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Functional Training by Position using a Small-Sided GameAfter observing several state league games over the weekend with the older age groups, it was more noticeable that teams definitely had more players playing in fixed positions than the younger age groups. So here is a training/practice idea I have been using over the past five or six years when working with elite players. 5v5 plus GK
When I was coaching at the University of Louisville, I always found pre-season was a time that I needed to work with the players as much as possible forming tactical relationships using small-sided games. In other words, get the players to understand how they need to play together. For example, using this method I would develop, in a 5v5 game, both the outside back and wide midfielder working together, both in their own defending third, in the middle third and in the attacking third. (I use this method coaching youth teams also 13-18 years old.) I knew the positions where I wanted to play the players in the formation (4-4-2), but I needed to design practices where we could get the most technical and tactical repetition in a game environment — plus, it had to be relevant to the areas of the field where the players would realistically perform their roles, both in attack and defense. I placed the emphasis on both attacking and defending responsibilities in the practice (economical training), and allowed the players the opportunity to engage themselves in a competitive game situation that, hopefully, they can translate back to the full-sided field. For higher-level players, this could be a critical aspect of your coaching method as players tend to lose their focus and intensity if the practice contains too much stopping and starting. This practice organization allows me to coach in the flow of the activity. Here is how I organized the practice. Setup 5v5 plus GK for functional positional training in a small-sided game, played on one quarter of a full-size field bordered by the end line, touchline and center line, plus a row of cones from the center spot to the mid-point of the goal. Set up two small goals just beyond the center line for counter-attack opportunities. One team is the defending team and tries to regain possession and score in the two counter-attack goals. The defending team's players perform the functional roles of a goalkeeper, center back, right back, central midfielder, wide fielder and a forward (six players). Technical: Receiving techniques under pressure, shielding the ball, turning with the ball with back to the opponent and playing a forward pass. Tactical: Organize defensive pressure on the ball, second-defender covering, plus work on tactical communication. Regain possession of the ball and try to play to the target player, push out and support the transition to attack. The other team is the attacking team, going to goal. The attacking team's players perform the functional roles of two central midfielders, left back, left-sided midfielder and a forward (five players). Technical: Dribbling techniques, running at the man or gaps, receiving techniques under pressure. Techniques for crossing to the near post area, finishing and long-range finishing. Tactical: Attack – combination play, wide play. Defense – high pressure. Rules
Coaching Philosophy This could also be a good way to begin to introduce young players to the various positions and roles played within the game. I am not saying or promoting that we should play players just in one position. However, I do feel we need to seek ways to create the right-learning and game-situation environments where our players can continue to develop their understanding of the game. Variations Move the game to be played at the half-way line. Players play their roles technically and tactically in the middle third of the field. For more coaching plans like this one, visit the Coaching page at USYouthSoccer.org |
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