training Center. We have just added 9 presentations on this very fluid system of play. Check it out.
Quick Transition 2 v 2 Rondos
This is a 2 v 2 game going to 4 goals. The team who scores stays on and must quickly defend the 2 new players coming in (one from each goal that the opposition defends).
The following drill comes from the New Soccer Awareness eBook Developing Players with Rondos Using the Soccer Awareness Philosophy. This 222 page eBook explores the use of rondos in youth soccer. Rondos are a great way to prepare players for the game situations and especially the fast decision making needed within the game. Preview The Book
This is a 2 v 2 game going to 4 goals. The team who scores stays on and must quickly defend the 2 new players coming in (one from each goal that the opposition defends).
Instant transition with the same ball that the opponents scored with, here (3) and (4) are positioned to immediately bring the ball the opponents’ may score with out to attack. The other two players (1) and (2) must get off the field ASAP.
Introduce a target player (can be coaches or players). Now it can be a 3 v 2 effectively.
Players can use the target to play give and goes with each other or with their immediate teammates.
Liken passing into the goal as a midfielder passing into a striker so they get the ball in there as quickly as possible or a defender into a midfielder.
The 1st thought of the player on the ball has to be “Can I score?”
The 1st thought of the 1st defender is can I stop them scoring, win possession immediately, and score myself.
First team to 10 goals wins, keeping the competitive element.
If the ball goes out of play the coach can provide another one to keep things going quickly.
Coaching Points Attacking:
Quick Break and counter attack
Switching the point of attack if another goal is more open
Quick one and two touch passing
Positioning to open up passing lanes and getting between defenders to pass the ball in early
Creating 2 v 1 situations from a 2 v 2 set up and setting up a give and go.
Coaching Points Defending:
Instant pressure as possession changes (transition after scoring going from being an attacker to being a defender)
Regaining possession at the front with a scoring reward
Getting in front of the passing lanes to prevent the quick pass into the goal.
Working together with pressure and support, the support player supporting the first defender, stepping across and covering the passing lane to the second goal and also keeping an eye on the 2nd attacker.
Transition Coaching Points:
Immediately the team that has been in possession of the ball and has scored then they must switch on mentally to being defenders and high pressuring the new attacking team to try to win the ball back and score again.
Area: 15 x 10
A 2 v 2 game going to 2 goals. The team who scores stays on and must quickly defend the 2 new players coming in (one from each goal that the opposition defends).
Offside half way line. Instant transition with the same ball that the opponents scored with.
Players can use the target to play give and goes with each other or with their immediate teammates.
Use the players in the goals to support. They have 1 or 2 touches only so they must play quickly.
Now it is essentially a 3 v 2. For the inside players start with unlimited touches then as they are successful decrease the number to test their peripheral vision and awareness on and off the ball.
Always increasing the challenge each point of success is reached.
Now develop by allowing the balls to transfer
This will really test the players imagination and awareness on and off the ball. In one instant (3) and (4) are defending, in the next they are attacking. Likewise for the letters team.
Here we show how the mental transition works with each team suddenly changing their positions defensively to deal with the change.
Get much more like this in the New Soccer Awareness eBook Developing Players with Rondos Using the Soccer Awareness Philosophy. This 222 page eBook explores the use of rondos in youth soccer. Rondos are a great way to prepare players for the game situations and especially the fast decision making needed within the game. Preview The Book
A Square Passing Rondo Introducing Brain Centered Awareness Training
The goal of this exercise is to help program movements into our players while also helping them develop proper habits to read the game and play in a creative manner.
Groups of 4 players with one ball. Place extra balls either in the grid or nearby to keep the exercise flowing in the event of mistakes.
The Square should be approximately 15×15 yards. There should be three discs at each corner of the square (as pictured).
The Goal of this exercise is to help program movements into our players while also helping them develop proper habits to read the game and play in a creative manner.
Focus: Players should start on the furthest disc from the player they’ll be receiving the ball from.
1st Movement: When player B takes his/her first touch “prepares the ball”, player C should break off the disc “separate from the defender” and show into the space to receive a pass from B. Player D should now be prepared to separate from the defender on player C’s preparation touch. Exercise continues.
Coaching Points:
Crisp Passing
Explosive Separation from defender
Head on a swivel- Can we take a look at where we want to play next as the ball is traveling?
Clean 1st touch
This is an outstanding warm-up to help program players with a proper skill set to meet the demands of the modern game, movement off the ball, timing of runs, crisp passing, taking a look!, but for the exercise to truly be effective, the coach MUST demand that all the movements & requirements of the exercise are carried out at game speed. Coaching Demand: If you let your players get away with things that wouldn’t work in the game during training, what is the point of training?
Add Central Midfield Support Players
Now we have give and goes or 1-2s with each of the four players. Two midfield players rotate in and out and take turns in supporting the outside player. If you only have 5 players use one midfield player only.
If you like this, get much more like it in one of our new ebooks:
Developing Players with Rondos Using the Soccer Awareness Philosophy
This 222 page eBook explores the use of rondos in youth soccer. Rondos are a great way to prepare players for the game situations and especially the fast decision making needed within the game. I have included as a way to work into these game situations many Rondo ideas that I feel are great foundation builders for players learning to combine and play together. I have stayed with simplistic ideas that all levels of players can try and be successful at. It is up to each coach to work out how to make it work for their players. Get It Here
Tactical Thoughts on the Development of the New 4 v 4, 7 v 7 and 9 v 9 Game Sizes
This 407 page eBook shows how these different size games can be taught and also shows different systems of play that might be useful to you.
Run with them as you may and of course come up with your own solutions too as that is what coaching is all about. I have introduced the use of RONDOS to initially aid the development of players for the game situation. Get It Here
Warm Up: Angled Support and Sideways On Positioning
Soccer is a sideways on sport -- players will have much more success when they are able to receive the ball at an angle. Being sideways on allows players, in advance of the ball, to be able to see peripherally advancing defenders. This warm up gets the players moving, working on their decision making, spacing, angles and more.
The following drill is an excerpt from Soccer Awareness eBook 6: Sideways On or Facing Forward Body Shape for Striker Position; The Brazilian Way.
This book includes In-Depth Information on Striker Movement.
Soccer is a sideways on sport -- players will have much more success when they are able to receive the ball at an angle. Being sideways on allows players, in advance of the ball, to be able to see peripherally advancing defenders.
These exercises are excellent for developing this sideways on aspect of receiving and passing the ball. This aspect of play becomes particularly important when one touch soccer is required. Being able to have the body halfway turned enables attacking players to use a couple of maneuvers to get past defenders. Get it Now
One team inside, one team outside. A ball is with each outside player to begin. Pass to an inside player who receives and turns and finds another outside free player with a pass. Then look to receive from another outside player. The outside player receives and moves the ball side to side until another inside player is free to receive a pass. This ensures all the players are working both inside the grid and outside it. Player support at angles to receive opening up the field of play, not in straight lines; do not do what (4) above has done where there is no options and no vision based on the position (4) is in.
Change the practice to all soccer balls starting with the inside players. These players now look to pass and receive a give and go from an outside player. Rotate the players so both teams have the chance to play in the middle of the grid. Move both teams to the middle; divide the grid into two with each team passing to their own team within their own grid area keeping teams separate to begin.
Mix the play up, let it run through the legs and turn (weight of past), chip the ball into space, use the inside and outside of the foot to receive and turn, play a double pass, look twice before you receive.
Competitive: Have the receiving players count the number of times they receive and pass the ball in a set time period. Only count the passes that are accurate. This speeds up the decision making process.
How We Set Our Teams Up At 8 v 8
This is a recommended set-up to relate the field positions of the 8 v 8 players in the 3-3-1 to the 4-2-3-1 formation for the 11 v 11.
The following is an excerpt from The Ultimate Youth Coaches Training Guide; A Complete 6 to 10 Year Old Developmental Coaching and Training Program.
This program is perfect for youth coaches wanting practices to start their soccer coaching education and it is also for those more advanced and experienced coaches wanting to train their players as best they can at these wonderful open minded ages for development and education of both the mind and body. Our plan is to help all coaches at whatever level of experience they are at. Find Out More
To relate the field positions of the 8 v 8 players in the 3-3-1 to the 4-2-3-1 formation for the 11 v 11 we do the following:
We do not include center backs 4 or 5.
Number 10 in 8 v 8 can be represented as EITHER a number 8 or a number 10 in 11 v 11.
Both types of player work for this.
The rest of the players mirror the positions of the same numbered players in 11 v 11 that being: the keeper 1, fullbacks / wing backs 2 and 3.
Central defensive midfielder 6 (who can play center back or center midfield)
7 being wide right (midfielder / winger / wide striker),
11 wide left (midfielder / winger / wide striker) and
9 is the central striker.
So using this method, we are creating really consistent and relevant developmental training that can be easily transferred from the 8 v 8 model to the 11 v 11 model.
This means the movements and types of plays technically and tactically we want to teach at U11 and 11 v 11 are already being established at U7, U8; U9 and U10
Using Cones as reference points for team shape defensively then team shape offensively. This is the team shape start.
Attacking shape is now a 3-1-3. Zone 14 is the area between the opponents.
One Touch Weight and Accuracy Passing Drill
The emphasis in this drill is on executing one-touch passes with the correct accuracy and weight. If players can't pass and receive the ball in soccer, they will not be successful. The coach of youth players should emphasize technical training while also having a basic understanding of correct technical execution.
The following drill comes from Soccer Awareness eBook 3: 33 Passing And Receiving Practices For U6 To U10.
If players can't pass and receive the ball in soccer, they will not be successful. The coach of youth players should emphasize technical training while also having a basic understanding of correct technical execution. This can be accomplished using a variety of conditioned games to teach techniques in a way that provides plenty of repetition. This book contains 33 passing and receiving drills that you can implement with your team. Each exercise is explained and important coaching points are emphasized. Click here to preview
Emphasis: Executing one-touch passes with the correct accuracy and weight.
Set-up: 15 x 15 yard grid. Five players per group with one player designated as server. Flags are placed to create a target area at one end of the grid as shown. Players begin at the opposite end of the grid. A supply of balls is placed next to the server.
Objective: The first player in line must run forward, receive a pass from the server and one-touch the ball towards the target area. Points are awarded if the ball comes to rest inside the target area. After each attempt the next player in line repeats the sequence. Each player must quickly retrieve their ball; return it to the server before joining the back of the line. Play is continuous for a predetermined period of time. Switch the server after each round of play.
Progression: Introduce a competition format – first player or group to 5 points wins.
Coaching Points:
Lock the ankle with the toe slightly pointed up.
Non-kicking foot must be placed in line with the target.
Redirect the ball towards the target area.
Follow through and adjust the weight as necessary.
Get more like this in Soccer Awareness eBook 3: 33 Passing And Receiving Practices For U6 To U10.
How to Develop a Rondo Over Time and Increase the Challenges
This presentations shows the basic Rondo. It is none pressured, unlimited touches, and presented in a simple way to allow the players to easily begin the process of education. It is the attention to detail that is paramount in the learning process. The Ball must be passed around the square not across it. Players adjust their position based on the ball. They use the cones as positional points of reference.
The following is part of Soccer Awareness eBook: Tactical Thoughts on the Development of the New 4 v 4, 7 v 7 and 9 v 9 Game Sizes.
This eBook shows how these different size games can be taught and also shows different systems of play that might be useful to you. I have introduced the use of RONDOS to initially aid the development of players for the game situation. Click Here to Buy the Book
The following diagrams show the basic Rondo we begin with.
It is none pressured, unlimited touches, and presented in a simple way to allow the players to easily begin the process of education. It is the attention to detail that is paramount in the learning process. The Ball must be passed around the square not across it. Players adjust their position based on the ball. They use the cones as positional points of reference.
Players MUST always open up their body stance to receive with their BACK FOOT. Ways to build the Rondo and increase challenges:
Playing unlimited touches
Playing 3 touches
Playing two touches;
Playing one touch when able but 2 touches maximum
Adding a defender in the middle so 4 v 1 (can again go back to unlimited touches, 3, then 2, then 1 when able so many more progressions just within the 4 v 1 itself).
Players change position and rotate on the outside
Add another defender, now 4 v 2 (number of touches, size of area change etc)
Challenge outside player to split the 2 defenders with a pass between them
Add a neutral attacking player in the middle who outside players MUST involve consistently so now 4 v 2 plus 1. Neutral player 3 or 2 touches only
Neutral player ONE touch only
Neutral player can rotate in and out with outside players; so very fast decision making in rotations of players added to the passing itself.
Reduce to a 3 v 1 rondo and assess if the players are ready to play 1 or 2 touches yet. A very fast movement off the ball challenge now
Decrease the size of the grid so less space, faster decisions needed; tighter passing lanes to find, better soccer awareness required.
Can you think of any other progressions you could add to this to increase the challenge and intensity of the practice?
Once players are EXCELLENT at all these progressions a logical move now would be to go to double rondos. More players, more options, more decisions, and now mental transitions happen more going from attacking to defending at pace
Soccer Awareness Sliding Rondos using one and two touches (or more if needed)
SA Sliding Rondos no rotational movement outside to inside
Defending players stay in for one minute then change with outside players. Very fast tempo playing ONE touch where they can. We must play into the central neutral pivot player as often as possible. Do this one with no movement or rotation of players to begin.
SA Sliding Rondos using with only the pivot player changing
Very fast tempo playing ONE touch where they can. Here (E) slides outside and (B) slides inside on the blindside of the ball and (D) makes a one touch pass to (C) who immediately passes to (B) to then pass to (A). Players must slide in and out as often as they can to keep the momentum going.
The Soccer Awareness eBook: Tactical Thoughts on the Development of the New 4 v 4, 7 v 7 and 9 v 9 Game Sizes includes more drills, diagrams and coaching points on utilizing Rondos in your training.
The Roles and Responsibilities of Each Player in the 7 v 7
Here we are looking at players 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9 and 10 of the 11 v 11 and we will look at them in this particular formation of 1-3-2-1.
The following is a preview of Soccer Awareness eBook: Tactical Thoughts on the Development of the New 4 v 4, 7 v 7 and 9 v 9 Game Sizes.
This 407 page eBook shows how these different size games can be taught and also shows different systems of play that might be useful to you. Run with them as you may and of course come up with your own solutions too as that is what coaching is all about. I have introduced the use of RONDOS to initially aid the development of players for the game situation. Click Here to Buy the Book
Here we are looking at players 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9 and 10 of the 11 v 11 and we will look at them in this particular formation of 1-3-2-1 but will show other variable formations too.
(2) And (3) can take on the characteristics of (7) and (11) in attack. We want them to get up and down the field as our wide outlets..
(6) Can be compared to center backs (4) and (5) in their roles though in a more attacking minded way in the way I believe we can play. (6) is also playing a more characteristic Number (6) role as in the 11 v 11 team.
(8) Is like a link midfield player and (10) is the shadow striker in behind (9) the central striker.
In this set up the shadow striker has perhaps slightly more defensive duties than the shadow striker in an 11 v 11 due to the lower number of players on the team.
Defensive positioning is more beside (8) than in front of (8) as it would be in the 11 v 11.
(9) Plays the traditional striker role.
Players in Our Defensive 3-2-1 Set Up
Using Cones as reference points for team shape defensively then team shape offensively. This is the team shape start position of a 3-2-1.
Players in Our Attacking 3-2-1 Set Up
Zone 14 is the area between the opponents back players and their midfield.
The Role of the Keeper
With the ball / without the ball
Technical
Tactical
Psychological
Physical
Skill
Technical Qualities: With the ball
Speed and quality of distribution
Pass, kick, without hands and excellent on the floor technique.
Technique of releasing the ball with the feet and hands - distance (short, middle and long) with speed and direction
Tactical: With the ball
Speed - with ball TO START ATTACKS
Positioning - in a position to receive the back pass.
Choice - playing in depth - retaining possession of the ball
Without the ball:
Positioning: depending on where the ball is and who has it
Communication - with their peers and with respect to the opponents
Control of ways to defend - the goal - area (at the sides, in front of the back four and behind the back four)
Psychological:
The “Will” to avoid goals against
Disciplined and responsible
Stable / consistent performances - avoiding risk
A Leader and organizer
Highly Vocal Communication Skills - with defenders (especially) - with the midfielders - with the forwards (Can see the WHOLE FIELD)
Physical Attributes:
Speed over short and middle distances
QUICK Reactions (not anticipation)
Vertical Force - strong jumping ability - to attack the ball AT ITS HIGHEST POINT
Duel - in the air - power in the 1 to 1; so a strong body
Skill:
All about Decision Making and developing the mind of the player. The “Skill Factor: is perhaps THE most important component to develop in a player.
Everything they do relates to this in terms of assessing options and what the right course of action to take both on and off the ball.
Get the rest of this article and more in the Soccer Awareness eBook: Tactical Thoughts on the Development of the New 4 v 4, 7 v 7 and 9 v 9 Game
Developing Attacking Play in the Opponents Defending Third
The attacking team has the ball. This is the start position of the game situation.
The idea is to have this phase, being the attacking one, and working on various ideas of movement, rotation and interchange to try to score.
You can focus on this until success is achieved from an attacking point of view.
The following is the beginning of Soccer Awareness eBook 31: Developing the Four Phases of the Game.
The game is really all about 4 Phases of Play. It can be divided up further into sub phases but the essence of the game are these 4. This eBook is what one of my main training sessions is based on. We actually train very often with this precise game situational model as it totally mirrors what I expect my team to do in the actual games. In doing so, we practice the same ideas over and over until they become AUTOMATIC when it matters.
The attacking team has the ball. This is the start position of the game situation.
The idea is to have this phase, being the attacking one, and working on various ideas of movement, rotation and interchange to try to score.
You can focus on this until success is achieved from an attacking point of view.
The starting point of the session: attacking team shape in a “Phase of Play”
Starting position of the attacking team. We can begin with an overload to get things moving positively in an attacking sense by not including (7) and (11) on the defending team. 16 players.
Attacking team shape in a Phase of Play: Using the full width of the field
To begin, our advantage is in wide areas where we have 2 v 1s on each side of the field. Draw defending fullbacks a Little wider in the process.
Wide attackers (7) and (11) cut inside to attack the inside áreas of the field
(7) And (11) cut inside to support (9) and draw defenders in to créate space wide for (2) and (3) to attack in.
(8) and (10) pull away from their markers to get free. Here we must attack through the wide areas of the field.
Defending fullbacks stay wide
Defenders (2) and (3) are distracted by the runs of the attacking (2) and (3). Now (7) and (11) overload the central área in front of the two center backs. This is the área we must attack now.
Attacking wingbacks cut inside
Defenders (2) and (3) are distracted by the runs of the attacking (7) and (1). Now (2) and (3) overload the central área in front of the two center backs. This is the área we must attack now, this is a less predictable movement by the attacking team.
Movement OFF the shoulder of defender (4)
Striker (9) moves off the shoulder of defender (4) in the build up to get free for a pass into the open channel from (3).
Attacking wingback (2) cuts inside to score
(9) Drags defender (4) short thinking he is receiving to feet and (2) exploits the space left in behind defender (4). This kind of move is a rarity because not many teams teach wingbacks to get into central shooting areas like this.
Get the rest of this session and more like it in Soccer Awareness eBook 31: Developing the Four Phases of the Game
54 Pages
We want to stay with our own game plan as closely as possible; based on what we practice and to keep it simple for us; as we dictate to our opponents; and we impose OUR WAY on them.
But there will be many occasions where we must change the system of play and we may have to adjust to suit the opponents.
Here are some ideas for you to consider for your team starting with the 13313 and 14231 systems of play.