Speed of play with a short passing emphasis

Provided by - NSCAA

Activity #1: Warm Up

Organization:

• 16 players organized into four groups of four in grids that are 12 x 12 yards
• Players move freely and pass the ball using 1 or 2 touches
• Players are encourage to pass the way they are facing

Coaching Points:

• Sharp accurate passing
• Movement off the ball – angles, distance
• Communicate at all times
• Increase tempo as you warm up

Diagram #1

Activity #2:

Organization:

• In two 12 x 15 yard grids
• Four players are in the grid
• And 4 opponents are outside the grid
• A ball is rolled into the grid to start the exercise and two defenders enter with the ball
• When defenders win the ball they run back and touch hands with the next two defenders and the exercise is repeated
• A total of 4 balls are passed into the grid
• Teams switch roles after the fourth ball
• Note: The game is high intensity so allow required rest

Coaching Points:

• Sharp and accurate passing
• Movement off the ball – angles, distance etc.
• Accuracy and weight of passing
• Communication
• High tempo play

Diagram #2

Activity #3: 3 v 3 + 2

Organization:

• A grid 15 x 20 yards
• 3 v 3 inside the grid a with two support players as shown
• Players attempt to maintain possession with sharp passes and quick movement
• The support players play with the team in possession • Neutral players have one or two touches • Play for a designated period of time

Coaching Points:

• Sharp accurate passes
• Quick movement
• Angles and distance of support
• Accuracy and weight of passes
• Communication
• Visual cues/ verbal cues

Diagram #3

Activity #4: 4 v 4 with keepers

Organization:

• On a field 40 x 20 yards
• Two more teams of four perform light exercises while they wait for their turn
• Compete to possess and attempt to score

Coaching Points:

• Sharp passing and movement
• Accuracy and weight of passes
• Communication
• Visual and verbal cues
• High tempo
• Can use 1 or 2 touch restriction

Diagram #4