Balance the Squares Small-Sided Group Attacking Drill
The following comes from Don Herlan (Smedley). Much more like this can be found from Smedley on his site at www.smedleyssoccersite.com.
Procedure:
Play begins with a 3 v 1 in one square and 1 v 1’s in the other three squares. After five passes, the attackers change the ball into an adjacent square (to Player A in the diagram) and then rotate two players into that square (Players B and C), re-forming the 3 v 1. As the 3 v 1 re-forms, attackers rotate into the empty squares to re-form the 1 v 1’s (Players D and E). The defenders must stay inside of their squares until they win the ball, then all four can move into one square to play 4 v 3. When the attackers regain possession, the defenders return to their squares.
Coaching Points:
- Timing the Runs - Hold the run until the attackers are ready to change the ball over.
- Speed of Play - Play one and two touch soccer and force the defenders to chase.
- Decision Making – Anticipate play and begin the rotations in advance of the pass.
Progressions/Regressions:
Progression 1 - Allow passes into all three squares.
Regression 1 - Allow attackers to dribble into an adjacent zone after five passes.
Teaching Defense Through Small-Sided Games
Developing 6 v 6 Team Shape With One Word Commands
Small-Sided Two-Directional Attacking Game
Balance the Squares Small-Sided Group Attacking Drill
3 v 2 Finishing Drill
Running With The Ball In A 3 v 3 Small-Sided Game
A 6 v 4 Possession, Passing and Dribbling Game
Coaching Attack & Defense Using Small-Sided Games
A 3 v 3 Festival of Fun: Creating a Game Like Playing Environment
2 v 1 Overlap to Goal
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