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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.
Passing Game for Spatial Awareness Development
Players have the ball at their feet for approximately 5 minutes out of 90. What do they do the rest of the 85 minutes? They must learn to move off the ball and to move into open passing lanes to be open at all times to help the player on the ball or the next player on the ball. Here is a great session to teach this.
We can use many upright cones to represent opponents rather than mannequins. We set the cones up in triangles and diamonds. We ask players to position between the cones in the best space available. Try to balance their position to find the best space in the middle of the triangle or diamond of cones (opponents). Players beyond the ball try to position in triangles and diamonds of support also.
The following is an excerpt from Soccer Awareness 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.
Passing Game with Cones for Spatial Awareness Development using Mannequins or Cones in Training for Movement Off the Ball
Players have the ball at their feet for approximately 5 minutes out of 90. What do they do the rest of the 85 minutes? They must learn to move off the ball and to move into open passing lanes to be open at all times to help the player on the ball or the next player on the ball. Here is a great session to teach this.
Getting into passing lanes to help each other
We can use many upright cones to represent opponents rather than mannequins. We set the cones up in triangles and diamonds. We ask players to position between the cones in the best space available.
Try to balance their position to find the best space in the middle of the triangle or diamond of cones (opponents). Players beyond the ball try to position in triangles and diamonds of support also.
OBJECTIVE: To improve movement off the ball by providing mannequins to act as opponents to fill important space
A non-directional training practice
Mannequins represent opponents on the field. They fill important spaces so the players need to pass and move around and between them. This ensures players move off the ball to help the player on the ball have as many options as possible for a pass. The goal of the players is to find as much space as they can between the mannequins to give themselves as much space as possible to play in.
Every now and again stop the practice and see where the players are positioned. Are they in free space? Are they too close to a mannequin and hence in a game situation not available for a pass? If they are then ASK THE PLAYERS to SHOW you a better position to be in.
Possible problems here are the positioning of players behind opponents so the player on the ball cannot see them to pass to.
Develop:
Restrict the number of touches on the ball to 3 touches, two touches then one touch; if it is on to do so. To enable one touch to be possible movement off the ball has to be intelligent, fast and into space to help the passer play one touch. Thinking AHEAD of the ball arriving is paramount here otherwise one touch play cannot be performed successfully. Try to think two moves ahead. Movement OFF the ball by others is paramount here also otherwise the person receiving the pass will not be able to play one touch successfully.
Play the Numbers Game: 1 passing to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4 and so on. Increase the number of balls being used.
Two teams playing in the same area with a ball each. Now players need to avoid the other team AND the mannequins to find space to receive the pass.
Coaching Points:
Thinking and looking before receiving of the receiving player so they have assessed their options before receiving and in advance of the ball
Ability to play ONE touch if possible for speed of play
Movement OFF the ball of teammates to help the player on the ball
Movement INTO spaces between and around the mannequins to enable this to happen using the mannequins as guides.
Thinking TWO moves ahead to support.
Playing in triangles of support offering several options for the player on the ball in many directions.
An exaggerated situation but this shows what happens when players do not move to space to help the player on the ball; and do not open up the angle for a pass, instead standing behind an opponent and not being free to receive. How many times do you see this?
To defeat this problem; the player on the ball can pass to a space hoping that this will force the receiver to move to that space to receive the ball. Then the weight; timing and accuracy of the pass has to be particularly good; but this is not ideal.
Whilst players can still be successful with later movement off the ball of supporting players; if the player on the ball hastime on it to take more touches; it is always better to provide options of a pass as early as possible to increase speed of play and give opponents less time to work out their movements.
Working in threes
Here showing possible passing routes with each group of three players also showing how they get free and into as much space as possible, based on the positions of the mannequins who act as opponents filling spaces.
Different colors to pass to in order to develop color coordination.
Game situation
Have players passing in two teams to begin as a warm up, with a ball each team, then two and three balls each team. Then they pass to opposite colors only.
Now play a 6 v 6 (or any number you like) and make it a possession game. Mannequins make it more difficult by filling spaces so players have to play around them as well as their opponents. This should improve them playing in tight situations.
Use a 2 player overload if required initially until they get really good; then make it equal numbers each team, you dictate this based on the ability of your players. Of course change the numbers of touches on the ball decreasing the number as they become proficient to increase the difficulty.
The focus is again passing and movement off the ball to receive with as many players as possible offering an option of a pass for the player on the ball.
Here we show potential positioning of players in the biggest spaces they can find between the mannequins.
More space means more time to play on the ball so the player has the choice to play quickly or not; also depending on the individual situation presented; and often dictated to by the support positions of his teammates.
Develop: Have two teams playing through each other avoiding each other and also avoiding the mannequins. This is now a big challenge to each player on the field where there will be less space to play in and their peripheral vision will really be tested to its fullest.
Game Situation
Try an overload first of all maybe a 9 v 4 building it up to a full game. This is a big challenge meaning fewer spaces to play in and forcing more movement off the ball to support each other.
Here is a great video of FC Barcelona YouTube showing how this works.
Get more like this in Soccer Awareness 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.
Why Man Marking is good to use in practice even if you don’t defend that way in a game situation
In the game players must develop the ability to be calm under pressure, to be confident to receive the ball in tight spaces and to have the confidence of teammates to give the ball to you under pressure.To be good at this takes time and practice and many sessions where constant pressure is applied in the training environment hence why man marking games can be so productive.
The following drill is an example presentation that can be found in the Defending Section of 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
It is not just about teaching the defending aspects of it as it has other uses:
So what does it help develop from an attacking standpoint?
- Finding space to get free from your marker in a restricted area.
- Being able to receive the ball under a pressuring situation.
- Developing the confidence of the other players to pass to you under pressure.
In the game players must develop the ability to be calm under pressure, to be confident to receive the ball in tight spaces and to have the confidence of teammates to give the ball to you under pressure.
To be good at this takes time and practice and many sessions where constant pressure is applied in the training environment hence why man marking games can be so productive.
Therefore players need to develop their ability to look ahead of the ball even more, to assess options and make decisions even faster because the time on the ball is even more restricted than usual.
Positional Possession Areas (6 zones)
Players MUST stay in their own areas. Two neutral players can move anywhere to create numerical superiority.
Could be up to a 3 v 1 in one area. Players in the other areas work to get free of their markers as play develops because the neutral players (usually Midfield players because they have the ball the most) are always looking to change the point of attack.
There will be plenty of times when it is just purely a 1 v 1 in each zone where players are really tested under pressure.
Change the difficulty by changing the number of touches allowed on the ball.
When players start to get good at this take out the neutral players to make it even more difficult for success and an even bigger challenge for each player.
Ultimately challenge the players to be successful under intense man marking pressure by playing 1 and 2 touches maximum.
Latest Training Center Presentations
Traveling with the Movement of the Ball in Defending When the Ball Is in Front and When the Ball Is Behind the Back Four
Defensive Pressing to Push Up Without Touching the Ball
Pressing in Attacking Third
Why Man Marking Is Good to Use in Practice Even If You Don’t Defend That Way in A Game Situation
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. Join Now
The Conscious and Sub-Conscious Mind and Myelin Production in the Development of Soccer Players
The more you practice, the more you know how to do something better. However, if you believe, for even one second, that a habit cannot be undone, you are right! There is no way of undoing what you have learnt – so you might ask then, how do we get rid of a habit?
The answer is putting in more practice to learn something else than you did into learning the habit you are trying to undo. It's just that simple!
Every soccer player, like every human being, has two distinct parts of the mind whose primary role is thought and recollection: the conscious state and the sub-conscious state. As the names suggest, when you are completely aware of what you are doing, you are letting your conscious state guide you through the process.
On the other hand, when you react instinctively, or automatically even, your actions are being controlled by your sub-conscious mind. This isn't just true for football, by the way! Even when you are driving or cooking or swimming both these aspects come into the picture.
Our natural tendency is to think that we are how we think! We tend to define ourselves by our conscious mind or thoughts, which is not completely accurate. When it comes to making a decision after thinking about it, the conscious mind is the king. However, everything that we do, using our conscious mind, only helps create a belief system or habit for our sub-conscious mind.
What does that mean? It means that as we keep making a particular kind of decision, based on a particular kind of thought process, we convince our mind about our thinking patterns, which slowly becomes a habit for us.
To quote a simple example – say you are asked to pick your favorite color between Red & Green, and you choose Green. If this question is repeatedly asked to you, over and over again, there will come a point in time when you won't even need to think about the answer – you will just choose "Green" without blinking. It might even get to the point where you will speak out the answer even before the question is completed or earlier still.
Basically, what you are doing is training your mind to handle that situation in a way where you know exactly what you are going to do.
Being asked the same thing, over and over again, is just a way of reinforcing that idea into your sub-conscious mind. The decision, originally, was being made by the conscious segment of your mind. However, over time that role was slowly and gradually handed over to the sub-conscious mind, which made it instinctive.
That is the exact same reason why you can apply the brakes quickly, when the car in front of you suddenly comes to a halt. That is also why you know how to instantly use a spoon or even how to tie your shoe-laces.
MAKING HABITS
There is a gross misunderstanding about forming habits and breaking them. The general belief is that once a habit has been formed, it cannot be broken or is very hard to break. In actuality, it's all about chemicals in our brain!
When you do something, anything, you trigger chemical reactions that produce something called Myelin. This myelin forms a cover around your brain's neuron.
That is the beginning of the formation of a habit. Every time you do that same thing again, your brain adds another layer of myelin to the existing layer – which makes it thicker.
The thicker the myelin, the stronger the habit! The stronger the habit, the more instinctive you are! That means exactly what you already know –"practice makes perfect"! (Well, permanent more like.)
The more you practice, the more you know how to do something better. However, if you believe, for even one second, that a habit cannot be undone, you are right! There is no way of undoing what you have learnt – so you might ask then, how do we get rid of a habit?
The answer is putting in more practice to learn something else than you did into learning the habit you are trying to undo. It's just that simple!
HENCE WHY THE YOUNGER WE GET PLAYERS TO OUR TRAINING THE BETTER WITH FEWER BAD HABITS TO BREAK / CHANGE.
If you put in enough hours, more than what you have done before, you will put on more and more myelin on your neurons for a second habit and your second habit will become stronger, pushing the first behind in the pecking order.
Basically, your habits are instilled in your sub-conscious mind, allowing your body to respond to environmental triggers a particular kind of reaction, instinctively. Get the right kind of triggers for your mind and you will have the right kind of Myelin layers forming in the right place and the reaction becomes ANTICIPATION..
When you arrive at Barcelona the first thing they teach is LOOK and THINK; LOOK and THINK; LOOK and THINK.
When you see Xavi Hernandez of Barcelona threading an inch-perfect pass through 4-opposition players, finding a team-mate, commentators & fans call it vision.
However, what they don't realise is that the reason a player can pick out a pass like that is because they have practiced it, studied it, run through that same routine over and over and over again, in practice!
What is the purpose of a training session in soccer? It is to prepare for the team you are about to face over the weekend. You play the reserve line-up or break up your squad, and play one team like the opposition plays, and build your strategies by employing solutions to the problems they will pose.
You run those plays/situations over and over again; make your players watch videos, and constantly reinforce these ideas until your players are able to recognize and react instinctively.
So, when they face their opposition on the pitch, it's all about reacting instinctively and allowing the training to lead each individual through.
The game is so fast, it is almost impossible to stop the ball, look up and think about what you are going to do, assess your options and then make a decision. Instead, training helps your players understand patterns of play, patterns of runs and patterns of passes that they should make or expect. OUR Training focused almost conditions the LOOK and THINK.
What is the Look and Think?
The Continuums “Look and Think” Model of Development
Word Association combining thought and deed
“Look and Think” MUST come first before everything else; decisionmaking in advance of the ball.
- LOOK / OBSERVE / THINK (ALWAYS BEFORE receiving the ball; assessing all options in “Anticipation” not as a Reaction)
- SKILL: THE DECISION (How, why; when and where of Technique; plus its success or not; and why?)
- FOOT PREPARATION (flat footed, off balance?)
- BODY POSITION (open or closed?)
- COMMUNICATION (Verbal and visual)
- CONTROL (If not a one touch pass on, the 1sttouch control)
- TECHNIQUE (the pass, the run, the dribble, the turn, the shot; etc)
- TACTICAL MOBILITY (Movement off the ball, finding space; 90% of the game)
- MENTAL and PHYSICAL TRANSITION (Possession changes, Player tunes in immediately?)
Relating Word Association with Actions to identify the Strengths and Areas of Improvement needed in players. Focusing particularly on teaching a ONE TOUCH MENTALITY.
1. Most players will mentally prepare to make a decision AFTER receiving the ball; we teach them to mentally prepare to make decisions BEFORE they receive the ball. This saves them time and space and can be the difference between maintaining possession and losing the ball. As the game gets faster, so is the need for players to master this VITAL innate ability.
2. One Touch Development: We ask Players at our training to THINK with a “One Touch Mentality”, like every time the ball is coming to them they imagine they only have one touch to play the ball with.
This will literally FORCE them to LOOK around and THINK of their options before receiving the ball
On deciding the best option thru a “one touch thought process” It could result in a pass, a dribble, a receive and turn and run; a run with the ball, a one touch pass, a short pass, a long pass;, few touches, many touches on the ball as the next option; anything at all. The secret is they enabled themselves to save time and space; to play really “quickly”; or even playmore “slowly”; based on the “Tempo of the Game” needed at that moment.
3. In the Zone: Training your mind as well as your body
Being in the zone generally means being in a state in which your mind and body are working in harmony. You're calm yet energized, challenged yet confident, focused yet instinctive.
4. Mental training: Keep your focus
Training your mind is an important step toward getting in the zone. Aspects of mental training for sports include increasing concentration and focus, controlling emotions, trying to feel relaxed but energized, being calm and positive, and aiming to feel challenged and confident.
Soccer is played in the mind and preparing the mind for the game is an extremely scientific and sequential process.By breaking things down, sequentially arranging and explaining them, and through incredible amounts of repetition, you create a team that knows exactly what team-mates are up to and what they need to do next.
Hence why playing a specific system and STYLE of play consistently is so important. The sub-conscious mind is the most important weapon on the soccer pitch. It gives you the speed of thought you need to survive and excel. The more natural you are at reading a situation and picking up cues, the better you will be at soccer.
The more you train, the better you will be able to visualize everything and the better you can visualize, the more trained your subconscious mind will be. You will then be a step ahead of everyone else. You will hit those perfect passes or strike the top-corner nearly every time till it comes to a point where making split-second decisions will come naturally to you, and also look magical !
THIS is EXACTLY what we will teach your child where their game will become “automatic” but it takes a lot of time and training, it’s a marathon not a sprint. Most players play CONSCIOUSLY because they haven’t been trained to play beyond that thought process; many are at the stage where they still don’t decision make a head of the ball.. Our training teaches them to think both SUBCONSCIOUSLY and in advance of the ball.
The Conscious and Sub Conscious Mind and Myelin Production
The process is:
a) Playing Consciously and making decisions but not before receiving the ball, and then;
b) Playing consciously and making decisions before receiving the ball, and then;
c) Playing subconsciously and the decision is already made without thinking.
When a player is consistently acting and performing at stage c) then that player sees the field in slow motion, is relaxed, everything comes easy (as long as they put the work rate in); and off the ball they have intensity and desire.
And the more the players trains in the right way the better they will become, it doesn’t suddenly happen and its done, it is a constant work in progress to maintain this level of thought and action.
The players who think they have it made and don’t need to work as hard anymore invariably fail.
A BALANCE BETWEEN RELAXATION ON THE BALL AND INTENSITY OFF THE BALL IS THE GOAL
Individual Striker Movements Off the Shoulder Part 3
Striker moves “OFF THE SHOULDER” of the defender. Only a matter of a few yards can open up wonderful space and attacking opportunities.
This is part 3 of 4 on our Individual Striker Movements Off the Shoulder Series.
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Striker moves “OFF THE SHOULDER” of the defender. Only a matter of a few yards can open up wonderful space and attacking opportunities.
In this case moving off the shoulder of the defender means there is a space in behind the defender that the player on the ball can deliver to (that was previously difficult to see and / or deliver into). If the defender does not adjust their position then this is a great chance to receive and attack the goal.
Striker is now:
- Facing forward, and off at an angle, not having to turn and run forward (saves time and puts the defender at a disadvantage).
- Can see the ball, the goal and the defender at the same time.
- Striker can even take their position off the sweeper (in terms of being offside) if the opposition employs one, so they are almost in advance but also wide of the marking defender. This position (off the shoulder) is very difficult to defend against.
- If not facing forward at least in a side – on position so they can see forward and not have their back to the defender.
Striker moves “OFF THE SHOULDER” of the defender.
The defender comes with the striker and closes them down. Now the timing of the pass and timing of the run come into play. Striker then checks back inside into the space the defender has vacated and attacks inside and across in front of them. Striker (9) can run off the other center back (B) to create the space inside also. The player on the ball plays it inside the center back.
Also try to time it where as the defender in this case, plants their right foot down (and be flat footed even) so are leaning forward and towards the striker, that is the time to check back inside and across them. The defender is likely to be most off balance at this time, and that is the time to take advantage as they have to spring back on themselves and adjust their feet. It may give a valuable yard or two to the striker which can be the difference between a goal and not a goal.
Striker moves “OFF THE SHOULDER” of the defender.
Same as the previous diagram where the defender closes the striker down but this time the striker makes a run outside and behind the defender rather than inside and across them. Timing of this is important for being on side.
Timing the movement also as previously, when the defender is in an off balanced stance making it more difficult to check back in one movement and cover the strikers run.
Pressure: When, Where and How as a Unit in the Attacking 1/3rd
The majority of goals in the game of soccer are results of mistakes and most mistakes occur when players are put under pressure, especially in dangerous areas. When you are attacking and you lose possession your first goal should be to regain possession. You will be surprised the number of times your opponent will give the ball away in front of the goal when your team closes them down in an organized fashion.
The majority of goals in the game of soccer are results of mistakes and most mistakes occur when players are put under pressure, especially in dangerous areas. When you are attacking and you lose possession your first goal should be to regain possession. You will be surprised the number of times your opponent will give the ball away in front of the goal when your team closes them down in an organized fashion.
Activity #1: Warm Up
Set Up: Players move on a half pitch with a partner as shown below. Partners pass and move freely.
Explanation: Players pass and move - on coaches command - one player sprints to "pressure" his opponent. This pressure can be passive at first and progress to full pressure as the warm-up continues.
Coaching Points:
- Speed of pressure
- Angle of pressure
- Tenacity to win ball
Activity #2: 5v5 Game
Set Up: One team has 5 field players (Yellow): the other team has 4 field players and a goalkeeper (Red) as shown below. Three mini-goals are created using flags as shown.
Explanation: Play starts with a pass from the goalkeeper to any of his teammates. Emphasis is placed on the defensive shape and responsibilities of the "defensive" (Yellow) team. The "attacking" team (Red above) must attempt to score in any of the three mini-goals near the half-way line. If the "defensive" team gains possession of the ball they must attack quickly and attempt to score in the full-size goal. Play is continuous until a goal is scored. In the Diagram above, the "defensive" unit has adjusted their positions to try to win the ball - Player (A) is forcing the play inside; Player (B) has stepped to ball-side on Red (G). Players (C) and (D) have moved to confine the playing area. The 4 "attacking" players get the ball on every re-start.
Coaching Points:
- Defensive team must work as a "UNIT"
- Communicate at all times.
- "Read the Game" - try to intercept passes etc.
- Move as the ball moves - positioning in relation to teammates, opponents, ball.
- Speed of counter-attack after winning possession.
- Use the man advantage to maintain possession if a quick counter-attack is not possible.
Activity #3: 7v7 + Goalkeepers
Set Up: Two-thirds of a pitch is used as the playing area. A half-way line is created using cones. Two teams of 7 players are organized within the playing area as shown below.
Explanation: Play starts with a pass to the Yellow attacking team. One team is designated as the "attacking" team (Yellow above) and the other team is designated as the "defending " team (Red above). Both teams compete for possession of the ball and attempt to score in their opponent’s goal. The offside law is in effect. Emphasis is placed on the defensive responsibilities and shape of the Red team. The "defensive" team are encouraged to create pressure areas / pockets in certain areas of the pitch in order to win possession of the ball. All re-starts go to the Yellow "attacking" team.
See Diagram below - the Red "defensive" team has created a "pressure pocket" on one side of the pitch making it very difficult for the Yellow team to maintain possession - this may force a turn-over in an advanced area of the pitch. Player (A) has stepped to put immediate pressure on the ball as well as force the opponent inside towards the pressure; Players (B) and (C) have stepped to the ball-side shoulder of their opponents in anticipation of intercepting any potential pass. Player (D) has moved to deny a passing option for the wide Yellow player. Players (E), (F), (G) have all adjusted their positions to squeeze the space and make the pitch more compact while still providing adequate cover and balance.
Progression: Have the players play "low pressure" at first and switch to "pressing" at coaches command or on certain visual cues - bad pass, back-pass to goalkeeper etc. This can help develop an understanding of the right moments to apply pressure and in what areas.
Coaching Points:
- Move as a "UNIT"
- Communicate at all times.
- Read the game - anticipate the play.
- Counter-Attack quickly if possible.
- Force the attacking team into tight areas - dictate what the opponents do!
3 v 2 To Goal
Use the penalty area and a regulation size goal. Two lines of defenders stand on both sides of the goal. Three lines of attackers stand five yards out from the top of the penalty box. The coach or server stands on the end line, between the 6 and 18, with a group of balls.
The following session is an excerpt from Soccer Awareness eBook 7: 17 Shooting Practices for U6 to U10. Shooting drills are the best way to improve soccer players shooting on goal with power and accuracy. Training shooting soccer drills at an early age will show great improvement in a youth players shot. Shooting drills make player’s shot better through muscle memory, consistency and repetition that make the brain memorize the motion and position of the body so the player can perform these shots during a soccer match. These are 17 of Wayne’s favorite shooting drills for working with U6 to U10 players that are also fun.
Emphasis: Finishing, Receiving, Defending, Passing, Goalkeeping
Set-up: Use the penalty area and a regulation size goal. Two lines of defenders stand on both sides of the goal. Three lines of attackers stand five yards out from the top of the penalty box. The coach or server stands on the end line, between the 6 and 18, with a group of balls.
Objective: The coach serves the ball into the penalty area. The first defender in each line, (2 total), leave the post to meet the three attackers (1 from each line), at the top of the box. The three attackers try to score a goal and the two defenders are trying to prevent the goal from being scored. The play is over when the goalkeeper has possession or the ball travels outside the penalty area.
Progression:
- Two of the three attackers must touch the ball.
- The goal must be scored after an overlapping run is made.
- The attackers have five seconds to score.
Coaching Points:
- Pressure the ball first and cut down the shooters angle.
- Goalkeeper must communicate with the defenders.
- Get the shot off early.
Six Goal Game
This is another multi goal game to consider. Promote quick play with fast penetrating forward runs beyond the ball (3rd man runs).
The following game is an excerpt from Soccer Awareness eBook 4: Attacking and Defending Games: Challenging the Mindset and Mental Transition of the Players.
This is another multi goal game to consider. Promote quick play with fast penetrating forward runs beyond the ball (3rd man runs).
Set-up: Grid size - 30 yards long x full width of the field. Six mini goals are created using cones and flags. Divide the players up into two equal teams. Have an additional team ready to come on after 4 minutes has elapsed to replace the losing team. Each goal should be 5 to 7 yards apart. A supply of balls is placed in the back of each gridded end zone. Depending on what system of play you are currently employing would determine how many midfielders you would start with. The end zone behind each goal should be 5 to 7 yards deep.
Objective: This exercise teaches players to time their runs as well as the importance of possession in the middle 1/3rd and final 1/3rd of the field. Both teams compete for the ball and try to score off the dribble or pass for the first 5 minutes. In the above diagram, player (1) passes to player (2) who finds player (3) making a perfectly timed run in behind the defense. The goals act as a natural offside line. Players may not be waiting behind the goals or it becomes the opponent’s ball. The defending team may not chase the attacking players into the end zone. Players need to work for each other creating space. Emphasis may be shifted toward the defending side of the ball verses the attacking side. In that case the emphasis is put on communication, pressure on the ball, immediate support cutting out all paths leading to the goal.
Progression:
- Put in the restriction you may only score off of a pass that has penetrated the goal and has been collected on the other side of the goal.
- RULE: WHEN A PLAYER PASSES THE BALL BACK ANOTHER PLAYER MUST IMMEDIATELY RUN FORWARD.
- As play becomes easy add restrictions, before you can go to goal it must come off of a 1 TOUCH pass, a 3rd man combination, a double pass, an overlap, a spin move or a give and go.
- The final phase would be to allow the team who has successfully scored to turn and now attack the opposite 3 goals.
Coaching Points:
- QUICK PLAY WITH FAST PENETRATING FORWARD RUNS BEYOND THE BALL.
- Vision.
- Having good field awareness and vision around you is all important but one must be able to connect their pass to be successful in this exercise.
- Mobility on both sides of the ball.
- Possession - Don’t give it away or you will have to defend 3 goals.
- Communication both sides of the ball.
- Be precise with your passes.
- Support on both sides of the ball.
3 v 3 Possession Game
The game is played in a 3v3 format. Players try to maintain possession of the ball by constant passing and moving. 1 point is awarded for 5 successful passes. Play for a designated number of goals or for a predetermined time.
The following is an excerpt 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.
Emphasis: Passing and Receiving
Set-up: 20 x 20 yard grid. Six players per grid with one ball per group. Repeat set-up to
accommodate entire team. Two sets of colored bibs.
Objective: The game is played in a 3v3 format. Players try to maintain possession of the ball by constant passing and moving. 1 point is awarded for 5 successful passes. Play for a designated number of goals or for a predetermined time.
Progression: Play 2-touch
Coaching Points:
- Constant movement.
- Communication is vital.
- Angles of support to receive ball.
- Pass must have appropriate weight to ensure that teammate can deal with it.
Example Soccer Awareness Training Session
All training is match specific. Our work is based upon developing a balance between ball handling and functional running and sprinting in combination with jumping, stopping and turning.
Quick feet, changing stride length exercises will be particularly important.
Repetition of the exercises is important throughout the season on a weekly basis to develop good and correct habits regarding co-ordination, comfort in running, awareness of the efficient use of arms and legs in running and the synchronization of limbs.
- Footwork and coordination movements for balance and changing direction,
- Dribbling techniques are practiced & reinforced every time,
- Rondos to teach positioning, footwork and foot preparation and body stance as well as improve and speed up decision making
- Developing the thinking process through specific “training the mind” exercises,
- 1 v 1s plus 1 possession games with support and building them up in numbers to 2 v 2 plus 1 and so on using and transitioning with outside players to develop rotational patterns of play;
- Finishing Techniques focusing on “Movements to get free” and shooting in both the corners of the goal;
- A small sided game situation bringing it all together based on a particular theme (so many different game situations taught) which is vital for the players to end on.
- Examples of SSG’s; One touch development; Movement off and “away” from the ball; Switching the point of attack; Zonal defending; High pressure games to speed up decision making; Shooting and Finishing games; Transition games highlighting the importance of when “possession changes” and what players need to do; Pressing games to improve immediate defending principles and so on.
Download the rest of the example session and all that can be taught (PDF)
A Short and Simple Explanation on How to Defend
Attacking: 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.
Defending: 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.
Get more like this in Soccer Awareness eBook 19: The Principles of Defending for U8 to U14.
This book takes you through simple individual beginnings to more complex unit and team ideas on defending. We address all the important facets of defending such as pressure on the ball and how to tackle or delay, immediate supporting positions, covering positions beyond the support player, the importance of recovery runs to get back goal side of the ball (which many players don't like or want to do), the need for players to track back individual opponents so they do not overload areas against us; and ultimately how we must develop compactness as a team.
Attacking to Defensive Team Shape
Attacking: 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.
Defending: 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.
Dividing the field into fifths widthwise and thirds lengthwise: The Offensive Set Up
Playing in 5 Corridors widthwise to help define the positioning of players. Also playing in 3 thirds from goal to goal lengthwise (lets call these ZONES FOR CLARITY). Here we have a good balance with players positioning at angles to each other. Must get the team into 2 thirds only, except for the keeper, both offensively and defensively.
Shadow Play: The Defensive Set Up
Play without opponents and show our basic attacking shape then offer alternatives for pressing as a group and have them do it as fast as possible. Use different color cones to represent where we lost the ball then organize the team around this defensive starting point having the players decide where they think they should be and why.
Can extend this back to the middle third also
We lose it wide in the middle third; purple cone; try to press them inside still to where our strength is with numbers. Wing full backs have to be brave and stay in midfield but condense in. (3) delays, shows inside to (10), the rest condense. (10) cuts off passing lane forward as does (11) inside or back.. It will NEVER be this picture perfect but all the same it shows what we should strive for. Pivot (6) is the key for cover.
Playing a Pressing game comes from the back
If we want to play a pressing game then we must have the back four as high as possible (essentially a back 3 now) and then the responsibility of the front players is to press asap when we lose it to stop a counter attack. Same in midfield where we now have our wing fullbacks positioned.
Pressing in attacking third condensing to 3 corridors
Condensing the spaces close to the ball. (11) forces (A) inside to the support and blocks the pass to (I). (3) is already up there and so is the next pressing player. Don’t worry about (D) and (G) and (4) already has covered the space should (A) be able to play the ball long. Defending just inside our own half.
Defending in Wide Areas Against a Counter Attack
Positioning at the back when losing the ball
Both wing backs attacking. We lose the ball, the most vulnerable place for us is now the wide area as shown. We mark “goal-side” and leave the wide area open.
Positioning at the back when losing the ball
Both wing backs attacking. We lose the ball, the most vulnerable place for us is now the wide area as shown. We mark “goal-side” and leave the wide area open.
We are exposed with a 1 v 1 wide
If (J) is fast we are in big trouble now as he attacks defender (4) in a 1 v 1. He could run inside to goal or into a crossing position. Next slide shows how we can prevent this before it happens.
What Should Happen
This is what should happen; (4) moves channel side of (J) and with depth to fill the space and prevent the pass. (6) drops in to cover or (5) if closer can do it. This may delay the forward momentum of (A) and allow recovery runs.
What Should Happen
Here (5) adds cover to (4) if needed, and (6) drops back to cover (K)s run. If (A) passes to (J)’s feet then (4) has time to close (J) down and control the situation with (J) with their back to goal. Other players will try to recover back or (3) and (11) can press and stop the delivery if close enough.
Developing Play from the Back
We develop play from the back. Work on that initially practicing all ways to get out.
Have opponents only intercepting passes to begin. Then let it go free.
When opponents win it back we work on the defending team condensing and defending correctly.
So certain plays are recognized consciously first of all with particular CUES offering identification of these.
If one or two ways to develop play are done very frequently then it becomes a subconscious decision to move in to position so no decision making required as such.
Distribution from the Keeper and Playing Out from the Back
We develop play from the back. Work on that initially practicing all ways to get out.
Have opponents only intercepting passes to begin. Then let it go free.
When opponents win it back we work on the defending team condensing and defending correctly.
So certain plays are recognized consciously first of all with particular CUES offering identification of these.
If one or two ways to develop play are done very frequently then it becomes a subconscious decision to move in to position so no decision making required as such.
Distribution from the keeper and Playing from the back
Perhaps use cones instead of actual players to practice to make it work initially and to gain confidence (better still use Mannequins).
Our starting position, the team is in defensive shape and ready to attack. A 6 v 3 makes it easy to get out, but decrease the number of opponents if necessary to gain success initially.
1. Distribution from the keeper using one attacking fullback
We attack down one side and we slide across with the other three of the back four to cover the spaces behind
2. Distribution through Both center backs or (6)
A simple starting position on distribution from the back using only those players in the immediate vicinity. A 3 v 2 at the back in our favor.
3. Distribution through Number (6) in a wide area
Now (6) breaks wide to receive the ball and escape being marked in the middle. The same can happen with (6) breaking out to the right also replacing (5) who stays central.
4. Distribution from the keeper: One centre back breaks wide
(3) stays, (6) doesnt drop in, (4) stays central, (5) goes wide, (2) pushes on and we get out down one side. Opponents (9) and (10) stop our (4) and (3), (5) gets free to play out.
5. Distribution from the keeper thru wingbacks
They push 3 up we get out through our wingbacks. Have opponents make different choices to force the keeper to make relevant decisions in training.
Distribution from the keeper through Both wing backs
We can start to add players and build the session up. Here we close off one side so the keeper has to recognize he cant go to (3) but can go to (2).
6. Distribution from the keeper thru INVERTED wingbacks By Ally Bain
Wing fullbacks 2 and 3 cut inside to receive the ball.
7. Distribution from the keeper thru INVERTED wingbacks by Ally Bain
Wing fullbacks 2 and 3 cut inside to receive the ball and can receive the pass from (4) , (5) or (6) also in the buildup.
8. Distribution from the keeper thru central midfield rotation of (6) and (8)
(6) Clears the space and takes the opponents (8) with him and our (8) drops in free to start the attack. Can also be with (6) and (10).
9. Distribution through Both wing backs dropping back
Centre backs both push out quickly and they are tracked by the two strikers. This releases spaces behind them. Both wing backs drop back into those spaces to receive the ball.
10. Distribution through Center backs pushing out
Wing full backs drop back in. They are tracked by the two strikers. This releases spaces down the sides. Both wing backs drop back into those spaces to open it up for the center backs.
Distribution from the keeper and Playing from the back 11 v 11
Now in an 11 v 11. Our normal way to get out from the back. We should always try this initially if it is on to do so. Try to get out thru (4), (5) or (6).
Distribution from the keeper 11 v 11
Another way to get out thru one center back and one wingback and even (8).
Distribution from the keeper 11 v 11
Another way to get out thru one center back (5) and (7). Wingback (2) tucks inside and may take opponents 11 with them to clear the pass for (7). A nice area to play into circled also.
Distribution from the keeper 11 v 11
They go 3 v 3 against us to stop us playing out of the back so we try to get out through (2) and (3). Otherwise we have to push up, condense and kick it long.
This takes lots of practice with the keepers to make this pass happen consistently.
They go 3 v 3 against us so we try to get out through (2) and (3). Otherwise we have to push up, condense and kick it long. Thye “may” see what we are doing and push 7 and 11 onto our wingbacks (2) and (3).
They push two players onto our wingbacks (2) and (3)
This outlet is now stopped. So we have to change our team shape from “wide and long” to “short and tight” getting ready for the long kick from the keeper.
11. They have pushed onto our Wingbacks so this outlet is stopped; we have to go long as a last resort
This can still be EFFECTIVE: Now we condense as a team “short and tight”. Our (10) is good in the air so we hit him and we have a lot of players around him to win the 2nd ball. Of course opponents will readjust also. Its cat and mouse.
11. They have pushed onto our Wingbacks so this outlet is stopped; we have to go long as a last resort
This can still be EFFECTIVE: Now we condense as a team “short and tight”. Our (10) is good in the air so we hit him and we have a lot of players around him to win the 2nd ball. Of course opponents will readjust also. Its cat and mouse.
11. We leave their 3 strikers offside.
Players can gamble for the flick on from (10). Players position behind, in front and alongside (10) so wherever the 2nd ball goes we have players to pick it up. WE ABSOLUTELY MUST get better at this. Obviously opponents will position better than this defensively; but you get the point.
The Importance of Teaching a “Half a Touch” Mentality in Soccer
Linking foot preparation, body position and mental preparation to the technique involved in making a decision leads us to a discussion on Half a touch brain centered thinking and its benefits.
- Linking foot preparation, body position and mental preparation to the technique involved in making a decision leads us to a discussion on Half a touch brain centered thinking and its benefits.
- The Half a touch brain centered thinking process we use teaches the value of the player being able to take their eyes off the ball when keeping their eyes 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 to make the options obvious but ultimately to have the capacity to develop their “soccer intelligence” on and off the ball.
- Many players will mentally prepare to make a decision AFTER receiving the ball; we teach them to mentally prepare to make decisions BEFORE they receive the ball. This saves them time and space and can be the difference between maintaining possession and losing the ball. As the game gets faster, so is the need for players to master this VITAL innate ability because The game is getting faster using fewer touches on the ball, which creates the need for quicker thinking; quicker moving and better decision making players.
- PLEASE remember, one touch awareness training isn’t all just to teach One touch, it is to teach players the recognition of options of what to do and when and where to do it, before they receive the ball. WE OFTEN PLAY ONE TOUCH TO HELP DEVELOP THE HALF A TOUCH MENTALITY.
- But through this thinking process the decision could result in a pass, a dribble, a receive and turn and run; a run with the ball, a one touch pass, a short pass, a long pass; few touches, many touches on the ball as the next option; anything at all.
- The secret is they enabled themselves to save time and space; to play really “quickly”; or even play more “slowly”; based on the “Tempo of the Game” needed at that moment, due to that “half a touch mentality” training development.
Xavi Hernandez of Barcelona and Spain says:
When you arrive at Barcelona the first thing they teach is LOOK and THINK; LOOK and THINK; LOOK and THINK.
Speed is not necessarily the most important quality. When the ball moves quickly, you are a quick player.
Lift your head, move; LOOK / THINK; Look for spaces. Think quickly, Here? No. There? No. Here? Yes. There? Yes.
All BEFORE receiving the ball. Recognize: Space; Space; more Space… “Before receiving the ball”
I think, the defenders here, so play it there. I see the space and the pass.
Rondo, Rondo, Rondo (which is a major part of SAEA training): Every Single Day at Barcelona.
It’s the best exercise there is. You learn responsibility and not to lose the ball; always 1 touch, two touches at the most.
Ultimately our SAEA training is Teaching Players to play with “Intensity” and “Relaxation” at the same time; and to guide them to think for THEMSELVES to become self determining players through this model.
The Conscious and Sub Conscious Mind and Myelin Production
Every soccer player, like every human being, has two distinct parts of the mind whose primary role is thought and recollection. There is the conscious state and the sub-conscious state. As the names suggest, when you are completely aware of what you are doing, you are letting your "conscious state" guide you through the process.
On the other hand, when you react instinctively, or automatically even, your actions are being controlled by your sub-conscious mind. This isn't just true for soccer, by the way! Even when you are driving or cooking or swimming both these aspects come into the
picture.
Our natural tendency is to think that we are how we think! We tend to define ourselves by our conscious mind or thoughts, which is not completely accurate. When it comes to making a decision after thinking about it, the conscious mind is the king. However, everything that we do, using our conscious mind, only helps create a belief system or habit for our sub-conscious mind.
What does that mean? It means, as we keep making a particular kind of decision, based on a particular kind of thought process, we convince our mind about our thinking patterns, which slowly becomes a habit for us. To quote a simple example – say, you are asked to pick your favorite color between Red & Green, and you choose, say, Green. If this question is repeatedly asked to you, over and over again, there will come a point of time when you won't even need to think about the answer – you will just choose "Green" without blinking. It might even get to the point where you will speak out the answer even before the question is completed or earlier still. Basically, what you are doing is that you have trained your mind to handle that situation in a way where you know exactly what you are going to do.
Being asked the same thing, over and over again, is just a way of reinforcing that idea into your sub-conscious mind. The decision, originally, was being made by the conscious segment of your mind. However, over time that role was slowly and gradually handed over to the sub-conscious mind, which made it instinctive. That is the exact same reason why you can apply the brakes quickly, when the car in front of you suddenly comes to a halt. That is also why you know how to instantly use a spoon or even how to tie your shoe-laces.
MAKING HABITS When you do something, anything, you trigger chemicals reactions that produce something called Myelin. This myelin forms a cover around your brain's neuron. That is the beginning of the formation of a habit. Every time you do that same thing again, your brain adds another layer of myelin to the existing layer – which makes it thicker. The thicker the myelin, the stronger the habit! The stronger the habit, the more instinctive you are! That means exactly what you already know – "practice makes perfect"! Well; permanent
more like.
The more you practice, the more you know how to do something better. However, if you believe, that a habit cannot be undone, you are right! There is no way of undoing what you have learnt – so you might ask then, how do we get rid of a habit? The answer is, but obviously, putting in more practice to learn something else than you did into learning the habit you are trying to undo. It's just that simple!
HENCE WHY THE YOUNGER WE GET PLAYERS TO OUR TRAINING THE BETTER WITH FEWER BAD HABITS TO BREAK / CHANGE.
If you put in enough hours, more than what you have done before, you will put on more and more myelin on your neurons for a second habit and your second habit will become stronger, pushing the first behind in the pecking order. Basically, your habits are instilled in your sub-conscious mind, allowing your body to respond to environmental triggers a particular kind of reaction, instinctively. Get the right kind of triggers for your mind and you will have the right kind of Myelin layers forming in the right place and the reaction becomes ANTICIPATION..
Back to Barcelona; the first thing they teach is LOOK and THINK; LOOK and THINK; LOOK and THINK.
When you see Xavi Hernandez of Barcelona threading an inch-perfect pass through 4-opposition players, finding a teammate, commentators & fans call it vision.
However, what they don't realize is that the reason a player can pick out a pass like that is because they have practiced it, studied it, run through that same routine over and over and over again, in practice!
The game is so fast, it is almost impossible to stop the ball, look up and think about what you are going to do, assess your options and then make a decision.
Instead, training helps players understand patterns of play, patterns of runs and patterns of passes that they should make or
expect.
OUR SAEA Training model focus almost “Conditions the mind” to develop the LOOK and THINK.
What is the LOOK and THINK?
The Continuums “Look and Think” Model of Development
Word Association combining thought and deed
“Look and Think” MUST come first before everything else; decision making in advance of the ball.
- LOOK / OBSERVE / THINK (ALWAYS BEFORE receiving the ball; assessing all options in “Anticipation” not as a Reaction)
- SKILL: THE DECISION (How, why; when and where of Technique; plus its success or not; and why?)
- FOOT PREPARATION (flat footed, off balance?)
- BODY POSITION (open or closed?)
- COMMUNICATION (Verbal and visual)
- CONTROL (If not a one touch pass on, the 1st touch control)
- TECHNIQUE (the pass, the run, the dribble, the turn, the shot; etc)
- TACTICAL MOBILITY (Movement off the ball, finding space; 90% of the game)
- MENTAL and PHYSICAL TRANSITION (Possession changes, Player tunes in immediately?)
Relating Word Association with Actions to identify the Strengths and Areas of Improvement needed in players.
Focusing particularly on teaching a HALF TOUCH MENTALITY.
1. Most players will mentally prepare to make a decision AFTER receiving the ball; we teach them to mentally prepare to make decisions BEFORE they receive the ball. This saves them time and space and can be the difference between maintaining possession and losing the ball. As the game gets faster, so is the need for players to master this VITAL innate ability.
2. Half Touch Mental Development: We ask Players at our training to THINK with a “Half Touch Mentality”, like every time the ball is coming to them they imagine they only have a half touch to play the ball with.
This will literally FORCE them to LOOK around and THINK of their options before receiving the ball.
On deciding the best option thru a “half touch thought process” it could result in a pass, a dribble, a receive and turn and run; a run with the ball, a one touch pass, a short pass, a long pass;, few touches, many touches on the ball as the next option;
anything at all.
The secret is they enabled themselves to save time and space; to play really “quickly”; or even play more “slowly”; based on the “Tempo of the Game” needed at that moment.
3. In the Zone: Training your mind as well as your body
Being in the zone generally means being in a state in which your mind and body are working in harmony. You're calm yet energized, challenged yet confident, focused yet instinctive.
4. Mental training: Keep your focus
Training your mind is an important step toward getting in the zone. Aspects of mental training for sports include increasing concentration and focus, controlling emotions, trying to feel relaxed but energized, being calm and positive, and aiming to feel challenged and confident.
Soccer is played in the mind and preparing the mind for the game is an extremely scientific and sequential process. By breaking things down, sequentially arranging and explaining them, and through incredible amounts of repetition, you create a team that knows exactly what team-mates are up to and what they need to do next.
Hence why playing a specific system and STYLE of play consistently is so important.
The sub-conscious mind is the most important weapon on the soccer pitch. It gives you the speed of thought you need to survive and excel. The more natural you are at reading a situation and picking up cues, the better you will be at soccer.
The more you train, the better you will be able to visualize everything and the better you can visualize, the more trained your subconscious mind will be.
You will then be a step ahead of everyone else.
You will hit those perfect passes or strike the top-corner nearly every time till it comes to a point where making split-second decisions will come naturally to you, and also look magical !
THIS is EXACTLY what we will teach your child where their game will become “automatic” but it takes a lot of time and training, it’s a marathon not a sprint.
Most players play CONSCIOUSLY because they haven’t been trained to play beyond that thought process.
Our training teaches them to think SUBCONSCIOUSLY and in advance of the ball.
The process is:
a) Playing Consciously and making decisions but NOT before receiving the ball (often the norm), and then;
b) Playing consciously and making decisions before receiving the ball, and then;
c) Playing subconsciously and the decision is already made without thinking, the player just “knows”.
When a player is consistently acting and performing at stage c) then that player sees the field in slow motion, is relaxed, everything comes easy (as long as they put the work rate in); and off the ball they have intensity and desire.
And the more the players train in the right way the better they will become, it doesn’t suddenly happen and its done, it is a constant work in progress to maintain this level of thought and action. The players who think they have it made and don’t need to work as hard anymore invariably fail; but add the work rate and they give themselves the best chance to succeed and us the best chance to help them get there.
A BALANCE BETWEEN RELAXATION ON THE BALL AND INTENSITY OFF THE BALL IS THE GOAL
What Does a Rondo 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
- Technique,
- Mobility,
- Agility and balance
- Body position,
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
- 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;
- Ultimately providing a competitive environment where no one wants to give the ball away and finally,
- They are fun to do.
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.