Four-Goal Game with Full-size Goals
An attacking team can counter the opponent's defensive tactics of immediate pressure, compactness and balance by quickly changing the location of the ball to an area occupied by fewer defenders. This tactic is commonly referred to as "changing the point of attack", and can be an effective means of spreading defenders and creating space within the defense through which the attackers can penetrate to goal via the pass or dribble. The following drill encourages changing the point of attack to exploit the defense at its most vulnerable spot. Number of Players: Two equal teams of 7 to 9 field players each; two goalkeepers per team.
Objectives: To improve player ability to recognize and exploit opportunities to effectively switch the point of attack; to develop the team's ability to quickly counterattack; to develop game-related fitness.
Organization: Play between the penalty areas of regulation field, an area of approximately 80 yards in length by 70 yards in width. Position a full-size goal (Goals #1 and #2) at each corner of one end line; position a full-size goal (Goals #3 and #4) at each corner of the opposite end line. One team positions to defend goals #1 and #2; their opponents defend goals #3 and #4. A goalkeeper stations in each goal. Use colored vests to differentiate teams. Award one team the ball to begin.
Procedure: Begin with a kickoff from the center of the field. Each team must defend the two goals on it's end line and can score in either of the opponent's two goals. Regular soccer rules are in effect. Teams alternate playing on attack and defense depending upon which has possession of the ball. Play is continuous. Transition from attack to defense and vice versa should be immediate, and teams should quickly switch the point of attack (location of the ball) to attack the goal least defended. Award 1 point for each shot on goal saved by the keeper, 2 points for a goal scored. The team scoring the most points wins the game. Time: 25 minutes.
Coaching Tips: Emphasize player positioning and passing combinations that spread the defense; encourage attacking players to commit defenders and then switch the location of the ball; emphasize immediate transition to defense upon loss of possession. Impose restrictions on advanced players to make the game more challenging. For example, require that all goals originate off of crosses, or limit players to three or fewer touches to receive, pass and shoot the ball.
|
|
