Today's featured activity works on 1 v 1 attacking and defending around the 18.

Most of the time, when we work on 1 v 1 play, it's with the attacker facing the defender. However, frequently in games, the attacking player receives the ball with his back to the goal and must create space and turn in order to get the shot. While the attacking player is trying to create space and turn, the defending player is trying to prevent the turn and force the attacker away from the goal.

This is the type of training you would do with small groups because otherwise, there is too much standing around.

Start with a keeper in goal, a line of attackers (in black) at the corner of the 6 and end line and a line of defenders (in yellow) just a step wider than the attackers and 2 yards back. There is a server with some balls wider than the defenders.



The server plays the ball toward the top of the 18 and the first player in each line sprints toward the ball.



The attacking player is going to use his body to shield the ball from the defender.



There are any number of options on how the attacking player gets turned including taking a touch away to create space, feinting one way and turning the other and leaning back into the defender and then turning and facing quickly.

While the attacking player is trying to turn, the defending player is simply trying to prevent the turn and slow the attacker down. If the defender isn't able to turn after a few touches, the play is over and the next group goes. If the defending player wins the ball, he plays the ball away and the next group goes.

Running onto a pass, controlling it then running with the ball. It happens all the time in matches, but to do it players need to practice it over and over again.

I use this exercise to give my players a good session running with and without the ball, it is also a good test for running and shooting, and a test for the goalkeeper to keep out the sharpshooters.

It looks like a simple exercise but it has a lot of elements players will use in matches, like control and turning with the ball to set up a shot at goal. You can get the players to use both feet. Start them on the foot they are most comfortable shooting with then get them to go the other way so they have to use their other foot.



Start this one off half way between the penalty area and the half way line. You need to be passing to the players on the left and right of you, who control, run, turn and shoot with the ball.


Tell your players they need to time their runs so they reach the first cone at the same time as the ball - this also requires a good pass from the coach!

Player A runs to the cone, controls the ball, turns round the cone then cuts back to go round the centre post, from where he tries to beat the goalkeeper with a right footed shot at goal.

You then pass for the player on your right hand side to run onto, he controls with his right foot, cuts back and goes around the centre cone to unleash a left foot shot.

2v2 Shooting Drill

The game begins with one of the attacking players passing to the coach. Both attacking players then sprint around the top cone to receive a return pass from the coach and attempt to score in the target areas of the goal.

When the first pass is made, the two defending players sprint around the wide cones and enter the playing area from different sides in order to defend against the attackers.

Coaching Points
Use pure speed to score as quickly as possible
The coach can manipulate the distances between cones to ensure a realistic 2 v 2 situation is created.

Four-goal scramble
This fun and simple game will keep your players alert as they look to score in three other goals while defending their own.

Objective:

To practise shooting, 'vision', communication and support play.

Skill level:

Intermediate/advanced.

Number of players:

The whole squad.

Set up:

Create a 40 yards by 40 yards playing area with a goal on each side (four goals). Divide your squad into four teams.

How to play:

Each team defends one goal and attacks the other three. Have no goalkeepers. Play first to five goals wins the game, or play for a set time.

Coaching points:

Encourage quick, positive play. Emphasise the need for the players to keep their heads up and switch play to unguarded goals.

Variations:

Play with two balls.
Have five teams. Play the game as described above but, when one team concedes two goals, they are replaced by the fifth team. Play does not stop, so the fifth team has to be observant and prepared to enter the game quickly. This improves player transition

Have a go hero!
This game encourages your players to work as a team and get their heads up.

Objective:

To improve shooting skills and decision making.

Skill level:

Any.

Number of players:

The whole squad divided into two teams.

Set up:

Create a 40 yards by 30 yards playing area with a halfway line. Place a goal at either end of the playing area. Half of each team enter each half of the playing area. For example, if you have two teams of six, three from each team go in each half. Goalkeepers are optional.

How to play:

Play soccer with the following conditions:

A shot on target is worth one point if you are using goalkeepers.
A goal scored from the attacking half is worth two points.
A goal scored from the defensive half is worth three points.
No player may cross the halfway line.
Play first to 10 points wins. All restarts are from the goalkeeper if you are using them.

Coaching points:

Praise players who take their chances decisively.
If you play with a goalkeeper, encourage forwards to follow up shots.
For younger children, make the goal bigger and the playing area shorter.