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Soccer Awareness training develops SELF THINKING players who are not coach driven; but coach guided, and within this they are allowed to make mistakes without criticism; but rather; encouraged to learn from them.
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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.
Read MorePlayers 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.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreThe 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!
Read MoreStriker moves “OFF THE SHOULDER” of the defender. Only a matter of a few yards can open up wonderful space and attacking opportunities.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreUse 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.
Read MoreThis is another multi goal game to consider. Promote quick play with fast penetrating forward runs beyond the ball (3rd man runs).
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreAll 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.
Read MoreAttacking: 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.
Read MorePositioning 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.
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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.
Read MoreLinking 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.
Read MoreA 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 developmental training focuses on the concept of the THIRD EYE of Awareness, Imagination and Anticipation in Performance. Soccer Awareness is a highly innovative concept which aims to develop the thinking coach and player. Soccer Awareness focuses on the creation of a player centered environment which encourages autonomy and an ability to make correct decisions within a game specific context.
Soccer Awareness Training Center provides unlimited access to Wayne Harrison's Soccer Awareness systems, training sessions, drills and more. Wayne's system helps the development of all levels of soccer players and teams in a systematic and imaginative manner that guarantees performance at the highest level of competition.
This video is an example of a “One Touch Mentality” game situation U14 boys.
