FineSoccer Drill 56

This short series of drills works on two frontrunners learning to make and use space for each other in the 18 yard box

Start with 8 players and the 18 (or set up a grid to represent the 18).  Play 2 v 2 inside the box with the other 4 players spread out around the box (see diagram below).

The two A's in the grid are trying to keep possession, they do this by either dribbling, passing to themselves or they may use any of the 4 players on the outside who are restricted to one touch soccer.  The players on the outside must play the ball back to the team that played it to them.  If the B Team wins the ball, then they are on offense and try to keep possession of the ball.  Done properly, this will get the players in the grid looking to make runs off of each other  especially when they play the ball to a person on the outside.  You can play 2 minute games and then have them switch so the 4 players who were on the outside then become the center players and the players that started in the center become the outside players. 

If you want to turn this into a competition, have a contest to see which team (A or B) has the most passes after the two minute period/

Next we take this same game to goal.  It's a similar setup except we do it inside the 18 and the two teams are trying to score and we add a keeper.  The outside players are not only trying to get the ball to the proper team but also in a way that the player can get a shot hit.  See the diagram below for the set up.

Points of emphasis are that the two players must work together and they must be willing to make runs to create space for each other.  Also, remind the other players that they must make good passes as those same players will be passing to them next.

The next step is to play 4 v 4 in a small area where the only restriction is that all finishes MUST be first time.  By doing this, you encourage the runners to work together and continue to make the same type of runs that were made earlier.  An ideal size for this grid would be 44 yards wide (the width of the 18) by 50 yards long.  If you have two keepers for this game, this would make it ideal.

Finish up this session with a 4 v 4 game with no restrictions but encourage the players to continue their runs.  

This progression is a great way to get players moving off the ball in the offensive third of the field.

Give it a try and let me know what you think at the FineSoccer Forum

Have a great day

Lawrence