But
coaching exercises shown in this video are functional drills and small sided
games which every coach should be able to incorporate into his training to
develop organized and effective attacking and defense play. The players
shown in the video are part of Brescia Juve team with Ernesto Nani as coach. We
want to express our gratitude to the club and to the players and thank the
managers of San Filippo Sports Center for all their help and assistance.
Players must develop a fundamental tactical understanding of the basics of
a modern systems of play. However sports psychologists have shown that only brief
coaching direction are actually fully understood and assimilation is usually
very limited. Therefore only a thorough preliminary preparation of a training
session together with simple and to-the-point theory can make our
teaching effective.
The first move we propose in order to get the single player acquainted with
group synchronization is running on command without the ball. The presence of
errors even in simple moves emphasizes the importance of concentration in
field training.
frequent quick commands build up psychological pressure and players are
forced to a higher effort to maintain organization the second step is
dribbling on command back front turning with the ball is the first fundamental
of ball control being introduced while keeping and changing direction
fundamentals are also being perfected in this drill another element is added to
increase difficulty layers dribbling must align in pairs keeping track of
their teammates and later switching pairs stepping back of one position
during the dribbling is the first fundamental covering skill and is
essential to any further tactic to be learned in the future
starting from two parallel lines the players dribble crease crossing upon
command include direction changes that can take place before or after the
crossing
start dribbling into parallel lines upon command the players position in two
lines and then in rows of three rows are four again to a single line
again to a row three and there are many other options available
synchronized passing into a teammates run on the opposite side of the field
one touch ball control and shooting we put the emphasis on the combination
passing control and shooting in this drill each of these skills combined with
the assessment of the position of a partner are fundamental to introduce
passing patterns in attack which is the first step in developing team shape the
same drill pattern is made harder and a one-touch shooting finish is added
similar synchronized passing to a teammates running through is practiced
by two pairs of players accuracy and control in the available space is
necessary since four balls and three players are now moving in the view of
each player for player game on the sides with coordinated passing one-touch
passing on the ground and one-touch shooting
just a few examples of the kind of exercises you can use to develop control
passing crosses and shooting conditions such as ball control one or two touch
play one touch passing right foot or left foot finishing obstacle dribbling or
variable ball size can make every training drill original and different in
its objective using a midfield square we can create conditions for fluent
passing with an active or passive support role of midfielders in
combinations with players penetrating it on the outside in this drill
midfielders simulate a simple dummy movement allowing the side player to get
free and shoot while coming from the opposite direction for players in the
midfield square the players in the four corners now take part in the exercise
not as a mere cover shield but receiving and passing to the side player
who makes a diagonal pass over the center square which is controlled and shoots
training for playing with the outside of the foot or striking the ball with the
laces can be developed by introducing a basic obstacle dribbling course into
coordinated training drills on two parallel circuits the player should make
a diagonal pass halfway down the line to his teammate coming out of the circuit
passes at the end of the parallel dipping circuits need double coordination
between the players of the two opposite lines restrictions to two touch and
later to one touch passing makes this drill in the square increasingly harder
maximum level of difficulty in this kind of training can be tested through a
combination of vertical horizontal and finally diagonal passing in short
succession let us now introduce basic elements of attacking penetration
combined with one two passing on a narrow restricted area with passing to
this first variation is based on the same pattern of the first series of
drills with the introduction of ball control developing crossing and long
distance shooting heading is of course one of the alternatives for the
two lines of players dribbling side runs are started to create shooting
opportunities with the help of a third line made up of side anchor players
alternating the direction of the two circuits allows striking on both the
right and left side for comprehensive technique training while anchor players
forming the support line can improve their skill in assessing space and
timing in the approach of a teammate requiring the one to pass in this
passing option to provide a short long short pattern of play the first player
plays the ball wide to a side support penetrating player who in turn uses the
player formerly in possession of the ball as first anchor player then a
second one to pass is made before shooting at the goal
the same kind of drill pattern with short long short passing and an
additional side anchor player to return the ball shooting from the left side
with accuracy remembering the limited area on the field we focus on the
flexible movement on the side support player during the long pass play we now
start a series of drills including tackling and dribble through of the
attacking player within a center track against a defensive player trying to
win the ball one versus one is the basic core of soccer and these sample
patterns point out different situation in which the defender is overcome or the
attacker is being stopped tackling obstacle violation side dribble turning
dribble goalkeeper coming out and goal scoring are the very fundamental
elements in soccer
we introduce the first difficulty for the attacker having to face two
defenders on a vertical line the second defender is moving in order to provide
support for his teammate forming a very simple diagonal defense line on the
right or left side in two versus two attackers are given the possibility to
choose short or long passing as a tool to get past the defenders who in turn
will have to work harder to set up an effective defensive diagonal
the situation showing three players in attack against two forces the defenders
to improve effectiveness of closing moves while attackers in turn have to
set up combinations and use inventiveness in passing in order to
succeed in the center forward penetration towards the goal
the final option shown is four versus three this is the right time to
introduce basic elements of center triangle defense and of wing defense
using a side diagonal line
on a full-size field on areas equivalent to those of a real match
teaching modules will be again progressively harder and aimed at
imitating match defense situations with pressure in attack concentration of the
players movements will train the finishing player strikers to maintain
the right tension until just after the shooting the string of players
broadening at midfield with the use of side passing will narrow again in front
of the goal with natural cross passing moves such a movement pattern will be
taken up and modified in many of the following drills
the introduction of a fourth player on the outside flank allows testing of a
new change in play on both right and left attacking sides such a simple scheme
can only be performed by players of sufficient technical skill good touch
and coordination and athletic fitness easy sprinting capability good strength
in shooting
This dribbling circuit with synchronized laps and final shooting may
be a boring introduction for the players, but it is undoubtedly necessary for
their technical development.
Now players in pairs are moving on inner and outer dribbling circuits in
different times exchanging their balls with a final pass before shooting at the
goal.
The same circuit pattern is adapted for the two pairs plus there is some left
right position switching in the dribble before the shot.
Now players in pairs are moving on inner and outer dribbling circuits in
one of the possible variations for both the dribbling and the passing circuits
can be obtained with a restriction to inside or outside dribbling paths or
creating different angles in the outlet of each circuit.
Two players with their balls start the run, reach a shooting position on a cross
from a side teammate playing wide, one touch finishing with heading option, again
on a short pass from behind the goal they perform the finishing by heading or
shooting. The full action is now shown.
Maintain coordination is harder in this drill due to the introduction of some
elements for athletic conditioning in the technical training circuit. Analysis
of the technical content of the drill compared to the weight of athletic
conditioning elements will allow the coach to adjust training time and work
to rest ratio for the players involved. The presence of tactical elements like
passes overlapping or field position selecting makes this a comprehensive
drill suitable for pre-match training sessions.
Music
With this drill, we start working on the structures connecting the midfielder's group to strikers
in attack, lined up against the goalkeeper as on a virtual launching pad.
After receiving the ball from one of the midfielders, the striker uses another one as anchor player
to get around the defender, who is simulating a challenging position, receiving a deep pass
and then shooting at goal.
The run through the defense can take place in the center or on one of the sides.
This simple drill module is important for the building of more complex drills bearing
more technical and tactical value.
Adequate skill in serving the player in attack, accuracy in the cross and the ability to enter
the play with correct timing for the finishing player are necessary fundamentals for this
drill, which otherwise are not particularly hard to perform.
Basic soccer fundamentals are always the starting point for any advanced play.
An increasing number of players are now involved.
Two strikers instead of one and three midfielders.
The back pass from the second midfielders involved is not made to the strikers, but
to the player who started the action, moving forward on the right or left flank and he
she will perform the cross to the center strikers.
The strikers being involved in the first anchor side pass goes wide around the defenders simulating
the challenge, therefore allowing a better path for the second striker.
Both strikers perform a feint or a double fake on the cross to support finishing at
the goal.
Another option connected to the back pass of the second midfielder, in this case shown
as diagonal pass to the penetrator on the opposite side at the beginning of the action.
This kind of pattern is undoubtedly harder to perform, but it is much more effective.
Midfield and attack with defensive pressure with application of techniques learned earlier.
The ball is guided in order to concentrate opponent defense action on one side of a field
and then moved by midfielders towards the strikers shifting forward on the opposite
side.
The midfield playmaker plays to a side penetrator coming up wide, who in turn proceeds to a
center cross.
We suggest this comprehensive drill as a practical reference step within training modules.
Practice for runs, player shifting, zone overlapping, crossing and finishing can be tracked back
to the drill modules reviewed earlier.
The ball is guided in order to concentrate opponent defense action on one side of a field
and then moved by midfielders towards the center cross.
Our experience in soccer coaching of groups aged 12, 14, 16 and adult beginners in a developing
environment eager for theory as Africa is from the soccer point of view has led us to
choose small sized theory teaching modules in order to keep your attention and allow
for application on the field.
Even players who are not able to fully understand the theory can manage in their area of play
or as a connection between areas in team configuration.
Blank team shape patterns are helpful in the conditioning of play formats through repetition.
Acquired patterns will be recalled easily during the match.
This drill introduces the series dedicated to blank technique or the so-called virtual
challenge.
Surface learning of this type of drill is not very difficult and repetition may look
useless.
From our experience, however, even the most simple move can be safely applied only if
acquired as an immediate subconscious reaction pattern.
Similarly, our present target is escaping the offside trap to be achieved through correct
timing in team movements.
This virtual challenge drill is used to condition our line defense in dealing with multiple
attack fronts.
Defense lines shall move forming a right diagonal line, a left diagonal line or a center triangle
if the opponent is attempting a center run-through.
First of all, teams must learn to switch to any
of these lineup shapes in order to make theory concepts clear.
In this series we can read a preliminary shape of 4-4-2 evolving first into 4-3-3 and later
turning back to the original.
Here's a transformation from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 to 4-3-3.
Then from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2 with a midfield four-player diamond.
Then 4-4-2 diamond shape derived from 4-4-2 line center and back to the original.
Finally we shift from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 with a center midfielder position behind midfielder
number four.
This first 4-4-2 based module allows players to get acquainted with coordinated movement
between the shapes.
According to the position of opponents and the ball, our team can configure in a single
diagonal line or, as we personally suggest, in a hockey stick shape with the four players
slightly forward.
Shape changing can be started by mere ball shifting of one of the players, but also on
occasion of a side free kick while reversing the game.
The training and conditioning outcome of this drill is very high.
We now train a midfield 4-4 line reaction shape with midfield players switching through
a triangle while the defense line behind them is prepared to do the same in case opponents
should succeed in penetrating.
Then a blank drill to train transition play from the goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper is in possession.
The ball can be distributed to the side defender, to the third player on the four-player midfield
row, to the outer player of the midfield row, again to the third midfield player coming
out unmarked.
Across passing follows to the front strikers or to any midfielder who was able to move
forward.
This pattern of transition was suitable to the specific features of our players and can
obviously be modified for a particular team or match situation.
When the opponent cannot be caught unprepared on the sides during the game restart, the
reset action can profit from a few moments to control the ball and assess the situation.
We therefore train to move the ball in short passes along the midfield diagonal lines making
short and safe multiple passes and advancing the whole team together with the ball.
When opponents follow our players in one direction, the side of our team shape will start a sudden
change, playing to our wing defender coming out free on the opposite side of the field.
The follow-up of this drill is made of a virtual challenge in midfield and defense.
Again, in case of a slow transition, we redirect the ball towards the back four defense line
to set up the attack.
The four-player midfield line will provide tactical support.
By choosing correct timing according to the opponent's movements, the center defense player
will set up a triangle with the two inner midfielders, receiving the ball from one of
them and using the other as anchor.
He will then start the forward run in attack.
This third phase of our drill is performed using simulated opponent pressure to make
the training closer to real match situation.
The drill is performed using simulated opponent pressure to make the training closer to real
match situation.
This kind of workout allows us to focus defensive pressure on the opposing player in possession
of the ball.
Every time the ball is won, the group of defenders shall circle the attacking player in order
to close any escape direction, then perform a one-two switch between defenders to cut
through the cover players, managing to win back the ball.
The drill is performed using simulated opponent pressure to make the training closer to real
match situation.
This training drill is aimed at developing correct timing and coordination between back
defense line and midfield players performing pressure on two opponent strikers in possession
of the ball.
The objective is to force the attackers to cope with the situation by a quick withdrawal
or to get caught offside.
Naturally, every drill proposed here is effective in training not only the defenders but also
the players the coach has chosen for the attack role.
The present escape from the offside trap makes harder the task of defenders coming forward
and is therefore a double purpose training.
Free game of four versus four with no restrictions to win the ball.
The team maintaining possession for a longer time is the winner.
Game of three versus three for ball possession.
A point is scored when a ball is dribbled through the square opposite to the starting position.
Every time a point is scored, a new team challenges the winning team.
Free plus one versus free plus one game restricted to not more than free touch play.
An extra player can replace one of the three by passing the ball to the side and letting
him enter the game.
A point is scored when the ball is dribbled through the line opposite to the start side.
Four pairs of players are differentiated with colored bests.
Players must continuously toss the ball passing to a teammate with a different color from
their own or in a further restriction cannot pass to the color they receive the pass from.
Team with the least number of penalty points wins.
Four pairs of players are differentiated with colors.
They bounce the ball with one hand always passing to a teammate with a different color
from their own.
Four pairs of players and two goalkeepers are differentiated with colors.
The game is restricted to one touch passing to a teammate with a different color from
their own.
These multiple pair games can be enlivened giving team joining commands during the play
forming two main groups white plus red plus one goalkeeper versus yellow plus magenta plus
one goalkeeper.
A goal is scored when ball is dribbled past one of the sides also commanded by the coach.
The game is restricted to one touch passing to a teammate with a different color from
their own.
Two versus two game with three narrow line goals placed inside the area where the ball
play.
Three ball passing a goal is scored by dribbling the ball through either side of any of the
three goals.
The team conceding a goal is changed.
Three versus three game in a square with four narrow line goals placed on the corners.
A point is scored only when shooting into the goal from the outer side.
The game is restricted to one touch passing to a teammate with a different color from
their own.
The game is restricted to one touch passing to a teammate with a different color from
their own.
The game is restricted to one touch passing to a teammate with a different color from