The foundation phase of coaching soccer

By
Jason Carney
 Preface

The development of game intelligence and decision making is the most important thing to cover when
developing a soccer player. This style of coaching involves forward thinking coaches that understand youth
development and their long term goal . For many clubs, long term planning plays a minor role. Short term
thinking dominates the club philosophy. The objective should be to keep the players involved in soccer their
whole life. How many times do we hear of a 15 year old that has been at a club for 8 years and still cannot
control the ball properly? Or how many times are clubs scrambling to make teams at U17 and U18?
The common mistakes that are made in club soccer are:
•Coaching development is not a priority.
•Coaches are not monitored and held accountable by the Technical director.
•Qualified coaches are not coaching at the foundation phase, ages 7 – 10.
•Players rarely practice the correct technique.
•Practice sessions do not focus on a training concept.
•Coaches still focus on running / conditioning training.
•Success is determined by whether the team wins soccer games.
•There is no long term plan.

Players can be physically fit, good technically and have a desire to work hard but if they do not have game
intelligence, they are never going to be able to problem solve. Players need to anticipate and be capable of
making decisions on the field. Anticipate dangers while defending or anticipate where to move when in
possession is the thought process players need to understand.
A vision of a coach’s development.
The more you know, the more you are going to ask yourself more questions.

Coach development:
• The face of the coach is the mirror image to
the teams actions.
• Be the expert and the role model. Young
players will mimic the actions of their coach.
• Encourage players to be creative. Players must
understand, the coach will forgive positive
mistakes.
• Understand where you are in terms of club
and player level. You still strive to be the best
you can possibly be.
• Success cannot solely be based on winning
tournaments. Have a balance between winning
and developing a large pool of players that are
capable of competing at their highest level
possible. If your coaching style is technical and
tactical and conducted in the correct manner,
then winning soccer games will follow.
• Have rules and guidelines.
1.We are here to learn
2.Be respectful to others Coaching styles:
3.Become a team player •Command – “I want you to do this…”
4.Have great work ethic •Q & A – “How can you get the ball to the open
5.No whining wide player?”
•Treat all players with respect. If respect is •Observation – “Watch how Johnny opens up his
shown by coaches, it is generally given back body when receiving the ball.”
with effort, concentration and honesty. •Guided discovery – “Show me how you can
• Work hard and have fun being with young switch the play.”
athletes. •Trial & error – “Recognize the moment to drop
• Focus on potential. Do not just focus on what the ball back.”
your players cannot do, focus on what they can Game day:
do. • Keep everything in perspective
- Played well and won – Celebrate.
- Played well and lost – Disappointing, but there
were lots of positives.
- Played bad and won – Good result, but we
need to improve.
- Played poorly and lost – With hard work this
week at practice, we will get it right. Team
work!!!!
 Coaching Development

Coaches can effectively support the development of

young soccer players by understanding the five
aspects of the learning process:

Development

Reading a game
Setting priorities

Planning

Objectives
All these are connected and rely on each
Knowledge and
Intelligence
other to become a successful coach.

Phase 1: Knowledge and Intelligence The coach will reflect on their style of play and will learn from their years of
experience while playing. Knowledge and intelligence are not only expected of the players, but the coach too. The
understanding of what it takes to develop yourself and your players is so important. Continuing improvement is an
ongoing process; never assume that you have mastered the art of coaching. What you know today could possibly
change tomorrow.
Phase 2: Objectives The coach has to evaluate the formations (12 – 15 year old development phase) and be able
to adjust to the coaches commands. The coach will have objectives and will see how to best fit the players
available into their plans.
Phase 3: Planning After studying your group and seeing how they fit in with your objectives, it is now time to plan.
Express your short, medium and long terteam so that they can recognize and assess the strengths and weaknesses
of their players. Players must understand different m goals to the group. The repetition of structured practice
sessions sets the tone for your expectations. Begin with incorporating group warm ups to help the team building
process. Planning sessions should be focused around a good technical base while introducing tactical awareness.
The foundation stage of development concentrates on technical and small sided games.
Phase 4: Priorities Which part of your planning process will you incorporate first? This is a patient process. When
prioritizing, let the group know what each practice session is about. Explain the topic you are covering and the
reason why the group is doing the topic. How is their technical ability? Do they attend every practice? What is the
attitude of the players like? How can we get the young players to compete? These questions should help you
organize and plan the most effective practice sessions.
Phase 5: Reading a game Once your team is out on the field, let them play. This will give them the opportunity to
find a rhythm. Players will sometimes find themselves out of position or moving into the wrong places. Moving
players into better positions from the sidelines is perfectly acceptable. Screaming “Shoot!” “Pass!” is not. Be
capable of changing the formation or personnel if things are not going as planned.
Team building
The pieces have to fit
Getting the best team does not necessarily mean having the best
players. As the coach you are going to have to sell the team
philosophy to your players.
•We will achieve more if we work together.
•We will achieve more if we stay positive and encourage each Midfielder
other.
•We will achieve more if we accept responsibility for our position
on the team.
•We know bad times will come. We will stay as a unit and be
strong.
A good coach understands that being on target and
understanding the strengths of his/her team, is more important
than winning. A coach has self belief when he/she is not
concerned about results. They have that self belief that if the
team (which includes the coach) can stay the course of the plan,
then winning will come.
Installing teamwork is not easy. It does not just appear. It has to
be worked on, just like tactics and techniques. Sometimes we are
inheriting players that come from a social background of “Me,
me, me.” These days parents are so protective of their children
that team building can be misconstrued. If a child does not do as
well as expected, we look to blame others instead of staying
positive and helping the player overcome the poor performance
by other means than to play the “blame game.”
The coach is the mirror image of the team
Your players are a reflection of you
Coaches must have a vision. That vision has to include, your character, team building, techniques, formations and
style of play. You can only instill discipline if you are disciplined yourself. If you are late for practices or you yell at
the officials, what do you think your players will do? If a coach’s actions or commitments drop, then the players
enthusiasm for the team will drop. You cannot expect your players to handle stress if you yell at the officials from
the sidelines. Teach the players to do their best. Sometimes they will come across situations that are out of their
hands. They have to learn to overcome obstacles.
Below are a few characteristics that recognize a good coach:
•Great attitude
•Commitment
•Patience
•Humor
•Studies the game and is prepared to change with the times
•Realistic
•Common sense
•Approachable
•Open minded

When you are choosing your team, look for players that are capable of being a team player. Look for personality.
We all know that speed, technique and intelligence are key values in creating a successful soccer player but the one
thing that is difficult to coach, is personality. Which one would you take on your team?
Good player with a terrible attitude? Average player with an excellent attitude? It would be nice to get the excellent
player with the excellent attitude, but in the realms of amateur soccer, we come across the first two scenarios the
most.
A coach’s Vision for players:
Coach the players’ thinking to change their behavior.

Players must understand:

• How to deal with failure: (Social)
- Don’t blame others
- Screen out distractions
- Take responsibility
• Physical demands:
- Work on your own fitness
- Lifestyle
- Always give 100%
• Technical importance:
- Practice alone or with friends
- Challenge yourself
- Strive for perfection
• Tactical awareness:
- Formations
- Set pieces
- Understanding their role
• The mental aspects of soccer
- Toughness
- Enthusiasm
- Intelligence
- Attitude
•Talent, without character, is not talent.

Healthy
Program
Physical
Tactical
Social
Psychological

Technical
Coaches can effectively support the development
of young soccer players by understanding the five
aspects of this model.
 Technical practice sessions
Passing and ball control
Q. Is passing a part of tactical training?
A. Yes. The tactical purpose of passing is to keep possession.

Passing should be used more than any other skill. Passing encourages team-work and creates the team bonding
you need to become a successful group. Your tactics should involve passing, so passing is a part of tactics. The
exercises must be practiced at the highest speed possible, as long as you do not allow the quality to suffer.
Players need frequent repetition to stabilize the technique at a high level. With frequent repetition, the exercises
have to be engaging to the player. A player will not keep up their enthusiasm if the exercises are boring and not
challenging. A great way to do this is to try and incorporate shooting as one of your variations to the passing
exercise. All players love shooting. It involves optimal concentration, precision, intensity and competition. It will
also allow your goal keepers to get some quality practice time.
The key points to a good passing exercise are:
•Accuracy
•Weight
•Timing
•The decision to make the pass
Players have to understand these four key aspects of passing and the exercises used at your practice sessions
must encourage the players to do this.

Accuracy – Does the player with the ball pass the ball to feet or into space?
Weight – Each pass must have a certain speed to have the correct execution.
Timing – The correct moment to make the pass. Your players will understand the “feel” of timing by conducting
practices that are related to timing.
The decision – The player on the ball will have to be aware of the movement and positioning of the opponent
and be willing to change their decision.

The technical side of soccer at grass roots level is a part of the game that really needs more attention. Passes are
sloppy, really weak or the accuracy is way off. With practice time in short supply your warm ups can provide you
with some valuable technical training. A lot of times we see warm ups that do not include a ball. Players are seen
running back and forth like robots from end line to end line and sometimes varying their running technique, but
not often. This warm up promotes boredom. Players are “switched off” before practice even starts. The following
passing exercises are an alternative to your warm up program and the advantages for your team will be clear to
see.
•Players are now being monitored by the coach and their team mates.
•Players have to be fully focused right from the start.
•The challenging warm up puts the players mind in a mentally prepared state. This should have an effect on the
rest of the practice session.

Plan a topic - Explain to the players before the practice session starts about the topic you are working on and
what you want to achieve by the end of the session. If the topic is attacking, play numbers up so that you can
achieve success. If you get the success with playing numbers up, then go to equal teams. Defending topics can
work effectively with equal teams or even playing a player down, depending on the quality of player. The key is
to work on exercises that are about your topic. Fitness will be part of your session planning, whether it’s with a
ball or without. We can do a better job in warm ups. Players should not be sent around the field to dribble their
ball. If jogging is needed, players learn to warm themselves up, as a team. Speed, agility and quickness exercises
are also essential to the players development.
 C

A B B

A
C

Controlling the ball with the correct surface

Exercise:
Area – One large circle with a smaller circle in the center. Size is suitable for the age and ability of the players
• Have two equal groups. The players on the outside have a soccer ball.
• Players in the center circle do not have a soccer ball.
• The coach explains the control and pass required:
1. Players control the ball with the inside of the foot and pass it back.
2. Control the ball with one foot across the body, and pass with the opposite foot.
3. One touch pass back.
4. Chest control and pass if appropriate.
5. Once they perform the exercise, they MUST go back into the center circle, and then come out again and
receive a pass.
6. All passes are passed back to the server.

Variation:
• Players on the outside take legal throw-ins instead of passing. Player receives the ball and passes back to the
thrower’s feet.
Coaching points:
Communication. Enthusiasm. Intelligence – after making a pass, and players are moving back into the center
circle, they scan around the field to see who’s open.
Quality ball control and passing.
 Controlling the ball with the correct surface - Variation

A B B
C

Controlling the ball with the correct surface – Variation

Exercise:
• Area – Same as previous set up, but take out the center circle and leave three / four players inside the circle.
Always have one more ball than the number of players in the middle on the outside.
1. Players in the center receive a pass from the outside.
2. They CANNOT pass to the player who passed them the ball. They take their first touch with an open body
position, and pass to a player on the outside who does not have a soccer ball.
3. Throw-ins can also be used by outside players. (Legal throws)

Variation:
• Put players in two’s in the middle of the circle. Nominate a player from each pairing who receives the pass
from the outside, and the other player in the twosome passes the ball to an open outside player. Players on the
outside now pass to the designated player from each pairing, who passes to their partner, who then passes to
the outside.
Coaching points:
• Communication. Enthusiasm. Intelligence – before receiving a pass, players scan around the field to see who’s
open to receive the next pass. Think ahead.
• Quality ball control and passing.
 D E

A B B
B

Details of passing – The Y drill

Exercise:
• Area: The set up uses four cones and is shaped like the letter “Y”. The cones are 15 yards apart. To
start, players are placed in positions A,B,C,D & E. All the players at position A, have a soccer ball.
1. Player A passes to player B. Player A has to be aware of passing to the correct foot.
2. Player B, who is shadowed by player C opens up their body and takes a quality first touch. As soon as
the first touch is executed, player D makes a forward run.
3. Player B passes the ball into the space for player D to collect and player D returns to the start.
4. Rotation: A to B, B to C, C to D (or E), D or E to the start.
5. The exercise is now run with a pass to the other side, player E.

Coaching points:
•Players be aware of where the next pass is going. Pass the ball accurately to the correct foot.
•Players have to be prepared to move quickly to receive a poor pass.
•Energy and enthusiasm.
•Receive on the back foot with an open body shape.
•Passing – Accuracy, weight and timing.
•Timing of the run from the wide player.
•Communication.
 Details of passing – The Y drill - Variations
Variation #1
•Player A passes to player B. Once player B turns with tight ball control, he/she plays a give and go with
wide player D.
•The same rotation applies.

D E

A B B
B

Variation #2:
• Player A passes to player B. Player B drops the ball back to player A who passes long to player D.
Player D now plays a give and go with player B. Now work the other side.

D E

A B B
B

Coaching points:
•Quality movement. The timing of the movement is so important. This gives the players a valuable
understanding of the movement needed.
 A

Quality passing and support play

Exercise:
Area – 15 x 30 field, split into three zones of 10x15. The coach has all the balls.
• Two teams of three players in each end zone, one soccer ball.
1. The coach serves in the ball to any player.
2. All three players must touch the ball before passing it long to the opposite team of three.
3. The opposite team of three perform the same passing sequence.
4. The exercise continues with players constantly moving in their area of play.

Variation:
Play starts in the middle zone with a 3v1 and one player in each end zone.
•After 5 or more passes, the ball is passed to an end zone player.
•Two red players go into that zone to support the receiving player. The defender always moves into
the zone that the ball is passed into.
•The ball is passed from zone to zone.
•Switch the defender.
Coaching points:
•Body shape. Quality of the passing (1 touch) Communication. Energy levels
 C

A
B

A
C B

A B B
C

A
C

Timing of the pass and run

Exercise:
• Area: Set up in the shape of a cross. Cones are 15 yards apart in the shape of a cross. A passive
defender is placed 3 yards from player C as shown.
• Exercise shows 10 players. (This can be done with more players)
• Set up the players as shown above with the starting payers at position A each having a soccer ball.
1. Player A passes the ball to player B and then follows his/her pass.
2. Player B receives on the back foot with an open body shape and passes the ball behind the defender
to the wide running Player C. Player C times his/her run and receives the ball.
3. Player C now dribbles to the starting group.
4. Player A moves to the Player B position and Player B becomes the defender and the defender moves
to Player C.
5. Change passing direction.

Coaching points:
•Pass the ball accurately to the correct foot or space.
•Receive with an open body.
•Timing of pass / run.
•The wide running player uses the defender as a defensive back line. The wide runner tries to stay “on-
side”.
 Timing of the pass and run - Variations
Variation # 1:
1. Once player B receives the ball, player C moves off the cone to receive the ball at his/her feet.
2. Player B plays a pass to player C who passes the ball back to player B and makes a run behind the
defender.
3. Player B now passes the ball into the space for player C to collect. Player C joins the opposite group.

A
B

A
C B

A B B
C

Variation # 2:
1. Player A passes to player B.
2. Player B drops the ball back to player A who plays a through ball for Player C to run onto.
3. The weight of the pass and the timing of the run are key coaching points.

A
B

A
C B

A B B

C
 A
B
B

C C

A B B
C

Breaking the offside

Exercise:
• Area: Half of a playing field.
• Exercise shows 8 players and a goal keeper. (This can be done with more players)
• Set up the players as shown
1. Player A passes the ball to player B and follows his/her pass.
2. Player B receives on the back foot with an open body shape and passes the ball behind the defender
to player C. Player C times his/her run to stay on side.
3. Player C shoots at goal and then joins the starting group.
4. Player A moves to Player B, player B becomes the defender and the defender moves to become the
wide attacking player C.
5. The next pass from the starting group is passed to the left. The same sequence is performed.
Variations:
•The variations from the passing exercises can be used in this shooting drill.
•Move the wider cones another 5 yards longer. Player A passes to B and player B passes back to player
A. Player A passes to the wide inside runner, player C. Have the wide player make an inside run in front
of the defender. (Shown in white)

Coaching points:
•Pass the ball accurately to the correct foot or space.
•Receive with an open body.
•Timing of pass / run.
•Stay on-side.
•Shot at goal.
 B

C C
D

A
A

B C
A B B

Passing and shooting - Advanced

Exercise:
• Area: Cones are set from the edge of the penalty area. The distance set depends on the ability of
your players.
• Start with the two stations passing at the same time.
• Set up the players as shown.
Passing:
1. Player A passes the ball to player B and moves to the next cone.
2. Player B lays the ball back to player C.
3. Player C passes to player D.
4. Player D plays a give and go with player B and then player D joins the start of the exercise.
Variation: (Shown in red)
Shooting: One group at a time.
•Player B position is the shooter. Same passing sequence but when player C passes to player D, player
D lays the ball off for player B to shoot at goal.
•Rotation is when B shoots, D retrieves the ball and the shooter takes D’s position.
Coaching points:
•One touch passing.
•Pass the ball accurately to the correct foot or space.
•Weight of pass.
•Timing of pass / run.
•Communication
•Shot at goal.
 A
B

A A
B

A B B

Passing and movement off the ball - Advanced

Exercise:
• Area: 20 x 40.
• Exercise shows 10 players with one soccer ball. (Can be done with more players or run two stations)
• Two players are placed in the central area.
1. Player A passes the ball to the first central player and continues his run.
2. Player B moves forward and receives the pass from the middle player. He then passes the ball to the
next middle player who passes to the running Player A. Player B joins the opposite group.
3. Player A now passes to the end player. The exercise now goes the other way in the same sequence.
Variations:
•Change the middle players.
•Add two balls. One at each end. The quality has to be good for this to work. The middle players have
to be alert.
•Get Players A & B to make diagonal runs instead of straight.

Coaching points:
•Timing of runs.
•Quality of passing.
•Movement.
•Middle players checking to the ball.
 C

A B B

Details of passing – Two touch passing - Advanced

Exercise:
• Area: Three 5 x 24 channels with all players at the start with a soccer ball (as shown)
• The inside central player receives the ball on the back foot. The outside player, with their first touch,
moves the ball into the next channel.
1. Starting player passes the ball to the correct foot of the next player and follows their pass.
2. Central player receives the ball on the back foot and passes to the correct foot of the outer player,
and follows their pass.
3. Outer player takes their first touch into the next channel and passes to the next player and follows
their pass.
4. Once the final player of the group receives the ball, they move the ball wide and run with the ball
through the gate and then joins the starting line.

Coaching points:
•This is a two touch passing exercise.
•Pass the ball accurately to the correct foot.
•Players have to be prepared to move quickly to receive a poor pass.
•Energy and enthusiasm.
•Receive on the back foot with an open body shape.
•Passing – Accuracy, weight and timing.
•Communication.
 C

A B B

A C
A

Details of passing – One touch passing - Variation

Exercise:
• Area: Three 5 x 24 channels with all players at the start with a soccer ball (as shown)
1. Starting player A passes the ball to the correct foot of the player B who plays the ball back one touch
to player A.
2. Player A passes the ball one touch to player C.
3. Player B now supports player C. Player C passes one touch to player B and then moves to the next
channel.
4. Player B passes to player C and player C now starts the same passing sequence in the next chanel.
5. After passing the ball, players move to the next position.

Coaching points:
•This is a one touch passing exercise. Quick give and go’s.
•Pass the ball accurately.
•Players have to be prepared to move quickly to receive a poor pass.
•Timing of the support run. Do not get there early.
•Passing – Accuracy, weight and timing.
•Communication.
 C

A B B

Details of passing – Receive on the back foot

Exercise:
• Area: 25 x 25 with 4 cones placed at an angle in the middle of each line (as shown)
• The exercise shows 10 players starting with two soccer balls. (Can be done with more players)
• The ball is passed clockwise.
1. The two balls are passed at the same time.
2. Play starts with a pass to the central player who opens up his body, receives with the back foot,
(Right foot) and passes to the next player.
3. All players take their first touch behind the cone, pass and follow their pass.
4. Clockwise – Players on the inside open up and receive the ball with their RIGHT foot. Outside players
take their first touch with their LEFT foot. Counter clockwise – Players on the inside open up and
receive the ball with their LEFT foot. Outside players take their first touch with their RIGHT foot.

Variations:
•Add a third ball. Maybe a fourth ball if more than 10 players are in the group or the quality of the
player is at a high level?

Coaching points:
•Pass the ball accurately to the correct foot.
•Players have to be prepared to move quickly to receive a poor pass.
•Energy and enthusiasm.
•Receive on the back foot with an open body shape.
•Passing – Accuracy, weight and timing.
•Communication.
 Technical practice sessions
Shooting, running with the ball and dribbling
Every player, whether it be a defender, midfielder or forward loves to shoot at goal. We need full focus from
coaches and players when running these sessions because we want all our hard work on the field to pay off with
a goal. We have to create real game situations for the attackers by adding defenders. This will give the attacker a
feel of what move, shot or pass to make in that given situation. This type of training is helping to create a
decision maker. The attacker also gets used to different defensive pressures and will be challenged to solve many
different situations and also work out which technical skills to use to get out of trouble.
The difficulty for coaches is that this may involve standing in lines. Shooting exercises have to be stimulating and
quick rotation so that coaches can avoid players standing in line for long periods of time. The way to avoid the
long lines are to run numerous shooting stations if possible or run stations with different topics so players are
rotating from station to station. A lot of thought has to go into running a quality shooting session.

Key factors for a shooting session: The coach

•Make sure your session has rhythm. Players will be waiting in lines. Make sure it’s not for long.
•Have plenty of soccer balls.
•Encourage. Do not criticize. If you criticize, the shooter will be reluctant to take the shot.
•Stimulate the players with your personality and enthusiasm. Also, be creative in the session that you are
planning.
•Move the session from a technical, no defenders exercise to a real game situation exercise.
•The ball should always be moving before the shot is taken. In a game, apart from set pieces, it’s very rare that
the ball is motionless when players shoot.

Key factors for shooting: The player

•Take special attention to the first time shot. This shot has power, speed and a surprise factor for the goalkeeper.
•Timing of the shot. Players work out the distance and positioning of the goalkeeper before taking the shot.
•Choose a target. Look where the goalkeeper is positioned.
•If you are passing to a player that is in a better position than you, work out the type of pass, the accuracy of the
pass and the timing of the pass.
•Have a strong mental attitude. “If I miss, I’ll get the next one.”

Learning environment:
• Understand the timing of stepping in to coach (Young players do need more structure than usual) As coaches,
we have to deal with effort first. We have to teach the players of today to give 100% effort. Do their best.
• Allow players to explore and problem solve during practice
• Present information. VISUALLY, VERBALLY AND BY DEMONSTRATING.
• Don’t always offer an immediate solution.
• Teach your goal keepers to play out from the back
• Have breaks to discuss strategies and tactics for solving game related problems
• Give frequent praise for good play AND effort, relating praise to specific actions

The following sessions can always be followed with a small sided game. At the foundation phase of development,
we want the players to enjoy the game and learn the techniques of becoming an improved soccer player. You
will soon see the players performing the techniques in the small sided games. Players have to be given the
freedom to be self taught.
 Server 1
B

A
B

C C
A

Server 2
A B B

Shooting technique and movement

Exercise:
Area: 40 x 40 area, two goals with goalkeepers. Two servers. Server 1 has soccer balls and server 2
does not. Team A also has soccer balls. Team B does not. A 5 x 5 grid in the central area.
1. Team A players each have a soccer ball.
2. First player in line A, dribbles the ball into the square and stops the ball with the sole of their foot.
3. Line A player now makes an arc run and receives a cross from server 1 and shoots at goal.
4. As soon as the ball is stopped in the 5x5 area, the player in line B runs to the ball and plays a wall
pass with server 2 and shoots.
5. Once the exercise is performed, players join the opposite group.

Coaching points:
Player in line A: Once they stop the ball in the 5 x 5 area, they make an arched run before receiving a
cross from server 1 (You can add a cone for them to run round if needed.)
Body shape and shooting technique.
The exercise has to performed at game speed.
While playing a game, it is very rare that players shoot a ball, that is not moving.
 C

B B

C C
A

A A

A B B

Shooting, passing and 1v1

Exercise:
• Area: Three cones 20 yards away from goal with three groups of players.
1. Player A starts the exercise by dribbling around the coach and shoots at the goal.
2. As soon as Player A has taken the shot, they turn and receive a pass from Player B.
3. Player A now passes to running player B who shoots at the goal.
4. Player A now joins another group.
5. Player B now plays a 1V1 against player C.
6. Players rejoin a new group of players.

Variations:
•Practice both directions.
Coaching points:
•Pass the ball accurately to the correct foot or space.
•The tempo of passing must be game related.
•Shot at the goal. Choose a target.
 D E A

15 yards
C C
A
B C
A
18 yards 10 yards

A B B

Shooting, passing and movement - Advanced

Exercise:
• Area: Set up 5 cones as shown (left side of the goal) with positions B & D 18 yards from goal and the
other cones 10 yards apart.
1. Player A starts the exercise. Player A passes to player B.
2. Player B drops the ball back to player C.
3. Player C now passes long to player D.
4. Player D now plays the ball to running player E.
5. Player E shoots at goal.
6. Players move to the next station while the shooting player E moves to the starting position A.

Variations:
•Move the cones to the other side of the goal. See if the players can work out the passing sequence?
Coaching points:
•Pass the ball accurately to the correct foot or space.
•The tempo of passing must be game related.
•Timing of the run by player E.
•Shot at the goal. Choose a target.
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Shooting, crossing and finishing

Exercise:
Area – 20 yards from goal. Three stations. Three players go at the same time, one from each station.
Two servers one Goal keeper. The servers have all the soccer balls.
• Station A – This player runs around the far cone and attacks the front post.
• Station B – This players receives a pass from the coach and takes a shot. After the shot, they move
around the far cone and attacks the back post.
• Station C – This player makes an overlapping run, receives a pass from the server and then crosses it
for the two players.
• Change station after exercise is done.
Variations:
•Practice both directions.
A
B

•Add a defender
Coaching points:
A

•Shot at the goal. Choose a target.

•Timing of the run to front and back post. These players are staggered, not in a line (see below) The
C

player crossing the ball can either choose front post run or back post player.
B
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Making an assist
Exercise:
Area – 40 x 30 field, split in half with 2 goals plus GK’s. The coach has all the balls.
• Two separate groups are running at the same time.
• Two players are situated at an angle on the field. The rest of the players wait by the coach.
1. The coach serves in the ball to any player.
2. The receiving player has to control the ball or pass it first time to the other forward who shoots at
the goal.
3. The shooter comes off the field and is replaced by one of the players standing by the coach.
4. The exercise continues with quick rotations and variations in service.

Variation:
•Add a defender

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Fun shooting competition

Exercise:
Area – Teams are 25 yards from goal. Two teams. The coach’s are at either post and have all the soccer
balls. There is a 10 yard gate 15 yards from goal.

1. The coach serves in a ball to the red team.

2. The first red player shoots at goal. Once they take the shot, they join the back of their line. If they
miss, they retrieve the ball and give it to the coach.
3. Now the yellow player takes a shot.
4. The scoring system is as follows: 1 point for a shot saved by the GK. 2 points for a goal. 0 points for a
miss. (This will test the coaches math skills).
5. The first team to 15 wins. The game must be won with a goal.

Variation:
• Teams switch places
Coaching points:
Fun
Enthusiasm
Shooting technique
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Running with the ball then pass

Exercise:
• Area: Two lines 25 yards apart. Players are put into groups of three with one ball between the three.
1. To start, one player on each end line with the third player in the middle with the ball.
2. All players remember who is in their group.
3. The middle player runs with the ball and passes to one of their team mates. The passer swaps places
with the player they passed to.
4. The receiving player scans the field and runs with the ball to the other player, that is part of their
three man team.

Variations:
•Keep having the outside players move into new positions. The team of three stays the same.

Coaching points:
•First touch is taken in the direction you are heading.
•Few touches while still being in control of the ball.
•Speed.
•Use the laces to move the ball on and lift your head to look where your team mate is.
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Running with the ball while being chased

Exercise:
• Area: Groups of six in two teams of three are shown. One soccer ball per group of six. Two separate
groups are going at the same time. You may have more than 12 players. Make more groups instead of
having longer lines. The teams are 25 yards apart with another line 5 yards in (as shown)
1. The first player, with the ball at their feet, runs towards the opposite group.
2. They attempt to stop the ball on the first line.
3. As soon as they do this, the opposite player sets off and runs with the ball at their feet.
4. The player that has stopped the ball, runs to the end line and then chases the player.
5. The player that is chasing has to tag the other player that is running with the ball. No tackling.
6. Once the chase is over, that player joins the end of their own team.
7. The sequence continues.
8. Every player ends up back with the own team mates.

Variations:
•Swap the groups around
Coaching points:
•First touch is taken in the direction you are heading.
•Few touches while still being in control of the ball. Players have to attempt to stop the ball on the first
line so being in control of the ball is important.
•Players will forget to chase (this will be fun)
•Speed.
•Use the laces to move the ball on and lift your head to look where your team mate is.
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Running with the ball then shoot

Exercise:
Area – 25 x 30, 2 goals with GK’s. Each player has a ball.
1. First player from each group dribbles towards the cone, performs a fake move at the cone and
shoots at the goal.
2. They then get their ball and join the opposite group.
3. The teams move to the other cone to work on their opposite foot. Same drill is conducted.

Variation:
1. Red line: One player at a time. First player dribbles and shoots.
2. After they take the shot, the next player from the opposite group starts.
3. The player who has taken the shot sprints across to tackle the shooting player. If the player gets
tackled, or takes a shot, they then chase the player from the other team who has set off.
4. After the chase, they then join their own group.
5. So, “After a shot, you chase!!”
Coaching points:
Striking the ball with your laces. Shoot across the GK. Play at “game speed”. Player’s intelligence, once
they shoot, they chase. (It’s copying a loss of possession in a game. Looking for reactions.)
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Passing / shooting technique

Exercise:
• Area: 15 x 15 on the edge of the 18 yard line, in front of the goal.
• Exercise shows 5 players. (Can be done with more players. Use another station)
1. Player A passes the ball to player B and shows for the return pass.
2. Player B passes back to Player A who makes a diagonal pass to Player C.
3. Player C passes to player B and makes a run towards the goal.
4. Player B passes to running Player C.
5. Player C shoots at the goal.
6. Player A moves to position B and Player B moves to position C.

Variations:
•Practice both directions.
•Add a defender
Coaching points:
•Pass the ball accurately to the correct foot or space.
•The tempo of passing must be game related.
•Accuracy, weight and timing of pass.
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Dribbling and turning

Exercise:
Area: Cones are set up 20 yards apart. The players are spread out evenly on the four cones. This
exercise shows 6 players. Have numerous stations working if you have more players. Avoid long lines
of players waiting around.
1. Groups work diagonally with each other.
2. Demonstrate to the group at least 4 turns they can perform.
3. First player with a ball dribbles to the middle, performs a turn, then another turn, then passes and
follows to opposite group.
4. Can the players perform two different turns in the middle?
5. Allow them to be creative.

Variation:
• The player dribbles to the middle, performs a turn and passes back to the first player from the group
they just came from. They then create an angle and receive the ball back. They control the ball with
their back foot, pass and follow to the opposite group.
Coaching points:
Enthusiasm from the coach
Quality of turn
Passing – Accuracy, weight, timing.
Communication. Once the middle player performs their second turn, the next receiving players calls
for the ball.
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Dribbling and faking

Exercise:
Area:20 x 20, 8 players, 2 balls. The coach demonstrates the moves to get by a defender.
1. Start with the players dribbling diagonally across to the opposite group.
2. Coach goes in as the middle player. Player with the ball dribbles towards the coach, performs a
move around the coach, then passes to next team mate, and follows their pass.
3. Once the player has made the “move”’, the coach turns to the next player in the other group and
the sequence continues.
Variation (below):
• Add another middle player. Dribbling player plays a give and go around the coach.
• Now give the player a choice. The dribbling player can now make a decision on whether they will play
the give and go, or dribble around the coach by using their partner as a decoy.
Coaching points:
Players perform one after the other (Coach has to be focused and so does the player who is in the
middle playing the give and go’s)
Encouragement and enthusiasm from the coach.
Show player different moves.

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2 v 1 to goal
Exercise:
Area – 35 x 15. 12 players (plus two goal keepers). Two teams of 6 with 2 attackers and 4 defenders on
each team. A 5 yard central channel with 10 balls, 5 for each team.
1. Both teams start at the same time.
2. An attacker collects a ball from the central zone.
3. One of the defenders enters the playing area to defend their goal.
4. Attackers play a 2 v1 to goal.
5. Attackers use all 5 with a different defender entering the playing area each time.
6. Rotate roles and repeat.

Variation:
•You may vary the overload, depending on the ability of your players.
•You may go 2v2 or 3v2 in the attackers favor.

Coaching points:
Attackers look to see which defender is entering the area.
Does the player pass or shoot?
 Small sided games
Allow the players to learn through playing.

The priorities for the youth of today has been changed and it is virtually impossible to get back to “the good old
days” of street soccer. The coaching schools of the past (street soccer) are in decline. Children playing against
each other on the streets or in the school yard are not as common as they used to be. Our coaching sessions have
to be geared towards this kind of mind set that we had 20 years ago playing street soccer. Players (as learners)
need to know ‘what’ they are doing or should be expected of them, as well as the ‘why’ and ‘how’. Incorporating
quality practice sessions and small sided games can help players understand the ‘what, ‘why’ and ‘how’.
Why play small - sided games?
Small – sided games will allow the players to develop all the basic skills within the realization of a match, while
they also encourage children to develop their own decision making skills. Small sided games will create problems
for the players. They have to solve the problems that occur. These are valuable lessons for the future. When
complicated situations arise in a real game situation, we want the players to think on their feet and solve the
problems. Players will soon learn how to adapt to the changing situations and conditions of your small - sided
games
What is a small – sided game?
A small – sided game is a game with few players, small field space and will have some restrictions or rules to
follow that will encourage the players to problem solve. The problems that are being solved must be game
related. It is vital that we do this at the foundation phase. Planting the seed for the player to blossom into a
decision maker is the key component. Even something as simple as 5 v5 with a three touch restriction for players
is a great small – sided game. This teaches speed of thought, movement and team work.

The art of getting players to compete.

com·pete [kuhm-peet]
verb (used without object), com·pet·ed, com·pet·ing.
to strive to outdo another for acknowledgment, a prize, supremacy, profit, etc.; engage in a contest;

One of the problems coaches struggle with is seeing their players show a lack of desire to compete. We know that
screaming and yelling at them is not going to work. How can we fix this? This is where your planning skills come
into play. Don’t just go home and ponder about the situation. Take the philosophy we are teaching the players,
‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’. What exercises can I use to fix this? Why am I doing these exercises? How am I going to
coach these exercises?
Introduce practice sessions that replicate aggressive play. This allows the players to learn how to deal with
aggressive play and also learn to be aggressive themselves. We know we are trying to build team spirit so the
aggressiveness has to be monitored and controlled. Tell the players that it is important to play within the rules.
Your practice sessions should always have the rules of the game incorporated. The key is to make the players
perform aggressive play without realizing it. To do this we must make our practice session fun and rewarding.
Join in with the laughter. Praise the aggressive play whether it be a tackle or a willingness to run after the ball.
Do you add neutral players?
Some young players do not understand the addition of the neutral player. We are trying to teach competitive
1v1’s and 2v2’s so this can contradict our coaching style. If you feel your players can cope with this, then adding
neutral players can improve your players on offense and defense. The neutral players that are most likely
positioned in the midfield and given a free role, constantly will have decisions to make. These players do not need
to tackle. They play for whoever has the ball. Firstly, there is the decision-making and problem-solving relating to
their movement and positioning before potentially receiving the ball, and then; where, when and how they
receive it. Then comes the decision to run, retain or release as the other players react accordingly with their
positioning. All players have to be aware of when the neutral player is with them or without them (speed of
thought).
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Fun, competitive keep away

Exercise:
Area – 20 x 20. This exercise shows eight players. Two yellow defenders and six red attackers. All the
reds have a soccer ball.

1. The exercise starts with the two defenders entering the area and attempting to kick all the balls out
of the playing area.
2. The red players dribble and shield their ball from the defenders.
3. If a red players ball is kicked out, they now become a support player for the other reds.
4. You will eventually end up with one soccer ball and a 6 v 2.
5. Switch defenders.
Coaching points:
When a player loses their ball, they must look around the area for the players that need help.
Dribbling and shielding
Communication and the use of space
If the last ball gets kicked out quickly, bring in another ball and coach spacing.
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Fun, competitive passing with purpose

Exercise:
Area – 20 x 20. This exercise shows eight players. Two players each have a soccer ball.

1. The exercise starts with the two players with a ball dribbling around the area and trying to hit the
other players below the knee.
2. This has to be done with a side foot pass.
3. If a player is hit below the knee they go and collect a ball from the coach and help to hit the other
players.
4. Play until all players have been hit.
5. Switch roles.
Coaching points:
The players with the ball must show energy, movement of the ball and quick turning reactions while
chasing players.
Do not allow this to get out of hand. Emphasize the importance of the pass.
•Pass with the side of your foot
•The contact made on the ball is in the middle, not on the bottom.
•Aim for the legs.
If players kick out their ball, they have to retrieve it.
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5v2 Keep away

Exercise:
• Area: Set up two 12 x 20 grids. Exercise shows 10 players, 5 v 5. (Can be done with more players)
• The coach has all the soccer balls.
1. The coach serves in a ball. Two defenders from the opposite team enter the area.
2. The purpose of the exercise is for the 5 players to play possession while the two defenders attempt
to win the ball back and pass it to their team mates in the opposite area.
3. If the defenders are successful, they then move back into their area along with two defenders from
the opposite team.
4. If the ball is kicked out by a defender, the coach passes a ball back in for the attacking team to start
playing again.
Variations:
•Play 5 v 3 if the group is more advanced.
•A bigger variation (8v8) can also be played. Make the field size larger.
Coaching points:
•Create space.
•Know when to take a touch or play a one touch pass.
•Communicate.
•Defenders close down passing angles.
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Playing a forward pass

Exercise:
• Area: Set up a 10 x 14 playing area. This exercise shows 5 players but you can run numerous stations.
• One end player has 5 soccer balls.
1. The object of the exercise is for the ball to be passed to the opposite player using 2v1. Players can
also use the end-line player.
2. The players in the middle can only use the 5 balls. If the defender wins a ball, that ball is ‘out’.
3. Once all the balls have been transferred to the opposite end, they are once again passed to the
opposite end-line player.
4. See how many times the players can go back and forth.
Variations:
•Play 2v2
Coaching points:
•Decision making. Outside passer chooses the best option.
•Body shape when receiving the ball.
•Fakes and turns.
•Patient build up.
•Team work.
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Fun 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 to goal

Exercise:
Area – 40 x 30. Two teams. The coach has all the soccer balls. Each team is standing in their goal,
linking arms.

1. Each player is numbered 1 - 4.

2. The coach calls out a number and serves in the ball.
3. The player with that number from each team enters the field, plays a 1 v 1 and attempts to score on
the opposition’s goal.
4. The remaining plays stay linked together and act as a large goal keeper.

Variation:
• Call out more than one number.
Coaching points:
Fun
Enthusiasm
Encourage players to be positive
Attack at speed
Close ball control
Spacing when more than 1 v 1
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3v2 to goal
Exercise:
Area – ¾ of a field. One goal with a goal keeper. Midfielders are 40 yards away from goal with the
soccer balls. Defenders and strikers are located at both sides of the goal.

1. The exercise starts by two forwards running onto the field, followed by two defenders.
2. The midfield player passes to one of the forwards and joins in. This creates a 3v2 at goal.
3. Play stops if defenders win the ball or the ball goes out of bounds.
4. Players go back ‘Home’ and a new set of players attempt to score.
Coaching points:
Movement of strikers
When to shoot, when to pass?
Create shooting opportunities
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3v2 Transition - Advanced

Exercise:
• Area: 30 x 40 with two goals and two teams. Teams start 5 yards from the corner as shown.
• The coach has all the soccer balls.
1. Start with 3v2. The coach serves in a ball for the attacking three. Two defenders from the opposite
team attempt to win the ball.
2. Possession changes hands when: A shot is taken or scored, the ball is won by the two defenders or
the ball is kicked out of bounds.
3. As soon as the exercise is over, the attacking three quickly get off the field. They are replaced by two
players from their team who become defenders.
4. The defending two are joined by a team mate. If the defending two win the ball, they must now pass
to the oncoming third player.
5. This oncoming player must always start the exercise in the 3v2. If the ball is scored or shot out of
bounds, the coach will pass a ball to the oncoming third player.

Coaching points:
•Mental awareness.
•Know when to pass when to take a player on.
•Communicate.
•Make the extra player count.
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Pressing as a team
Exercise:
Area:30 x 30 with two goals with goal keepers. There are 4 defenders on the field and two teams of
four jogging on the outside. All three teams are separated by colored vests. The coach has all the
soccer balls.

1. The coach passes a ball to the defenders. The defenders pass and move around the area.
2. The coach calls out a color “Yellow!”
3. The yellow team enters the field and attempts to win the ball from the defending team and score on
either goal.
4. The defenders play possession soccer.
5. After a few tries, switch out the defenders.

Variation:
•You can play numbers up with the attackers, play 6 v 4
Coaching points:
Pressure as a team
Speed of thought when the ball is won by attackers
Create scoring opportunities
Communicate
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More fun 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 to goal plus fitness

Exercise:
Area – 25 x 30, 2 goals with GK’s
1. The coach calls out a number. If coach calls “TWO”, 2 players from each team run around the
opposite cone as fast as they can. They now attack the goal they are facing.
2. The coach serves in the ball. A 2 v 2 is played.
3. Play until a goal is scored or until the ball goes out of bounds.
4. Players return back to their group.

Variation:
• Remove goal keepers. The coach calls out a number. The first player around the cone becomes the
goal keeper.
• The coach calls out a number, players add one. So, if coach calls out ”FOUR”, FIVE players go
Coaching points:
Ball control, decision making, when to dribble? / pass? / shoot?
Awareness
Shooting
Spacing when more than 1 v 1.
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Small sided that works on defending and attacking as a team

Exercise:
Area – 60 x 40. Two teams, 5v5.

1.The teams play against each other.

2.The rules of the game are:
Attack together.
•When the attacking team looks like they are going to score, every player on the attacking team must
be across the half way line in the attacking half for a goal to count.
Defend together.
•All the defenders must be in their defending half. If not, and the attacking team scores, the goal
counts as double.

Variation:
• Play two touch
• Add one or two neutral players
Coaching points:
Attacking together does not mean leave open spaces at the back.
Defend together
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3 v 3 with transition
Exercise:
Area – 20 x 30. Play 3v3 with other team mates standing by their own goal.

1.The teams play against each other.

2.The rules of the game are:
•On the coaches whistle, both teams leave the field leaving the ball where it is.
•They are replaced by two other teams who continue the game with the score remaining the same.
Coaching points:
Encourage the players to play with intensity.
Players should control and pass the ball using the correct technique.
Movement off the ball is vital for this 3v3 exercise.
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Small sided with 4 goals

Exercise:
Area – 30 x 40. Two teams, 4v4.

1.The teams play against each other.

2.Each team has two goals that they can score on.

Variation:
• Play two touch
• Add a neutral player
Coaching points:
Look for the switch.
Teach the players this philosophy:
“If the front door is locked, I still get inside the house. How?”
“The side door is locked. I still find my way inside the house.”
“I get in through the back door.”
The area you are attacking may sometimes be closed off with good defending. Find another way to goal.
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Small sided - Being competitive

Exercise:
Area –– Three 12 x 12 boxes with 4 players with a ball in each box.
1. Two players start at the end-line.
2. The players that are in the 12 x 12 area pass the ball and move in their own area working on their
technique.
3. On the coaches signal, the two players sprint to the end cones and enter the 12 x 12 area.
4. They attempt to win the ball while the 4 players play keep away.
5. Once they win the ball, they move into the next area until they have won the ball in all 3 areas and
sprinted past the end-line.
6. The coach times the players to see how long it takes.

Variation:
Play defenders against attackers as a group competition
Coaching points:
Praise the competitive actions
Team work