Shielding & Possession

Start with a 10 x 10 grid with a player in each corner and a ball in the middle.

When the coach says “go” all four players try to win the ball and maintain possession. The player who has the ball in their possession at the end of the round gets a point (the round lasts 10 seconds). There would be 10 rounds per game and the player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

In the beginning, players will try to get to the ball and dribble away from the opponents but they will quickly understand they need to win the ball, shield the ball from the opponents and accept some of the body contact that will directed their way. Players need to be reminded this is a contact sport and knocking a player off the ball with a legal shoulder charge is not only acceptable but expected. As long as it wouldn't be a foul in a regular game, it's permissible in this activity.

You can also vary the size of the grid and the time periods. You can change from a 10 x 10 grid to a 5 x 5 grid or change the time length from 10 seconds to 5 seconds.

Next you would have teams. The players on opposite corners are now teammates so instead of 1 v 3, it's 2 v 2.

Now, then the coach says 'go” the two reds are trying to win and keep the ball against the two yellows who are doing the exact same thing.

This adds the element of teamwork into the activity but still works on the same things as before.

This is a great activity to work on shielding, possession, competitiveness and will prepare the players for the type of contact they will see in real games.

Under 12 Drill - "Movement Off The Ball"

Begin with a player out wide with the ball, a player in the middle and a player on the far side. There is one keeper in goal and an opponent marking the far player.

The runner would read the one hole run and make a hard diagonal run in front of the defender. The central attacker would fill this space.

The player with the ball can either lead the diagonal runner with the ball or drive the ball to the bent runner.

The defender starts by overplaying one of the runs to make it easier for the player with the ball to read the situation but quickly, this changes to the defender being live and the player on the ball having to make the correct read each time. Next, add a second defender.

The player with the ball can now either play the ball to the diagonal runner, play the ball to the looping runner or, if the defenders take away those two runs, can dribble to goal and shoot.

The key to this activity is it's not a 3 v 2 scrimmage but rather, a given situation being recreated so players can learn to read space, read runs and make appropriate passes.

It's important for all players to get the opportunity to play each of the roles because not only might they find themselves in the position to make certain runs, they also will understand how to defend them if they understand the mentality of the attackers.

If you have a team of 17 players, you could have 3 players in each line, plus two keepers and if done at speed, the players will be sprinting to the next line in order to get there in time for their turn.

Under 12 Drill - "6v6 Team Touch"

Organization -
Play a normal 6v6 game except for the fact that every player on a team must touch the ball before their team can score. This forces players to show for the ball, to communicate, and to spread out the field. Version 2: If players are advanced, you can enforce a 3 or 2 touch limit on players.

Key Coaching Points -

• When to dribble, pass, or shoot
• Creating Space
• Creating Width
• Combination Play
  

Under 12 Characteristics and Skill Priorities

Skill Priorities:

Technical -

• Further Improvement of U10 skills (click here for U10 skills)
• Speed Dribbling in Traffic
• Ability to chip the ball
• Accurately play long passes
• Offensive Heading
• Power/Accuracy Shooting

Tactical -

• Team Communication
• Basic Support Positions in Attack and Defense
• Receiving the Ball Away from Pressure
• Combination Play
• How and when to switch the point of attack
• Pressure vs Containing
• Proper 2 vs 2 roles
• Proper 3 vs 3 roles

The period this age group is entering is often referred to as the dawn of tactics. Typically players of this age begin to understand the basic tactical situations of the game and are more aware of movement off the ball and the reasons for tactical choices. Problem-solving becomes systematic and these players tend to learn quickly. Children of this age typically are beginning to develop abstract awareness, so they can understand coaches when we talk about space and runs off of the ball. However, just because they understand these basic tactical concepts does not mean we should focus on these concepts entirely. Players are still developing technically at this age, especially as they go through growth spurts and awkward phases.

It is quite common to look out at a U12 field and see players that are physically the size of adults. Yet, other U12 players appear as if they could still be in the 3rd grade. These children are all growing at different rates and undergoing physical, mental, emotional, and social changes. The
average age for the beginning of pubescence in girls is 10 years old with a range of 7 to 14; for boys it is age 12 with a range of 9 to 16. As adults, we need to be sensitive to these changes and their social implications when dealing with this age group. Some players may pick up skills quickly, where as others may struggle. However, it may be the case that this is simply the result of differences in maturation. In a year, the slower developer may surpass the player who developed earlier. For this reason we need to be patient and keep open minds about all players through these years. They are aware of their struggles more than anyone else as peer evaluation is omnipresent at these ages. When we see them struggling, it is important for us to help them and to keep the game fun.

Characteristics of this age group -

• All children are maturing at different rates
• Players must warm-up and stretch - muscle pulls and other nagging injuries are common otherwise
• Players will typically understand elemental abstract concepts and hypothetical situations
• They like to solve problems
• Peer evaluation is a constant
• Egos are sensitive
  
• Coordination may depend on whether or not they are in a growth spurt
• Technique still needs to be reinforced constantly
• Playing too much can lead to overuse injuries
• Playing too much and not feeling like they have a choice in the matter can lead to burnout and drop-out
• This is the dawn of tactics!
• Keep asking the players to be creative and to take risks - we never want them to stop doing these things
• Ask for feedback from them - they will tell you how things are going
• Try to hand over leadership and ownership of the sport to them
• Keep it fun!!!
  

The Receive and Turn Drill

This drill will work well with Under 8 and up players. Younger players should focus on ground balls, older players can mix it up with both ground and lofted balls.Organization -

• Balls start on the outside.
• Players on the inside move to receive a ball from a player on the outside, then give the ball back to a different player on the outside.

Technique -

• Proper receiving with the inside and outside of the foot. Use of the thigh or chest for lofted balls.
• Work on various turning techniques like shielding.

Coaching Points -

• Move with the head up
• Communication and awareness (visual and verbal)
• Change speed
• Find options early
• Timing of the run, so you are moving when you receive the ball
• Change of speed with and without the ball
• Keeping eye on the ball
• Relax the controlling surface

Variations -

• Players on the outside serve with their hands (like a goalkeeper)
  

The Give & Go Drill

This is a great drill to use for any type of passing lesson. It can be used from Under 8 up. I, normally, use this as a warm up drill for my older players, because it gets them moving around and focusing on proper passing and receiving. Also, it gives them looking around and also talking to the other players of when to pass by calling "Ball!"

Organization -
Players on the inside pass the ball the to the outside players, who either one-touch or two-touch the ball back to the players on the inside. Player on the inside should not receive pass from the same place they made their own pass from. MOVE! Players on the inside then dribble, find a new player on the outside to pass to. Players on the outside that are "open" should call "Ball!" to get inside players attention. Players should be using proper passing and receiving technique. Rotate after a couple of minutes.

Key Coaching Points -

• Plant foot next to ball, pointed at target
• Kicking foot has toe up and ankle locked
• Proper weight on the ball
• Communication
• Accuracy of pass
• Good first touch (for both players)
  

Variations -

• Long pass out, short pass in
• Short pass out, long pass in
  

Under 12 Drill - "Multi Goal End Line Game"

Organization:
Divide players into two equal team on a 30 x 40 yard fields. Place three goals on each end of the training area. Players score by dribbling through one of the multiple goals on the opponent’s end line.

The Dribbling Attack Activity

This activity works with all age groups.

Play 3v3 in a 30 x 20 yard grid. Put the two groups of three into different colored training bibs. Each player in one group has a ball. Attacking players must dribble past defending players. The defending players should try to gain possession and (if they do) then dribble past an opponent. Players may dribble in any direction inside the grid to start. The activity can progress when the coach gives the attack a direction (e.g., dribble to a specified goal line). Play a round for a set amount of time. After a round the groups switch roles.

Suggestions of time to play -
U6: play one minute rounds
U8: play two minute rounds
U10: play three minute rounds
U12: play four minute rounds
U14: play five minute rounds

Under 12 Lesson Plan - Receiving

Activity One - Warm Up

Organization:

• Split group into 2 equal teams
• Half on the outside start with a ball
• Players in the middle check to a ball
• The receiving player takes a touch and plays the ball directly back to the serving player
• After the pass the player must check to the center of the grid and then receive the ball from another server
• Rotate inside and outside players regularly

Key Coaching Points:

• Change of speed to meet pass
• On your toes to receive the ball
• Cushion the first touch
• Communications
• Eye contact between passer and receiver

Activity Two - Receiving Under Pressure

Organization:

• Similar to the Warm up, but two more players on the outside than on the inside
• Two servers on the outside start without a ball
• The inside players check to receive a ball, they turn or take their first touch to space and then pass to a player on the outside without a ball
• After each pass, players check back to the middle
• Progression - Players in the middle tracked by a defender
• Progression - Feed the balls in the air
• Rotate inside and outside players regularly

Key Coaching Points:

• Get into the line of flight of the ball
• Receive side-on or square on dependent upon the pressure
• Check behind as you receive the ball
• First touch into space
• Check to create space
• Encourage the server to lead the player and pass the ball to the correct foot
• Awareness of where the defender is
• Selection of surface to control the ball

Activity Three - 6v6 to Targets

Organization:

• 40x30 Training Area
• 6v6 + 2 Targets. Target players may run the whole length of the end line
• Players score by passing the ball to the hands or feet of their designated target player
• If a target player receives the ball they must then pass to an opposition player
• Condition - Can only play to the target in the final third of the field
• Condition - 2 touch restriction

Key Coaching Points:

• All of the above coaching points
• Set up forward pass with your first touch
• Play to the target as early as possible
  

Activity Four - The Game

Finish with a full scrimmage.

Under 12 Lesson Plan - Finishing With Combination Play

Objective: To help players recognize opportunities to finish from combination play. To help players develop the ability and the risky & aggressive attitude & instinct to score.

Possible combinations:

• The double- pass
• The overlap/run-around
• The wall-pass
• The take-over
  

Some general points:

• The players’ ability to recognize the verbal and visual cues of teammates is crucial to success
• The correct timing of runs and passes is crucial to success
• Appropriate angles and distance of support is crucial to success

Activity One: Shooting Warm Up
Set up two goals about 40 yards apart and the width of the penalty area, with GK’s in each goal. (2 field players per ball) Pairs of field players passing and moving throughout the area experimenting with different combinations, finishing with a reasonable shot to the keeper (to warm the keeper up). Version 2: Pairs now try to score (after using different combinations).

Coaching Points -

• Stress passing and receiving techniques…use of the inside and outside of the foot when passing
• Reinforce combination play coaching points
• Coach non-verbal cues…angle and timing of runs with and without the ball
• Coach verbal cues…i.e., ”Hold!”

Activity Two: 3v3+1 to goal

On a field 30 yds wide X 35 yds long place two regulation size goals centrally on each end line. Play a game awarding 2 points for any goals scored from a combination play. Award 1 point for goals scored otherwise.
Coaching Points -

• Work on passing and receiving techniques; proper pace and accuracy of the pass; proper 1st touch.
• Work on technical speed.
• Perfect communication.
• Talk about visual cures.
• Constantly survey the playing area
• Reinforce the combination play coaching points.
• Talk about taking opportunities to score.
• Be alert and ready to tap in any ball or rebound.
• Reinforce following up all shots.
• Talk about placement versus power.
• Develop rhythm of play based on what the game presents…increase speed of play at the right time

Activity Three: 4v4 +4 on deck +2GK’S
Two teams play soccer , on a field 30 yds wide X 45 yds long with regulation size goals centrally positioned on each end line. One team is on-deck waiting outside the field. First team to score two goals remains on the field, losing team is replaced by the on- deck team; or if two minutes pass by, and neither team has scored 2 goals or the game is tied, the team that has been on the field longest is replaced by the on-deck team. Captains on each team keep score.

Coaching Points -

• Reinforce the coaching points previously covered. Be sure to connect the dots…when making coaching points in these small sided games talk about how all attacking players are connected.

Activity Four: Full Scrimmage
Scrimmage under normal game conditions.

Coaching Points -

• Reinforce coaching points made throughout the training session.
  

Under 12 Drill - "Take Over"

This drill helps in teaching the "take over" pass, which exactly what it is - another player taking over for another.

Organization:

1. Player 1 dribbles through the middle and towards another player, in this case Player 2.
2. Player 2 moves towards the ball and shouts "TAKE!"
3. Player 1 on hearing this leaves the ball and allows the ball off to someone else.
4. When doing the take it must be performed right foot to right foot or left foot to left foot.

Coaching Points:

1. Keep the ball close
2. Head Up
3. Good Communication
4. Confuses other team allowing change of direction

Under 12 Lesson Plan - 1st Defender

First Activity - Shadow Exercises (Warm Up)

Set Up: Players organize themselves into pairs with one ball to a pair.

Description: Unlimited space. Partner with the ball faces one of the touchlines and dribbles towards his/her partner. The defending partner does a slow retreat while staying within one yard of the dribbler. Shadow the moves of the dribbler as s(he) dribbles towards the opposite touchline. Once the opposite line is reached the players switch roles, repeat the exercise and work back towards the original starting point.

Variations:

• Face-to-face
• Side-to-side
• Recovery

Coaching Points:

• Body shape (posture)
• Footwork
• Angles to the dribbler
• Space (distance between the defender and attacker) & (location in the playing area)

Second Activity - 1 vs. 1 Defending

Set Up: 10 x 20 yard grid. One pair per grid and one ball per pair.

Description: The players start at opposite ends of the grid with the defender having the ball. The defender passes the ball to the dribbler and then goes to defend. The dribbler tries to get to the opposite end of the grid with the ball under control. Switch roles after each turn. Encourage the defender to try to gain possession of the ball and not merely dispossess the dribbler.

Coaching Points:

• Angle of approach
• Speed of approach
• Long strides early to cover yardage
• Short strides once the defender is within three yards of the dribbler
• Physical control & emotional restraint
• Lower the center of gravity by bending the knees and leaning slightly forward at the waist.

Third Activity - 2 v. 2

Set Up: 15 x 25 yard grid. Two pairs per grid and one ball per grid. Use training bibs to designate the pairs.

Description: Same set up as in activity number two above. Attackers may pass as well as dribble and try to get the ball over the opposite end line under control. The defenders try to gain possession of the ball. If the attackers get to one end they turn and attack the opposite end of the grid. Switch roles after two minutes.

Coaching Points:

• Tactically reading when to be the first defender.
• Help the players recognize when they should be the first defender and when to switch roles with the other defender.

Fourth Activity - 3 vs. 3+1

Set Up: 30 x 40 yard grid with one age appropriate goal at one end and two small counterattack goals at the opposite end. Three balls at each grid, one in use and one at each end of the grid to keep the activity moving if a ball goes astray.

Description: The team on the attack will always be numbers up because of the neutral player who is only on offense. The defending team will have to make quick and clear decisions on who is to pressure the ball (be the first attacker). Designate one team to be the defenders. They defend the large goal and attack the small counterattack goals. Have the two teams of three switch roles every three minutes. Switch the neutral player at that time also. Use training bibs to designate the two teams. The neutral player must be in a third color.

Coaching Points:

• Verbal and visual communication between the defenders.
• Clear communication and understanding between the defenders on who will pressure the ball.
• Is the first defender executing the points taught earlier in the training session?
• Do the defenders know when to switch roles and become the first defender?

Fifth Activity - 4v4 with Two Goals

Set Up: 40 x 50 yard grid with an age appropriate goal at each end.

Description: No goalkeepers are used in this exercise so as to emphasize the need for proper defensive pressure on the ball. Otherwise play by the normal rules of play for the age group. The small playing area and the small number of players will give the players many opportunities to act as the first defender. Set up more grids if needed to keep all of the players active.

Coaching Points:

• Are the players beginning to execute the points taught through the session on how and when to be the first defender?

Sixth Activity - Full Match

Set Up: Set up is a regulation field and goals.

Description: Combine the players now and include the goalkeepers. Play a regulation match for ten minutes.

Coaching Points:

• Observe the players to see the decisions they make about playing first defender.
• Observe the players physical execution of the first defender.

It is highly recommended at this age that there is an organized cool down process of light jogging and stretching. This will prevent cramping later in the players.