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FineSoccer Drill 2 (cont)
The next step in this progression is to change the field slightly to look like the one in diagram 2
diagram 2
This field has the same dimensions but now, instead of triangles in the corners, there are small 2 yard wide goals (just place a goal in each corner and then another one 2 yards in on the end line. Also there is a square in the middle.
Again, there are 2 teams but now to score, the ball must be played through the the goals. Team A would be scoring into either the top left goal or the bottom left goal and Team B would be scoring into either the top right goal or the bottom right goal (this part is set up like a standard 4 goal game. The rectangle in the middle represents a one touch zone (for younger players this can be a two touch zone). By having the goals in the corners, it encourages the players get wide early and by putting in the one touch zone, it discourages the players from trying to dribble from one side of the field to the other. You will start to see players doing a much better job of spacing with players running through the center to receive the ball and play one touch soccer.
The other thing this central zone does is encourage both width and depth. Instead of playing all balls either square or forward, they will realize the advantages of player balls back and around the zone (just like you want them to switch balls around the back of the field in a real game).
One of the reasons I like this game so much is that the spacing comes almost naturally and I believe the more a player can realize on their own without it having to be explained in great detail, the more they will really progress.
To make this game even more difficult, you can also put in a one touch finish restriction. This simply means that in order to score a goal, it must be played one touch into the goal. This will help them to get back into the thought process of working in 2's and 3's instead of just playing by themselves.
The next drill will take this progression one step further and will come out on Friday.
Any comments, questions or suggestions should be sent to comments@finesoccer.com or if it's something that would help everyone (such as a variation of these drills) post them at the FineSoccer Forum
Lawrence