Half Court Soccer
The following exercise represents a game-related approach to soccer training. Rather than a narrowly defined drill that focuses on only one aspect of play (i.e, passing and receiving skills), half court soccer contains virtually all elements of an actual game situation - the objective for each team is to score goals and prevent opponent scores, all field players must perform attacking as well as defending responsibilities, and all players must execute skills and make split-second decisions while under the pressure of challenging opponents. Number of Players: Seven; two teams of three plus one goalkeeper (number of players per team can vary depending upon age and ability)
Objectives: To develop group attack and defense tactics; to improve players ability to play in combination with one or more teammates; to improve game-related fitness Organization: Play on one half of a regulation field with a full-size goal positioned on the end line. Use markers (plastic discs) to represent a line spanning the width of the field approximately 30 yards from the goal. Award one team (attacking team) possession of the ball; that team positions outside of the 30-yard zone to begin the game. The opposing (defending) team positions within the 30-yard zone to defend the goal. The neutral goalkeeper positions in goal and attempts to save all shots.
Procedure: Teams play three versus three. The team with the ball enters the defending zone and attempts to score in the regulation goal. Change of possession occurs after each goal scored or goalkeeper save, when the ball goes over the end line or touchline, when a foul is committed, and when a defending player steals the ball. Play is continuous as teams alternate playing on attack and defense depending upon which has possession of the ball. Transition from attack to defense should be immediate. The only stipulation is that each new attack must begin outside of the 30-yard line, so the team that gains possession must play the ball out of the zone before turning to initiate an attack goal. Otherwise regular soccer rules are in effect. 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: 20 to 30 minutes
Coaching Tips: On Attack: Emphasize concepts of width a depth to create open space and passing lanes within the defense; proper angle and distance of support; use of wall (give-and-go) pass to beat a defender; immediate switch to defense upon loss of possession. On Defense: Emphasize compactness; immediate pressure on the ball (first defender) coupled with tight cover provided by the second defender(s). Restrict the time and space available to attackers. Utilize the goalkeeper as a support (covering) defender. Emphasize immediate transition to attack upon gaining possession of the ball. Variation: Add a neutral player to the game who only plays with the team in possession to create a 4 versus 3 player advantage for the attack. |
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