two youth soccer
coaching games from
worldofsoccer.com
designed to improve crossing and using the full width of the pitch
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big mixed bag practice that you can see at the bottom of this page
is suitable for 12-14 players who have the power and technique to
cross the ball from the sides of a full sized pitch.
The medium mixed bag, below, is more
suitable for smaller numbers and/or younger players. It is useful for
three reasons:
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We can never do too much practice on
crossing, but we have to modify crossing practice according to age,
ability and numbers.
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Younger players cannot cross from the
flanks of a full field, but should be encouraged to do so with a
modified field.
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For older players 14-years of age and
upwards there are times when a coach would like to work on crossing,
but may only have 9 or 10 players at practice on any given evening.
medium mixed bag
Objective:
Organization:
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Mark in an area 36 yards long (two
penalty areas long) by 30 yards wide and then further extend the
width with a 6-yard channel on either side. For older players (13+)
go wider; younger players (U 11 and less) make it narrower.
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Put in a half way line, but not in the
channel.
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Play 2 Attackers vs. 1 Defender and a
goalkeeper in each half or whatever the numbers allow you.
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There are two neutral "crossers" of
the ball - one on each flank.
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Keep a supply of balls in each net.
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Goalkeeper at one end starts by
throwing the ball out to one of the "crossers" (wingers).
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The wingers play a cross in towards
the goal.
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If the defender or the goalkeeper gets
the ball they play out to one of the two wingers and the attack goes
the other way.
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At younger ages try to rotate all
players at intervals - possibly through all positions.
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Use the offside law to prevent
attackers standing in front of the goalkeeper.
Teaching:
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Encourage an accurate thrown ball from
the keeper to the winger.
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Wingers should aim to cross the ball
towards the far post with a hard driven pass or a lofted pass.
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The wingers should also aim the ball
to split the difference with the cross in between the defender and
the goalkeeper.
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Attackers should go away from the
crosser and then come in as the ball is played in - one to the near
post area the other to the far post.
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Defender and goalkeeper have to work
well together as the defender cannot man-mark two attackers.
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Goalkeeper should take charge and
organize the defender(s).
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big mixed bag
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Objectives
To place field players and
goalkeepers in decision-making situations with attacks developed
from the flanks.
Organization
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Use half of a full-sized field.
Mark out a 6-yard channel each side of field.
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Use cones/flags at the half if you
don’t have a portable goal.
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Mark in a centre line.
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The one or two players in each
"flank channel" have no allegiance, they play for both teams. 3
vs. 2, plus a goalkeeper, in each half.
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When the goalkeeper has the ball,
the practice is always re-started by goalkeeper throwing to
flank players.
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Flank players can pass to one
another, overlap, cross the ball or pass the ball into the 3
attackers.
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If on their own, take it and cross
it.
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Change the players' positions
periodically to give everyone experience in different roles
(except goalkeepers).
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Offside rule in each zone should
be applied by coach.
Coaching Points
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Goalkeepers must work on good
quality throws to wide players, and be encouraged to "switch"
play.
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Goalkeepers must communicate their
requirements, organize the defence and adjust to changing
situations.
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Quality of cross from wing players
critical for successful attacking play.
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Three attackers in each half need
to communicate and work "off" one another, with particular
attention to "near-post" and "far-post" runs.
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The two defenders in each half
have to work skilfully because they are outnumbered.
Challenge
- For the "wingers" to deliver
quality crosses; for the rest to outmanoeuvre the opposition.
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