Quick turnovers may require players to make important recovery runs to stop opposition attacks or block attempts on goal. This defensive practice focuses on this aspect of the game. Defenders will sprint towards the mannequin and header the ball back to the coach before sprinting to make blocks from shots at the two mini goals. Sprint speed, quick reactions and maintaining a high intensity throughout are key coaching points in this one! 💪
It's time to develop our midfielder-winger-striker combinations to deliver and finish crosses at the back post. Wingers will drive towards the pole, simulating how they would attack a fullback in a game. They will cut inside and deliver a cross-shot towards the back post where the striker has made their run to finish off the attack. Aiming your deliveries inside the back post is key in this one, as strikers movement could be enough to put the keeper off and allow the cross to creep inside the post. We have added a progression to get our midfielders more involved, delivering the cross from a different angle.💪

Deep Crosses to the Back Po...
Let's sharpen our players' defensive shape, pressing and awareness in this practice. The objective is for the attacking players to draw out the defenders and play penetrating passes through the different colour gates (yellow worth 1 goal and red worth 2 goals). The two defenders work together to pressure and cover, aiming to regain possession. If they succeed, they must make a quick pass to any of the 4 outside players. The defensive pair must maintain effective shape and distance, decide when to press and when to shift across and communicate effectively to win possession! 💪⚽️

7. Defending as a Pair | 12-P7
This practice focuses on developing defensive compactness and players ability to apply pressure when setup in a back 3. The objective is for the 3 defenders to win the ball from the 2 attackers and combine to play out into either of the two mini goals. Defenders must remain compact and squeeze at the right time, communicate effectively to remain tight and shift across quickly when attackers are in possession, closing space and forcing mistakes. Let's get our Back 3 prepared for game day! 🔥

13. Defensive Pressure (Bac...
This dynamic practice will help players improve their ability to transition from defence to attack and vice versa. We'll set up a 15 by 15-yard square where a 4 v 2 possession rondo takes place, creating a challenging and fast-paced environment for players to thrive. Once the defenders win the ball in the Rondo, they must connect with an outside teammate, triggering a 5 v 3 attack. Speed of transitions and high quality decision making are the order of the day! 🫡

13. Breakout to Counter Ro...
How organised are your back 4 when they are under pressure? Are they communicating effectively to stay compact when facing an attacking overload. This functional defensive practice focuses on these key aspect of the game. The goalkeeper will play a long pass to the attacking team triggering the 6 v 4 attack. Defenders must stay tight, working together to force attackers wide and close spaces to stop penetrating passes through. After every two rounds, we switch the GK and defensive team with the attacking team switching after each unsuccessful attack. Let's defend the goal like we would on game day! 💪

The Compact Back 4 | Functi...
It's time to develop our players' forward passing, support play and ability to take quick throws into attacking areas. The objective of this practice is for teams to play passes to their teammates in the zones, pick up the ball and perform throw ins to teammates to combine & finish. Throwers are restricted to only throwing forward, emphasising the need for good support play. Recognise when passing lanes to throwers are available, use the correct technique when taking throw ins and get up the field quickly to provide support. 💪⚽️

Forward Throws to Attack |...
How confident are you when deploying a diamond setup? This technical pattern of play will help increase your players confidence when playing this formation. Our focus in this practice is getting your wide midfielders timing their movements inside to receive, creating problems for the opposition defenders in central areas. Passing weight and accuracy, quality finishing and realistic movements are key in this one. 💪⚽️

Diamond Combinations to Fin...
It's time to activate our players this Monday with this technical passing practice. Working both sides at the same time, players will combine on one and two touches in this sequence, testing their ability to play well weighted and accurate passes. Ensure players are taking good directional first touches where necessary and are keeping the ball close when dribbling down the centre of the area. We have added two progressions to keep your players engaged throughout this one! ⚽️

Technical Passing Combos | ...
This is the 2nd part of our 3 player finishing combination practice ( 1st Part: 82-P7 ) We have 5 different 3 player combinations, developing different passing sequences and movements to combine around the box with the aim to create goal scoring opportunities. Time to step up our game and work on those crucial combinations in the final third. Your attackers are going to love this one! ⚽️🔥

3 Player Finishing Combinat...