Tactical Problem #2

This week I am focusing on tactical problems associated with invasion games, more specifically soccer. Some tactical problems include:

-          Marking up and reading the opponent  to regain possession of the ball

-          Moving to open space to maintain possession of the ball

-          Scoring against the goalie

1 on 1 :

This game/drill is excellent practice for older groups of students or in a coaching situation. It allows students to work on maintaining or regaining possession of the ball, as well as attacking the goal. Have players divide into two separate groups and line up on either end of the goal posts. Set up 2 cones parallel to the goal posts typically at the 18 yard box, or further out for more of a challenge. On go, the first player in each line must run to and around their designated cones and meet in the middle. As the players are running the goalie will kick a ball to the center of the two cones. The player to reach the ball first will play offensively, and the other defensively. The defensive player tries to stop the other from scoring and get possession of the ball, while the other tries to score and maintain possession. The pair goes until either one scores, the goalie stops the ball, or the ball goes out of bounds, then the next pair goes. This is an active and efficient game to help players practice a number of skills by combining game-like situations into one activity.

Explode:

This game is fun for all ages, and teaches the importance of controlling the ball. It is important to control the ball to be able to maintain possession. Every player has a ball, and begins in a small designated area. Have them dribble the ball around while keeping it close, using the insides of their feet. Players will discover that they have to keep the ball close and their heads up in order to not run into other people in the small space. It is important to practice keeping your head up so that you can see where your team mates are as well as the open spaces. At some point the teacher yells out “EXLODE”, and then all players run as fast as they can while dribbling their balls to a boundary. Boundaries can be hoola-hoops, cones, a wall, or even a net that they must score on.