Category: Soccer Drills

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Space and movement

Soccer, although it is played with a ball, is really a game of space and movement without the ball. Unlike some other sports, (baseball, for instance), soccer does not really have positions. Rather, players have differing responsibilities which change as the ball and the other players move about the field. In a strict sense, only the goal keeper really has a “position” to play.

Once your players have attained proficiency in the basic techniques of receiving, passing and shielding a football, you can introduce them to the fact that they will actually only spend a relatively small amount of time (perhaps as little as three or four minutes in every hour) with the ball at their feet.

Your players need to understand that they will actually spend around 90% of every game supporting their team-mate with the ball or moving into a position where they could receive the ball if the player in possession chose to pass. Knowing where they need to be at any given moment of a soccer game is, therefore, just as an important a skill as passing or shooting. Perhaps it is even more important.

There are many games and drills that will allow young soccer players to practice finding the right space and position for themselves on the soccer field.

Equally, there are many that focus on providing support for each other. The simplest of these – keepaway – is used by coaches at every level.

Keepaway, however, can get a bit boring if the only objective is to string as many passes together as possible. This is, after all, not a ‘soccer like’ activity – there is no point in possession without a goal at the end. Children prefer to play games that have an identifiable end result to possession, like the one described below.

spreadingandpositioning
Organisation

Grid is 60 yds x 40 yds
2 players (one at each end) on end lines who must use feet only-targets.
Retain possession until able to deliver ball to target
If successful in delivering ball to target, he returns the ball to the successful team and they attack the other end.
Use one neutral player (shown here in yellow) for both teams.

practicing movement, finding space and support play

Key points

‘Spreading’ out as a team when in possession.
‘Positioning’ in order to receive the ball in as much space as possible.
Appropriate controlling touch of the ball.
Pass forward accurately and sensitively wherever possible.
Movement to make forward passes possible: ahead of the ball and from behind the ball.

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Futsal – an introduction

I’m a big, big fan of futsal.

Why?

“In a 40 minute Futsal match, a field player on a team using a dynamic system of play…will touch the ball once every 29.5 seconds . . . that’s just over 80 possessions per player per match, if the player plays the entire match. This compares to only 30 to 40 possessions per player in a full 90 minute outdoor soccer match.”

Or, as the FA says:

“How did players such as Luis Figo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Robinho and Roberto Carlos develop skills that set them apart from other players?

What did they do as youngsters that provided them with the basis to becoming some of the world’s best players?

If you are interested in the answer then you need to learn more about a game called Futsal.

Futsal is the format of Small Sided Football that is recognised and supported by FIFA and UEFA with World and European Championships for club and National Teams

The name ‘Futsal’ simply combines the Spanish words for ‘Hall’ – Sala and ‘Football’ – Futbol into Futsal. It is a five-a-side game, played with hockey sized goals and a smaller ball with a reduced bounce.

As a small-sided game players are constantly placed in situations where they must receive or play whilst under pressure or in confined spaces and it places considerable demand on technique, movement, tactical awareness and fitness.”

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Goalkeeper distribution

The goalkeeper is the last line of defence, but also the first line of attack. I am not advocating attempting to dribble the entire field starting from your own goal like Amadeo Carrizo, but a quick restart to the attack can be very effective. After a save is made, the keeper must quickly look to break out and start the counter.

Distribution can be done two ways: throws or kicks. Both have advantages for certain situations.
Kicks

A goalkeeper may simply drop the ball to the ground and take the kick normally, especially if they have a big foot. When more distance is required, to break pressure or for younger players, a punt or drop kick is used.

Punts

A punt is usually the kick with the greatest distance, although the high trajectory and hang time usually mean 50-50 balls at the receiving end. pointing handStart with the ball in both hands. It may be more comfortable to end up dropping the ball with one hand rather than two. If so, the hand on the same side as the kicking foot should be used (you’ll see this in the video clip). But starting with both hands will allow for more consistency in the drop. Take a short run up (about 2-3 steps) at a slight angle to the kicking direction; this gets the hip more involved and generates more power. pointing handThe plant foot should point towards the target. Drop the ball – don’t toss it upwards! – and kick, following through to land on the kicking foot. The kicking foot should be straight, directly on line with the target, and should not swing around the body.

Drop Kicks

A drop kick, where the ball hits the ground before being contacted by the foot, gives a lower trajectory ball. This makes it better for driving into the wind and makes it easier for teammates to receive. It does not have quite the distance of a punt, however. The technique is very much the same as a punt, except the kick is timed so the foot strikes the ball just after it bounces on the ground. The drop kick has a pointing handdistinctive “ba-DUM” sound you can listen for: the “ba” is the ball hitting the ground; the “DUM” is the foot striking the ball a fraction of a second later.

Timing is everything for both punts and drop kicks. pointing handJust like free-throw shooting in basketball, kicking distribution must be practiced over and over until the timing becomes automatic. Don’t be discouraged when kicks are very inconsistent at first – time and lots of practice will improve things.

Goal Kicks

Goalkeepers ought to take their own goal kicks if possible. This allows the defence to push out and keep attackers from lurking about near the penalty area and ensures that defenders are marked up and organized in case of a quick change of possession.

As with punts and drop kicks, technique is the key. Power is usually less of an issue than the ability to get some loft on the ball to increase the distance. Keys to getting a good goal kick are:

Approach the ball from a slight angle. This will allow the hip flexor to get involved more and generate more leg speed. pointing handMake sure the follow through is straight at the target, though.

The ankle of the plant foot should be just behind the ball and the body should be leaning back. This differs from shooting technique! If the plant foot is too close to the ball, it will be difficult to get any height on the kick.

The final step into the kick should be a long, smooth stride. This also helps generate leg speed. A short, choppy run-up won’t allow a proper leg swing.

The toe needs to be pointed slightly outwards (ankle locked!) in order to get the foot under the ball. This is probably the most crucial point. Although a goal kick is an instep drive, you want to use the inside of the shoelaces, not the top. pointing handThe foot should be angled outward so the contact point is on the lower half of the ball, just above the first joint of the big toe on the inside of the instep (Fig. 1). An analogy I like to use is that of a golf wedge versus a driver. The foot should be more like a wedge in order to get under the ball and give the it proper trajectory and distance.
If the kicks are long but tend to curl and affect accuracy, watch the point where the foot strikes the ball. With an angled approach and long swing, the natural tendency will be to hit an “inswinging” ball; to counteract this, pointing handthe strike point should be just to the “inside” of the ball (just to the left of centre on the ball for a right footed kicker, vice versa for lefties).

If a keeper is struggling to get the ball off the ground, it can be helpful to try working off a “tee” at first: a tall tuft of grass, flat cone, etc. This will allow more space to get under the ball. Once that is working well, lower the ball. You shouldn’t need a specialized keeper coach to help with goal kicks; any good soccer coach should be able to help you tune up your place kick.

A final word on kicks: let your good technique do the work for you! A keeper who tries too hard to “explode” the ball will likely mis-hit the ball and suffer inconsistency. Relax, and let the mechanics of the kick work for you.

Throws

Throws are usually much shorter than kicks, but much more accurate. A quick throw right to the feet of an open teammate is often the safest distribution. The goalkeeper has several basic throws available. I’ve listed them here in order of decreasing accuracy and increasing distance.

For the javelin, sidearm and overhand throw, the trajectory of the soccer ball should be mostly level or even downwards, not high and looping. We want the ball to hit the ground in front of the receiver, to give it time to settle on the grass and make for an easy trap. A rule of thumb is to have the ball initially hit the ground about two-thirds of the way to the receiver.

Fig. 2: The Roll

rollRoll The roll (Fig. 2) is the most accurate but shortest distribution. It is also typically the easiest for teammates to receive. Control the ball between the palm of the hand and the forearm with a bent wrist, step with the opposite foot, and “bowl” the ball, making sure the fingertips touch the ground on the delivery. This will require bending the knees and waist to get low enough. pointing handJust like in real bowling, you don’t want to drop the ball from the hand to the ground. The transition should be smooth.

javelinFig. 3: Javelin Throw

Javelin or Baseball Throw
In the middle of the accuracy and distance scale is the javelin or baseball throw (Fig. 3). The form is similar to how a javelin is thrown. The ball starts in the palm beside the head and is thrown straight forward as the keeper steps into the throw. Some backspin on the ball will help it “sit down” and make it easier to receive, so the keeper can let the ball roll of their fingertips slightly at the end of the release to provide this. Make sure the Coaching Pointfingers are slightly over the top of the ball to keep it on a level or downward trajectory.

sidearmFig. 4: Sidearm Throw

Sidearm Throw
The sidearm throw (Fig. 4) lies between the javelin and overhand throw in both distance and accuracy, and also in its delivery. The arm is extended back slightly behind the body at a “three-quarters” angle, not straight to the side but just below shoulder level. The ball is delivered with a bit of a slinging, sweeping motion. Because the arm position is sideways, the best way to put backspin on this throw is by passing the palm of the hand under the ball upon release, letting the ball roll off the middle and index finger and the thumb. Again, pointing handkeep the fingers over the top of the ball so it stays low.

overhandFig. 5: Overhand Throw

Overhand Throw
The overhand throw or “sling” is the longest but least accurate throw (Fig. 5). It can be a good technique for very young players, since sometimes they can actually throw it as far as they can punt. The soccer ball is again controlled between the palm and forearm with a bent wrist. The arm is placed almost straight back, and as the keeper steps into the throw, the arm is pointing handfully extended, elbow locked, and brought around in a circle, over the head, and released towards the target. The hand should end pointing at the target, and letting the fingertips roll under the ball at the finish can provide some backspin to help the ball roll smoothly.

This is technically the most difficult throw. The hand must stay on top of the ball throughout the 180 degrees or so of arc; pointing handcentrifugal force keeps the ball in place, much like water stays in a bucket when it’s whirled around on a rope. The elbow must remain locked until the release, and the release point is critical. Often times the elbow will bend as the ball comes over the head, destroying the flow of the throw. Make sure the elbow stays locked, the ball comes high over the head, and then is released.

Quick Summary – Kick Distribution:

Mistakes to Watch For:
Hold ball with both hands
Step into kick at slight angle
Plant foot should point towards target
Drop the ball
Kick straight at target and follow through
Goal kicks: Approach at a slight angle
Goal kicks: Plant foot behind ball
Goal kicks: Foot angled outward to get under the ball

Run-up uneven/too long/too short
Tossing the ball in the air
Plant foot pointing wrong direction
Kicking foot swinging around body instead of straight
Poor follow-through
Goal kicks: Approach/foot angle too straight-on
Goal kicks: Plant foot too close to ball

Quick Summary – Throw Distribution:

Mistakes to watch for:
Roll – most accuracy, least distance
Javelin throw – medium accuracy and distance
Javelin throw starts from beside head
Sidearm throw – medium accuracy and distance
Overhand throw – least accurate, most distance
Overhand throw must keep hand on top, elbow locked
Roll fingers under ball at end to provide backspin for javelin and overhand throws
Throws should have low trajectory and hit the ground a bit before they reach the receiver
Ball drops from hand to ground on roll
Step with same side foot on roll
High, arcing throws that are difficult to receive
Javelin throw does not start behind head
Ball not secure between palm and forearm on overhand throw
On overhand throw, elbow not locked or bends halfway though throw
Overhand throw not given full 180-degree rotation
Poor release point on overhand throw

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Ball control for beginners

There are two key elements of good ball control:

a) The receiver’s first touch should protect the ball from challenging players and not give them a chance to regain possession,

b) the receiving player should play the ball into available space to allow for the next touch and to gain or keep momentum.

A poor first-touch will risk taking the momentum out of play and increase the possibility of losing possession. Some players make the mistake of killing the ball dead and not concentrating on getting it out of their feet. The first touch should ensure that a time wasting second touch is not needed to get the ball out ready for the next action.

The general technique for controlling the ball requires several simple skills which can be acquired through correct training practices.

1/ The first element of ball control is to place the controlling surface into the ball’s line of flight. The body weight should be well distributed so it is possible to move forwards, backwards or sideways. Keep the head steady and watch the ball carefully to judge it’s flight and speed. It is difficult to keep one’s eyes permanently on the ball and better players are able to take a quick glance to know what is happening around them before contact is made.

2/ The second step is making an early judgement in choosing the right technique and body surface to control. Wedge control involves a more rigid surface where the player attempts to force the ball downwards or into space so he can move onto it. A cushioned control involves taking the sting out of the ball. This involves pulling the surface back just when the ball makes contact (the body becomes elastic) so that it simply drops at the players feet. This particular technique is very useful when closely marked, for example a forward receiving the ball on the chest with his back to goal.

The different body surfaces often used in controlling the ball are: The foot (sole, inside, outside, instep), thigh, chest & stomach and head. Generally, the part of the body used should preferably be large, flat and able to take the weight of the incoming pass.

Control also requires good mental abilities such as confidence and total concentration. A composed player is one who is calm, relaxed and unhurried in his movements. Confidence does play a big part in this as players who know what they can do and are confident in their ability are more likely to show great technique and succeed. Those who do not have confidence, will be indecisive and their technique hurried.

When training, players can exaggerate the movements to get the feel of the right technique. Younger players can learn from the coach who should demonstrate the technique, break it down and practice the individual elements and eventually, practice the whole technique. Only once the basic techniques have been mastered should a coach move onto more advanced situations. These should concentrate on improving control in pressure situations (defenders coming from the side, front, back), control while moving at pace, control which involves an immediate layoff and controlling the ball for a team mate. The ball should be received from all angles, speeds and heights and all surfaces constantly used.

Some common problems when controlling the ball are described below along with a training method than can be used to improve technique:

Problem 1 – Ball path has been misread and the player has missed the pass.
Corrective procedure – Repeated practice using passes from different distances and vary intensity. The coach must encourage player to keep their eyes on the ball at all times and get their body in line.

Problem 2 – Player is indecisive when choosing controlling body surface.
Corrective procedure – Player shouts the type of body surface they will use and the server provides the pass and vice versa until the player gets the right feeling for the choice of technique.

Problem 3 – The player does not get the ball out of their feet and needs a second touch.
Corrective procedure – Encourage the player to relax and exaggerate the movement. Repeated practice using passes from different distances and vary intensity.

Problem 4 – The ball bounces off the player and control is lost.
Corrective procedure – Again, encourage the player to exaggerate the movement, especially the relaxation phase, firstly without the ball and afterwards using gentle service (eventually building up service difficulty). Try using smaller or lighter balls.

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How to kick a soccer ball

I am often asked for advice on how to strike a ball properly, especially to hit the ball over a long distance, or to shoot it really hard.

Here is a progression that I like to do with practically any aged player. I have recently used variations of this with a group of U-10 players as well as with the U-16 National Team. Being able to drive a ball over distance, so that the ball reaches its destination with pace and accuracy is a skill that is necessary to compete at the higher levels. There is nothing like seeing a ball “crashing” in to the back of the net, or a pass being made to a wide open player that is waiting 50 – 60 yards away from the play. So, listed below is a progression to follow to teach you the fundamentals of this skill. Emphasis is placed on getting the proper “surface” of your foot involved in the process… the “laces”. Once a player establishes the proper “feel” for the ball with this part of his or her foot, then the rest is just a matter of practice and developing strength and timing. This comes from hours of work, alone with the ball.

Start way back with the basics….

Take off your shoe and sock. Sit on the floor, with both feet on the floor… knees inside your arms…start by kicking the ball out of your hands (like a punt).

But, just do it lightly so that the ball only goes up about 2 feet or so.

Make sure that your toe is pointed and that you keep your ankle “locked”. Strike the ball with the “laces” part of the foot. If your ball goes up without any spin…or with a little “top” spin… then you are doing it correctly. If the ball comes back towards your face…then try again. Keep doing this over and over…it will develop a good feel for what it is like to hit the ball with your laces. After you have managed that…try hitting the ball twice with the foot. But, make sure that there is still a proper spin…ankle locked…toe pointed.

When you get good control it is time to stand up.

Now, do the same thing… kick the ball out of your hands (like a punt) but have the ball only go up in the air about 6-7 feet high. Look for the ball going up with no spin again. Keep your foot in that good position. Your knee needs to be slightly bent as well. Kick the ball straight up in the air. Again, you are just trying to get a good feel for the ball. The ball’s spin tells you if you are doing it correctly.

Then, try to do it with a bounce between each kick. But, still only have the ball go up about 6-7 feet high. It is important that you do this with control instead of power. This is almost like juggling, but let the ball bounce each time. Then, can you do two touches…(each one going up without backspin) between each bounce?

Now…progress where you are letting the ball bounce on the ground, then kick it to a friend or against some wall. Still with bare feet! Make sure that you strike the ball when it is on the way down. Hit it with your “laces”. Toe pointed, ankle locked. Now, the ball should have “top spin”…and should not go higher than your head. Keep working on this for MANY times. See if you can now work on accuracy and some power. Again, you should be getting a real feel for the ball with your laces.

After you do this…it is time to put your shoes back on and try from the ground again. See if there is any improvement… there should be. You should have a real feel for the ball by now!

One warning…this takes time!!! Some players that I have worked with on this need a whole season to work things out. Practice correctly!!! It is more important to “practice perfectly” than to kill yourself working frantically and too hard. Take your time.

My last suggestion is to watch high level games. Watch how the real good players strike the ball. Watch them, then try to copy them!