8v4 Possession Exercise

Based on Soccer iQ a book written by Dan Blank
from Chapter 8 - "The Three Step Rule"

High to Low Possession Passing Attack and Shooting

This is an advanced attacking game for developing the tactical concept of a "high to low" player combination. Recommended for skilled players with good passing abilities (U14 and older).

1v1 Training with Goalkeepers

Shooting accurately under physical stress.
This is a 1v1 training game with goalkeepers. It can be played with 1 or 2 goals and between 8-24 players (with 16 players or more and you'll need to setup 2 goals). You can choose to focus your coaching tips on either attacking moves and beating the defender, defender body positioning and winning possession, or goalkeeper position and techniques.

Service from Goal Line

As a coach don't you hate it when a player dribbles deep into the opponents penalty area, around the goal line, and then attempts shooting from a nearly impossible angle? I do, especially when there is a teammate waiting around the penalty spot, in the perfect position, with a clean line of sight on an open goal, but the ball is never passed back to them. This training exercise should help your attackers (and defenders) in this game situation.

Triangular Passing, Receiving, and Shooting

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Unopposed Speed Passing Shooting

Great exercise that combines several different skills: quick sprint to start, running onto and taking a stationary ball, passing and receiving, shooting and crashing the goal for rebounds.

Stage II Square Passing and Receiving, Shooting, Goalkeeper Blocking

This is a Stage II activity designed for the entire team to participate in including your goalkeeper. You will need one full sized goal and an area at least 30 x 40 yards and some cones to setup the exercise environment.

Stage II Diamond Passing and Receiving, Shooting, Goalkeeper Blocking

(Same activity as above just the diamond version)

Point Zone Game

This is a fun passing game that requires a perfectly weighed pass into a limited area in order to score.

2 Player Ladder Cone Passing

This is a good technical exercise for keeping possession in tight spaces using ball control and quick short passes with a teammate.

3D Warm-Up Diagonal Alternating Touches and Speed

• Duration: 20 minutes
• Intensity: Moderate
• Intervals: 10

3 Dimensional Warm-Up

• Duration: 15 minutes
• Intensity: Low
• Intervals: 8-12

X-Pattern 1-Touch Passing

Zonal Defending Stage I Warm-Up

Warm-Up Stage 1 of 4.

Stage-I Warm-Up: Circle 1-Touch Passing & Dynamic Stretching

I like this warm-up because players get interactive touches on the ball at the beginning of practice. Spend 30 seconds passing then have the players perform a dynamic stretch move towards the center of the circle and then back out and continue passing.

Zonal Defending Stage II Small Sided Activity

Half field (80 x 50 yards). Layout 3 vertical lines of cones about 25 yards out from the goal line. Blue represents the back 4 (positions 2,3,4,5). Red attackers line up along either touch line. Full sized goal and 1 goalkeeper (optional). 6-12 soccer balls, and 8-12 players or more. Zonal defense in the top half track the attackers movement and pass-on responsibility.

• Players should be sprinting at full speed.
• Defenders need to communicate constantly
• After the thru pass defender should focus on preventing or at least make it difficult for the attacker to fire off a good shot on goal.

Goalkeeping Shot Blocking Stage I Warm-Up

Improve the goalkeepers shot stopping and diving skills. Start with a goalkeepers warm-up, ball catching and throwing then transition into shooting from off the foot. Provide a variety of shot stopping activities from the ground up towards and over the head. Work on ball distribution using the hands and 3 different throwing techniques: (1) under arm bowl, (2) javelin throw, and (3) over arm bowl. Finish the session with a high paced close range 2 v 2 game where the goalkeepers will face a variety of different shots frequently during the game.

• Body should be in the "Ready Position": legs shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, body weight slightly forward
• Eyes concentrating on the ball
• Hands in the gun slinger position
• Practice under arm bowl, javelin throw, over arm bowl for ball distribution

Goalkeeping Shot Blocking Stage II Small Sided Activity

20 x 20 yard area with 1 full sized goal. 3-4 soccer balls (more is better), goalkeeper gloves and 2-4 players.

• Push off the inside leg when diving sideways.
• After receiving the ball and falling on the ground, bend top leg towards chest for protection.
• Catch high balls with "W" hands.
• Keep legs together for ground shots that don't require a dive.
• Dive only if you have to.

Goalkeeping Shot Blocking Stage III Expanded Activity

40 x 40 yard area with 2 full sized goals at each end. 2 goalkeepers and 6-12 field players who can shoot. Have as many soccer balls on hand as possible and make sure they are inflated and not under-inflated.

• Goalkeeper technique blocking shots: "W" or "Diamond" hand position
• Punching, parrying, tipping and reduce the shooting angle using field and body position
• After successfully blocking a shot quickly distribute the ball using the under arm bowl
• Be in the "ready position" move feet quickly
• Try and prevent releasing rebounds

Goalkeeping Shot Blocking Stage IV Game

30 x 30 yard area with 2 full sized goals. At least 6 soccer balls (more is better). 2 goalkeepers and 8-12 field players. Game is played 2 v 2 with 2 goalkeepers.

• Game pace
• Goalkeeper must reduce shooting angles.
• Quick distribution using hands or feet.
• Being in the "ready position".
• Dive only if you have to, stay on your feet.
• First team to score 5 goals wins. 1 minus point if shot misses the goal frame.