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Positional play – support behind the ball

The closer an attacking team gets to the opposition goal the more pressure the defenders will exert on the man in possession in order to prevent him from playing the ball forward. This means that the player on the ball needs support from his team-mates. It is important that the supporting players take up their positions early so that the tightly marked man in possession has the option of passing the ball with his first touch.
This drill helps to teach the basics of supporting play.

Supporting players have to determine two things;

(i) the correct angle of support
(ii) the correct distance of support

By taking up the correct angle and distance the supporting player will achieve:

a position in which he has a full range of forward vision
a position in which he receives the ball comfortably
a position in which he can switch the play
a position in which he can play the ball forward without being under pressure

Organisation

Area: 30×40
Players: 4 Attackers, 3 Defenders
Equipment: Footballs, Bibs, Markers

Practice

X plays the ball into X1 who is tightly marked by O1

X follows his pass and supports X1

X2 must lose his marker O2 and provide support for X1

X1 lays the ball off to either of the supporting players X or X2

X3 makes a forward run and provides the outlet for the through pass from X or X2

O3 is the recovering defender who tracks the run of X3

X’s must run the ball through the markers to score

Key Points

Assess the angle and distance of the support positions offered by X and X2
Assess the timing of the forward run made by X3
Assess the accuracy, timing and weight of pass played by either X or X2 into the path of X3
Ensure that O’s defend properly

Passing with value

Good passes are positive actions that contribute to the team; bad passes are negative actions taking away from the build up or the attack. In the list below, each action has been assigned a value. While you want your players to always look for the highest-value pass it has to be balanced by the risk to return.

Many children think that they can hit a defense splitting pass every time — no matter where they are or what the situation is. This leads quickly to kick and run and loss of possession. Not good soccer. On the other hand, a player with the opportunity to play a penetrating pass but opts for one that just maintains possession has also played unskillfully. It’s a lost opportunity.

Developing patience in the build up and recognizing when to play the decisive pass is a vital skill to learn. One that is necessary as the precursor to scoring goals.

Type of Pass	Description	Value
Shot or goal	Think of shooting as passing the ball into the goal.	4
Assist	This pass leads directly to the shot.	3
Penetrating pass	By advancing the ball past a defender(s) or a line, this pass contributes to the build up and gets the team one step closer to an assist. Penetrating passes can be played from anywhere. For example: The goalkeeper rolls the ball out to the right back, who’s behind the opponent’s left wing. This pass puts the left wing on the wrong side of the ball and therefore out of the game. The greater the number of opponents put out of the game with a pass, the better.	2
A pass that keeps possession but doesn’t put any opponents out of the game.	This pass contributes to the build up by keeping the ball away from the opponents. It represents at best a probe and at worst a safety first approach. While it’s often played backwards or square it can be played forward in front of the opponents.	1
Crimes of Omission
Missed opportunities	The team keeps possession, but has lost an opportunity. For example, a pass is played backwards, a 1, although a forward pass, a 2 is available. It takes take a degree of experience to see lost opportunities in the heat of a game — for coaches as well as players. New coaches tend to focus too much on the player with the ball, what’s happening in their immediate space and their problems. Experience will help you to develop the necessary game awareness to see these missed opportunities.	0
Crimes of Commission	Crimes of commission are easier to spot, because the player has just given the ball to the opponents.
A risk worth taking	Every player faces opportunities to try a difficult pass that could produce a good result. Encourage players to try when the risk is worth the return and to accept the consequences when they fail. It’s important to have players who will take this responsibility. They aren’t afraid to try the difficult; they can live with failure; and they are mature enough to calculate the chances of success and not just to rely on chance.	0
Giving the ball to the opponents unnecessarily	Sometimes it’s because of a poor decision; other times it’s poor execution. Either way, now the entire team must come together and work to correct the mistake. The difference between this error and the previous one is a matter of game maturity. This quality only comes through experience and that is best learned in small-sided games.	-1
Giving the ball to the opponents is met with an immediate counterattack.	The team’s lost possession and now faces serious consequences. Mistakes like this will largely take place in your own back or middle third.	-2

Just use the above as a general guide for yourself; it won’t mean anything to your players if you tell them they hit a 1 or a –1.

You can utilize small-sided games to analyze your players and use the information to guide your decisions and evaluations. For example, a player who consistently plays -1 passes is a poor choice for a key midfield distribution role.

Tips to Make Passing Pay

There are a few general rules that all players can follow that will improve the passing game.

Don’t overestimate your own ability: Too often players try to hit a game-winning, defense-splitting pass every time they get the football. Relax, keep your composure and if you can’t find a “good” pass quickly, settle for a safe one. The time that you’re thinking about things is time a teammate in another position could make good use of the ball.

Always look for the deep pass first: Look at the players who are at the edge of your passing range, and if you cannot get the ball to one of them, start working your way back. Make the first deep pass that you can make, and try to get as many opponents on the wrong side of the ball as quickly as possible.

Learn how to calculate the risk to return of each pass: There are times to try the risky passes and times to play it safe. When in doubt, don’t lose the ball, play it safe. Pass with a purpose and not just hope.

Don’t telegraph your passes: Look away from your target and use your peripheral vision. Your eyes can tell the defenders everything they want to know, so use them to misdirect the defenders.

Remember your teammate. Keep in mind their situation, and what they need. If you can’t supply them with the quality serve they require you should look for another target. Make them look like a better player.

Quick, simple and accurate passes get the job done. Don’t hold the ball and dwell over things. This slows down the team.

Don’t run with the ball if you can’t keep your head up. Trying to run with the ball half the length of the field doesn’t help if all you can see is the ball and your own two feet. Develop your field vision. And remember, the ball can travel faster without you attached to it.

Movement off the ball

The players are in a numbers up keepaway exercise.

They are playing in a grid.

The ball is moving, but there still seems to be something wrong with the scene.

Then you realize, the players are all standing in the same area of the grid–there is no player movement.

This is a common occurrence in a numbers up exercise, but you don’t want to have a common team.

By making one adjustment, the coach should see a big difference in the play. Have the passer always move quickly to different space (even if another player is there) after making pass. He can follow the pass or just move to different space. Now the other players who are not receiving the pass need to move to different space to support the football or to make room for the passer to run into. This needs to happen on every pass.

Now your keepaway exercise should be more appealing to the eye and your
team’s ball possession should improve.

“If we do not want a challenge, distort the opponent’s
sense of location.” Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Overhead kick

There is nothing more impressive than scoring with an overhead kick.

It’s tough though. Once you master it, you’ll be able to get in a shot, even when you have your back to goal.

Or clear the ball when you are facing in the wrong direction.

Practice it on soft ground to prevent injuring your back, but don’t overdo it.

You won’t make clean contact every time and make sure you’re not just going for an overhead kick to try and impress!

Step One

Get into line with the flight of the ball and keep your eyes on it throughout.

This skill is all about timing.

Most of the time you will be attempting this trick, the ball will be coming at you fast from a tricky angle so a good connection is vital.

Don’t try and kick it hard, just kick it clean – the movement of your body will generate the power.

Step Two

Jump up leaving your kicking foot on the deck and using the foot that you will not be kicking the ball with to propel you upwards.

Begin to fall backwards, keeping your eyes on the ball.

As your body sinks towards the ground, your non-kicking leg will be rising into the air.

Your kicking leg may still be on the ground.

Step Three

When the ball is in ideal range, whip your kicking leg off the deck into the back of the ball bringing your other leg back down quickly.

At this point, your upper body should be almost horizontal to the ground.

If the ball is flying to high, your body is probably too upright. It is the scissor movement of your legs that creates the power.

Step Four

As you fall, stretch out your hand to steady your impact with the ground.

Twist your body sideways to avoid landing flat on your back. Use your arms to cushion your landing, but avoid landing on your elbows or your head.

An introduction to defending

The extract below is from a manual that will help you understand team and individual principles of defence. It also provides a selection of simple drills and games to help you communicate the key concepts to your players.

download the complete manual

Introduction

What you will usually see with younger soccer players is everyone going for the ball at once.

As the players get a little older the more aggressive steal the ball consistently from the less aggressive, and the less skilled, simply by running straight at them.

This works at the younger levels but as the players develop and the skill differential decreases this type of play actually becomes a detriment. Overly aggressive players who try to simply run down their opponents and strip the ball at the travel level often times find themselves missing completely and watching the backs of their opponents as they head down field.

This is not to say that aggressiveness is not important, merely to say that controlled play, especially on defense, is what we want to teach them at a young age so that they carry it forward with them as they progress.

What we need to get across to our youngsters is that defense, like the entire game, is dependent upon their teammates, as well as themselves, to do their job.

Concepts of Defending

You will hear the terms First Defender, Second Defender and Third Defender used in this manual and in any any coaching course that you take. The First Defender is the person nearest the attacking ball carrier. The initial job of the first defender is not to steal the ball, but to delay the opponent until his teammates arrive to help.

The Second Defender is the second person to arrive at the scene. The job of the second defender is to provide cover for the first defender. That is to cover up any mistake that the first defender might make.

When the second defender arrives on the scene, the job of the first defender changes from delay to pressure.

The job of the Third Defender is to provide balance.

Introducing the concept of teamwork

2v2 Basic Game

Team work starts with two. If players cannot solve the simple problems they face with a partner they will not be able to function in any larger team context.

Therefore, 2v2 in modified forms (different goals and rules,) offers them opportunities to learn how to work together in the four main moments. At this level the concepts of zonal play and man to man marking can be introduced. Players learn that, in a team, they can share responsibilities and are dependent on each other. They are constantly involved in the play, either with the ball or in a helping role, (sometimes by staying out of the way.) They can come up with their own plans and responsibility/ownership falls on “you or me.” Accountability is very clear.

A basic requirement in soccer is being able to handle both sides of 1v1. In 2v2 the players are constantly exposed to this moment. The difference between these situations is that in straight 1v1 the “game” is over very quickly and players “must beat” their opponent or they fail. This produces a high stress situation. 2v2 offers players the option of choosing the moment when to take on their opponent or simply keep possession of the ball. This lowers the stress level which can enhance the learning environment.

3v3 Basic Game

Bunch ball is a constant problem in youth soccer. This results from the players inability to maintain their shape. The distance and angles between the players is lost and, as a team, they are not able to work together efficiently. Since three players make the smallest shape, a triangle, 3v3 games in modified forms are an excellent way to introduce this concept. There are still lots of 1v1 opportunities and the basic lessons from 2v2 can be expanded and built on. 3v3 also guarantees that there is open space somewhere on the field.

Uneven Numbers Act as a Bridge

Going from 2v2 to 3v3, or 3v3 to 4v4 may prove to be difficult for some players. In this case uneven numbers can be a bridge to help them get across the learning gulf. One objective in these games is to help players learn how to use the new situations that larger numbers create against lower resistance. Do they use each other in the most team efficient manner? Do they take advantage of the opportunities presented in the game? Do the players recognize when they are numbers up and have that advantage? Do they understand how to adjust the game when they are numbers down? Games with uneven numbers can be modified, goals or rules, to help maintain a competitive balance.

Neutral Players

By using a neutral player, (they play for both teams giving each a numerical advantage when in possession, in the example above the yellow number 8 the players can get a basic grasp of ideas against less resistance. The coach can play this role so long as they are better then the players and don’t create a problem themselves. Since neutral players don’t have any defensive responsibilities they shouldn’t be overused.

Introducing the concept of space to young soccer players

by Bob Christensen

Since I assume you are playing on a smaller soccer field, and likely with fewer players, space can be a rare commodity with young children. Add that to the mental development stage that this age player is in, which says that most are still very self-centred and definitely NOT future-looking, and you can more easily see why they are all drawn to the ball.

First you have to get them to acknowledge that space exists! I find the easiest way to do this is to REALLY restrict space and let them feel what THAT is like. Try setting up a “field” that is about 20 x 10, complete with goals. Then play 6v6 (or some number that makes sense for your roster size). The idea is to make them operate in a VERY congested environment. After about 5 minutes, stop them and ask if this is easy. It probably won’t be. Ask why. They will probably pick up on the fact that it is crowded.

Now, have them form a circle holding hands. The circle should be about 5 yards max across. Drop hands and put your “super defender” in the centre. You can even ask: “Who feels like a super defender today” and put that player in the middle. Give them a football and ask the circle players to keep the ball away from the “super defender”. The circle players cannot move. After a short time, stop them and ask the defender if it is easy or hard. It should be pretty easy for the defender. Now ask the circle players how they can make the defenders job harder. They should hit on the fact that if they had more space they could move the ball more easily. Have them take 2 big steps backwards and repeat. You should see a big improvement on the part of the circle players, and you should see the defender running much more. Have them take 2 more steps backwards (the circle should be at least 10 yards in diameter now, maybe a bit more) and repeat. Should be even easier, and the defender should be getting dog-tired. Talk again bout if it is easier or harder, and why.

Now, ask the players to take 10 big steps backwards. The idea is to make the circle at least 30-40 yards in diameter. Now repeat with a fresh defender. The distances between the circle players should be right on the edge of the passing distance of the players, maybe a bit more. Yes, this is dirty pool, but you need to have them actually feel what is not enough, as well as what is too much distance. This should fail, mainly because the defender should be able to intercept the pass. If not, have them move back until it DOES happen. Now talk about what size circle worked best for the attackers (the circle players) and the defender. Ask the players to try to help their ball-carrying teammate out by getting, and staying at that “perfect distance”, of course in the proper support positions relative to the ball carrier (back-square, through).

Scrimmage on a “normal sized” field and freeze play when a good example of bunching occurs. Point out the “perfect distance” idea (not where the player is to stand) and let them move to where they think they can help the most. Resume play. Repeat as necessary. Also freeze play when you see a really GOOD example of support positioning, and point it out.

Player responsibilities in 7 a side soccer

Youth soccer coaches need to explain to their players exactly what they are expected to do when their team is either attacking or defending.

The article below tells you what players in a 7 a side formation need to know.

When you have possession (when you are attacking)

The game plan during own possession is to move the ball downfield so that chances can be created (the build-up) and to score goals.

General Principles

Create as much space as possible, both width and depth;
Aim to get forward; keep possession, this is vital to the objectives of the game. So if you can’t pass the ball forwards easily, play square or back – don’t force a pass that isn’t really on. If you do, you’ll lose possession. It’s better to pass square or back and start again;
Try to maintain good team shape (formation).

Individual responsibilities

1. Keeper. Positions himself in relation to the defender. Restarts play (roll, throw kick). Act as central build-up player (an extra field player).

2. Full-backs. Position well apart, make the playing area as wide as possible. Play the ball to the attackers. If there is room move forward with the ball. Participate in the attack.

3. Central Defender. Position between attackers and full backs. Play the ball to the attackers or defenders who are participating in the attack. If there is space go forward with the ball. Take part in the attack. Try to score if the opportunity arises.

4. Wing (Outside) forwards. Position in relation to defenders to make the playing area as long as possible. Take the ball towards the opposition goal as quickly as possible, individual run, or pass to a teammate who has a clear run on goal. Take up position in front of goal to be available to receive a pass and score. Try to score.

5. Centre Forward. Position as far forward as possible (make playing area long), while still being in a position to receive a pass. Try to score, individual run or exchanging passes with a teammate. Go to goal.

When the opposition has possession (when you are defending)

The game plan is to disrupt the opposition build-up – win the ball back – stop the opposition from scoring.

How? Teach the principles of defending. Make the field of play as small as possible, depending on the strength of the opposition; move towards the ball (pressing), move towards own goal (fall back), Push towards the sideling (squeezing). Pressure the ball carrier. Mark closely when in the vicinity of the ball. Positional/zonal marking further from the ball. Stay useful as long as possible.

Note. The game plan will not be achieved if you foul, so avoid giving away free kicks.

Individual responsibilities

1. Keeper. Prevent opposition scoring. Position in relation to the ball, opposition players and teammates.

2. 2 and 4 Full backs. Prime task – DO NOT LET YOURSELF BE BEATEN; prevent opposition from scoring. Cover the opposing attackers. Help teammates, cover their backs. Win the ball.

3. Central defender. Prime task – DO NOT LET YOURSELF BE BEATEN; prevent opposition from scoring. Cover the opposition centre forward. Help teammates, cover their backs. Make the playing area as small as possible. Win the ball.

4. Outside forwards. Disrupt opposition build-up. Win the ball. Help teammates, cover their backs. Make the playing area as small as possible. Don’t let the player with ball pass you.

5. Centre forward. Cover the opposing central defender (he is expected to come forward). Win the ball. Help teammates, cover their backs. Make the playing area as small as possible. Don’t let the player with ball pass you.