Developing Play from a Free Kick in 9 v 9
/ Wayne HarrisonThis activity can start from a free kick or in open play. We work a “set play” in open play where, switching the point of attack rather than just booting it forward hoping for the best. Do this as a shadow play at first for success, then bring passive defenders in; then play real with defenders defending correctly.
This is a very simple way to show how the team movement works. The main theme is movement OFF and often AWAY from the ball. Players position OFF the ball based on: The best spaces, the opponent's positions, their own teammates positions, the position of the ball. These are ALL EXAMPLES of what “might / could” happen. Players can interchange positions as we develop the play. We offer great dynamics and fluidity to the players to allow them to express themselves on the field.
With this we can show the discipline also involved when we lose the ball and we recover back or press high. Teams will develop their style of play within these frameworks, it will never be as picture perfect as this due to the nature of the game, it is more just a guiding framework. How we do it per team it can be determined by the level of play.
This article is available for Training Center Members Only. Get more information about joining here.
This is a very simple way to show how the team movement works. The main theme is movement OFF and often AWAY from the ball. Players position OFF the ball based on: The best spaces, the opponent's positions, their own teammates positions, the position of the ball. These are ALL EXAMPLES of what “might / could” happen. Players can interchange positions as we develop the play. This is an introduction to this presentation.
Here we show how team shape changes from defending to attacking to then how we start to interchange and rotate players. Distances between defending and attacking are bigger than most think. Players learn how to add fluidity and freedom to team play in terms of their offensive movements and how to compact themselves when defending.
Using the 1-3-3-1-1 is a progressive move to playing the 1-3-3-1-3 in the 11 v 11 hence I am starting with this formation at 9 v 9.
*Membership Required
Subscribe to the Soccer Awareness Training Center to get access to all premium Training Center Exclusive articles.
An easy introduction to teaching players to develop play from the back without the pressure they would get in a game situation. Builds confidence and composure in the players and you can increase the pressure as they improve.
Overload at the back. Striker can’t encroach into the 10-yard composure zone. Defenders pass ball across under no pressure until one is free to run it out, attackers can now try to win it back. Defenders can take the ball back into the composure zone for safety and this encourages spreading out and playing from the back. Be patient, keep possession; go forward at the correct moment.
*Membership Required
Building 9 v 9 team play up through various conditions of play
Players stay in their own thirds to establish team shape
Transition between thirds
9 v 9 rotation of players
Possible passing options
Overlap play from wide defenders
Introducing offside
Overload in attack to maintain possession
Transitions between thirds for defending team also
Working with four zones
Use this session to work on team shape, movement in wide areas, use of one word commands and more in a 9 v 9 set-up playing a 3-1-3-1 system.
Here we are looking at players 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9; 10 and 11 of the 11 v 11 and we will look at them in this particular formation of 1-3-3-1-1. You could of course use different formations at 9 v 9 but I'm basing it on this one because it’s closer to the set up of the 11 v 11 so it transitions easily into it.
9 v 9 is at the younger ages; and not wanting to baffle them with science too early; we will choose far fewer ways to build out from the back than we do at 11 v 11. But we will establish patterns of play they can learn to do that are very simple; but also very effective when done correctly; and we will change the boot ball mentality many clubs follow; and teach the game correctly without fear of failure.

The best way to win the ball from a throw in; more often than not ; is for the opponents to throw it in. The best way to lose the ball from throw ins; more often than not ; is for US to throw the ball in. It sounds “back to front” but watch and see. Therefore, its very important to have pre meditated plans for throw ins, as must as for corners, free kicks wide and central or long, and how to defend from these set plays too.
This is a basic crossover move. The person who receives the throw to cross the ball starts their run second. (7) and (10) line up with (2). They look to cross over . All other players stay out of the immediate area.
This article is available for Training Center Members Only. Get more information about joining here.