Coaching Attack & Defense Using Small-Sided Games
This small-sided game focused on coaching attack and defense comes from Brian Bliss, Director of Player Personnel Sporting Kansas City, and was presented at the Soccer Champions Coaches' Clinic. Find out more about the Soccer Champions Coaches' Clinic.
Activity 1
Set-up: 4 v 4 + 3 in Grid 20 x 20 yds. The 3 neutral players are positioned as 2 on end line and 1 central.
Team in possession looks to circulate the ball with players moving along axis and creating triangles with neutral in middle.
4 defenders work together to make ball go around them not through the middle.
Upon winning the ball they should play to neutrals and quickly assume wide positions.
Loss of possession players enter middle and begin to defend.
Activity 2
Set-up: 3 v 3 + 1 on field approx 20 x 25 yds. Game is directional and requires attacking team to stop the ball in end zone 2-3 yds. deep.
Extra player in possession should allow ball movement and force defensive group to adjust shape of pressure, cover and balance.
Team in possession can use teammate behind end zone as outlet when in trouble to create defensive adjustment.
Attacking team must use principal of length and width to maintain ball while trying to penetrate end line.
Ultimate Youth Coaches Training Guide
Complete 6 to 10 Year Old Developmental Coaching and Training Program
This program is perfect for youth coaches wanting practices to start their soccer coaching education and it is also for those more advanced and experienced coaches wanting to train their players as best they can at these wonderful open minded ages for development and education of both the mind and body. Our plan is to help all coaches at whatever level of experience they are at.
We aim to provide the best educational information possible for all coaches of players from 6 to 10 years old in terms of the Technical, Tactical, Skill, Psychological and Physical attributes players need at these ages and then bring it all together in a team concept. As the age group raises so does the type of training required.
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Activity 3
Set-up: 4 v 4 (4 Goal Game). Attack 2 goals and defend 2 goals. Goals should act as a simulation of penetrating pass/goal.
Players can score from anywhere on field forcing defending team to get immediate pressure on the ball so no easy penetrative pass/goal can be made.
Ball circulation and spreading the game out in width and length should enhance the idea of pressure, cover and balance and general principles of attack.
Player behind each goal can be used as outlet for team in possession. Player can enter game on dribble and other player must exit.
Activity 4
Set-up: 5 v 5 + GKs to Big Goals approx. 48 x 45 yards.
Game should mirror the game. You must try and score, win ball back, maintain possession.
Use of GKs in possession as your extra attacker. Division of space in attack.
Organization defensively. Compact with general defensive principles.
If needed add a neutral to facilitate game in possession.
Register today for the 2017 Soccer Champions Coaches' Clinic at Mohegan Sun Convention Center
Get more training activities like this from past Soccer Champions Coaches' Clinics.
6 Week Preseason Training Plan
Soccer Awareness Coaching Curriculums presented by Game Sizes: 4 v 4, 7 v 7, 9 v 9 through to 11 v 11
50 Fun and Developmental Coaching Sessions for 6 to 10 year-olds
Soccer Awareness Age Group Specific Awareness Developmental Training
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Best of Soccer Awareness
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Drills and Exercises To Develop The Elite American Soccer Player
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Best of Amplified Soccer Training Volume 3
Ultimate Youth Coaches Training Guide
Tactical Thoughts on the Development of the New 4 v 4, 7 v 7 and 9 v 9 Game Sizes
Quick Play and Finishing in and Around The Box with the 4-2-3-1 Diamond Attacking Set Up
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