BLUE DAY / 4 VS 4 / (2 VS 2 )
Set up: ...Pitch 25x40m, balls cones...
Instructions: ... 2 full sized goals diagonally across from each other, and a GK in each goal. The field is split in half. 4v4 with 2 players from each team are in each half. Players can only remain in their half. Blues must defend the top goal, while Reds defend bottom goal. Objective is to score off a cross which is created by the 2 players defending their goal. These 2 players must look to win the ball and then set up crossing opportunity for their teammates in other half to score. Opposition players look to win the ball and either score directly or cross to teammates.
Coaching Points: ...
- Encourage defenders to get cross in whenever possible (ie. Early cross in behind defenders)
- Work on the movement of attackers, make sure they are looking to attack both the near and far post
- Ask players to use a variation of crosses, driven, lofted, in to the front post, far post, on the ground, in the air, etc
Progression: ...
- Allow for a player to transition between halves creating 3v2 sce-narios—this could be offensively or defensively
Duration: 2 ser. 6 rep. 1min.work, 1min. rest. 4 min. rest betw. ser.
Fast recovery exercise
BLUE DAY / 2 VS 2
Set up: ...Pitch 25x50m, balls cones...
Instructions: ... Using the 25 box, extend the 5 m box using cones to create outside neutral zones, then split the zones in half to create 2 zones on each side. Use 2 Goals with Goalkeepers. The game is 2v2 (Blue vs Red), place a player in each of the neutral zones. Red neutral players can only be used by Red team and vice versa. Neutral players have 2 touch limit and must look to supply crosses each time they get the ball.
Coaching Points: ...
- Encourage players to get the ball into neutral players quickly, the attackers should then be looking to attack the cross
- Ask players zones - near/central/far post
- When GK’s win the ball, have them play quickly to an attacking neutral player so forwards can counter and get on the end of crosses quickly
- Make sure crosses are delivered at a good height and pace
- Encourage strikers to be brave and attack the cross
Progression: ...
-Open the restriction so that player can score in open play as well, this will force the defending team to close down quickly and leave space behind them to attack after the ball is pushed wide for a cross
Duration: 2 ser. 6 rep. 1min.work, 1min. rest. 4 min. rest betw. ser.
Fast recovery exercise
BLUE DAY / PLAYING IN DEPTH
Set up: ...Pitch 45x40m, balls cones...
Instructions: ...
1. Play 4v4 in the middle zone
2. One Attacker/defender in each end zone
3. Teams must connect three passes before they can pass to the neutral player in the end zone, the attacker then lays off for a shot on goal or 2vs1 play
4. Switch players in end zones
Coaching Points: ... Weight of pass; Accuracy; Quality of preparation touch; Aggressive and positive mentality; Placement versus
power; Positioning to gain an advantage; Angle, distance and timing of support; Body position – open to field; Verbal and
visual communication
Proressions:
- Play 5v5, 6v6, in the middle zone etc.
- Play with 2 mini goals on each goal line
- Limit number of touches for attackers
- Adjust spacing depending on the age and ability of the group
Fast recovery exercise
BLUE DAY / SIDE CROSSING
Set up: ...Pitch 35x30m, balls cones...
Instructions: ... Create a small pitch suitable for your players, with a goal on either end. Create three teams of 4 players with a GK in each goal. Two teams play 4v4 while the other become support players on the side of the pitch. Players play a regular 4v4 football match, they must now use the support players to provide crosses for the header. The sup-port players must cross the ball for oncoming players to head. Sup-port players should only use two touch , one to control and set the ball and the second touch to cross. When defending only two players from the defending team are allowed to enter the defensive half. This gives a 4v2 advantage to the attacking team at all times. After 4 minutes rotate teams.
Coaching Points: ...
- Encourage players to push the ball wide quickly and get forward to attack three zones (first post, far post and center)
- Coach players to attack the cross and not get in too early. They should time their runs accordingly and make sure all 3 zones are being attacked
- Players providing the cross should be looking to aim for one of the three zones
Fast recovery exercise
4 VS 4 SUPPORT PLAYERS
Set up: ...Pitch 35x30m, balls cones...
Instructions: ... Create a small pitch suitable for your players, with a goal on either end. Create three teams of 4 players with a GK in each goal. Two teams play 4v4 while the other become support players on either side of the goal. Players now put the ball down and use their feet to play a regular 4v4 football match, they must use the support players to pro-vide service for the header. The support players must now chip/pop/dink the ball using their feet across the goal for the oncoming players to head the ball. Goals can only be scored with the head. Rotate teams after 4 minutes.
Coaching Points: ...
- Encourage players to move quickly and get forward
- They should be encouraged to make use of support players who can throw the ball for the oncoming header
- Teach players how to properly head the ball with good technique and encourage players to head the ball on goal at any time the opportunity presents itself
Fast recovery exercise
4+2 VS 4 FINISHING
Set up: ...Pitch 40x75m, balls cones...
Instructions: ... Set up using just less than half a pitch. The attacking team has 6 play-ers, 3 Central Midfielders, 2 Wide Midfielders, 1 Strikers (The two wide midfielders must stay in the outside crossing zone). The defend-ing team has 2 Centre Backs and 2 central midfielder, they can score by shooting on the small goals near half. The goal of the game is to get the ball wide and work on attacking crosses from flank players. Defenders are not allowed to enter the wide zone, they should focus on defending against the strikers. Strikers must score off a cross.
Coaching Points: ...
- Get your Central Midfielders to play into the Wide Midfielders run
- Work on different types of crosses
- Focus on timing of strikers runs
- Focus on the positioning of the central midfielders when the cross comes in, they should be just outside the box read for the ball when it is cleared out. One midfielder can also get into the box for the cross as well
Progression: ...
- Add Wide Defenders who can enter wide areas to defend against the Attacking Wide Midfielders
- Allow wide players to combine with other players or attack fullbacks 1v1 looking to get service into the box
- Allow players to score from open play
Fast recovery exercise
4 VS 4 / (2 VS 2 ) CROSSING
Set up: ...Pitch 25x40m, balls cones...
Instructions: ... 2 full sized goals diagonally across from each other, and a GK in each goal. The field is split in half. 4v4 with 2 players from each team are in each half. Players can only remain in their half. Blues must defend the top goal, while Reds defend bottom goal. Objective is to score off a cross which is created by the 2 players defending their goal. These 2 players must look to win the ball and then set up crossing opportunity for their teammates in other half to score. Opposition players look to win the ball and either score directly or cross to teammates.
Coaching Points: ...
- Encourage defenders to get cross in whenever possible (ie. Early cross in behind defenders)
- Work on the movement of attackers, make sure they are looking to attack both the near and far post
- Ask players to use a variation of crosses, driven, lofted, in to the front post, far post, on the ground, in the air, etc
Progression: ...
- Allow for a player to transition between halves creating 3v2 sce-narios—this could be offensively or defensively
Duration: 2 ser. 6 rep. 1min.work, 1min. rest. 4 min. rest betw. ser.
Fast recovery exercise