Attacking Session – Creating Space

Attacking Session - Creating Space

By: Greg Maas - Head Coach, Utah Valley State

Provided by: NSCAA

Activity #1: Warm Up

Organization:

• In a 15 x 15 yard grids with a triangle of corner flags in the middle
• 5 players in each grid; 4 attacking players and 1 defender
• The attacking players possess and try to score by passing through the triangle in the middle
• The defender is not allowed inside the triangle and defends by working outside the triangle
• Play to points or time

Coaching points:

• Maintain balance with the attacking players
• Vision and awareness of ball are important
• Proper verbal and visual communication
• Appropriate techniques while passing and receiving the ball
• Speed of play and decision making

Activity #2: 3v3 or 4v4

Organization:

• In a grid of 30 x 30 yards
• Organize teams of 3 v 3 or 4 v 4
• If you have uneven numbers use neutral players
• Create two triangles with corner flags/cones as shown
• Both teams compete for possession of the ball and try to score by passing through the triangles
• You can begin with one team having an assigned goal and progress to scoring in both goals
• Variation: Once you score in one goal, you must score in the other goal

Coaching points:

• Create space off the ball
• Support the ball
• Have team balance
• Change the rhythm to exploit opportunities to score
• Decision making and speed of play
• Movement and timing of 2nd and 3rd man runs

Activity #3

Organization:

• In a 40 x 40 yard grid divide the area in half
• Players are restricted to 2 v 2 in each grid as shown
• Each team has four target players – width and depth
• Players try to possess and score by utilizing the target players
• To score again, the ball must move to the other side of the grid
• Target players do not enter the field but can move to support the ball
• Play to points or time
Coaching points:

• Create space by running off the ball
• Quality passing both long and short
• Support with proper angles
• Receive and turn under pressure
• Quick and appropriate decision making

Activity #4: 5v5

Organization:

• In a grid that is 44 x 36
• Play 5 v 5 with two keepers and four target players
• Regular rules of soccer apply
• Teams play to possess in the middle and try to score in the big goals
• Use target players to support the ball in possession
• Play to points or time
Coaching points:

• Create space with appropriate movement
• Timing of runs
• Angle of support
• Play the way you face
• Change the point of attack
• Use disguise and deception
• Be patient

Activity #5: Cool down with dynamic movements and stretching