4v4 Playing Wide Out of the Back
This drill is designed to get players to play balls wide when playing from the back, the defensive third of the field. Players recognize that they find more time and space on the outsides of the field and they are relieving the center of the pitch from dangerous play.
4v4, Playing wide, Switching the Point of Attack
This drill is designed to get players to play balls wide when playing from the defensive third of the field.
Drill Setup
- Create a grid approximately 40X25 yards.
- Create a small goal on the end line with two training sticks.
- Create two 7 yard channels along the outsides of the field on the center line.
- Split the players into two teams of four.
Drill Instructions
- Each team defends a goal.
- Award a goal only when the ball is won in the defensive half of the field and played wide through a channel before knocking it into the goal.
- Players are not allowed to go forward unless it is passed or dribbled through the channel first.
Drill Variations
- Limit players number of touches
- Add a 2nd ball
- Ball must be PASSED through the channel
- Ball must be DRIBBLED through the channel
Drill Coaching Points
- Once the ball is won, players must quickly open up for their teammates which will allow for a quick switch (changing the point of the attack).
- Players should be thinking a step ahead of the play.
- Once the ball is won defensively, keep possession and get out of the back by going wide.
Equipment
- Disc Cones - Mini or Full-Size Disc Cones are a critical piece of equipment that every soccer coach must have in your equipment bag.
- Scrimmage Pinnies/Vests - Scrimmage vests, also called bibs or pinnies, are also another must-have in your soccer coaching equipment bag.
- Soccer Practice or Training Balls - Every player should have a soccer balls at practice to have a successful training session.
- Training Sticks - Training Sticks or Agility Poles
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