U13 Boys - Multiple Game - Activity - Game session

Tonight we had our second session in as many nights.  I tried something a little different tonight by doing a multiple Game-Activity-Game type of practice (or Global-Analytical-Global or GAG).

We started with some juggling and 2 drills involving running with and without the ball.

We had 12 players out.  I set up a 60x40 game area with a half line and a two 10x20 grids off to the side for our technical/activity work.  The games were Small Sided Games, playing by the rules.  We had them play 2-touch soccer to keep the ball moving and everybody involved.

We ran a 1v1 sequence focusing on the defender.  Coaching points were:

• Goal side!
• Patience/balance
• Threaten the ball
• Angle/speed of approach

The 1v1 defending was not one of the things I wanted to work on between games and it meshed perfectly with the dribbling and running drills, where the running was of a defensive nature.

Before we started our game we reviewed what they should be thinking of at different parts of the field:

• The further away from our net, more patience and more ”steering” the attacker – choose your battles
• Along the wings within 20 yds of our goal line – hold their position and don’t get beat and allow a free cross
• Open field – no slide tackles or over committing

We then let them play, just reminding them of goal side and when to be patient.

When we broke out, I attacked my next pet peeve – restarts.  We reviewed throw-ins, how to set up for attacking throw-ins then preparing to win balls on field restarts (goal kicks, free kicks, etc).  Coaching points:

• Importance of good, accurate service on throw or kick
• Ensuring you get to the ball first and make positive contact, while legally preventing your opponent from getting to the ball

We let them play again paying attention to the restarts.  Thankfully there were a lot of restarts and I didn’t have to force any.  We have a few boys who run to the battle zone but shy away at the last possible second.  Not only is it bad soccer, it’s dangerous for the player to “let up” before contact.

When we broke again we reviewed something we haven’t done in a while, setting up 2v1s on the field.  In our mini-grids we reviewed when to set up the 2v1 (always) and the different options.  Coaching points:

• Recognize when the player with ball is being closed down and move to support them on an angle and set up 2v1
• Do NOT stand behind the player pressuring your player – very useless place to be
• If you pass and nothing happens, drop to support and set it up again
• SPRINT to support position and set up half-turned forward

When we got back into the game I felt good about what we were doing.  Needing some reminders at first, everything started falling into place.  I think I am going to set up 2v1 drills and a SSG before our game to reinforce the 2v1s again.

After a drink I let them play freely without coaching to see what was retained.  It was not 100% but there was improvement.

To finish it I had a timed game for 5 minutes.  No coaching.  Losers had to pick up all the cones and balls.  The game went into golden goal and finished with a bang.

I ran practice alone tonight and that was a mistake.  Having another adult with me makes things easier as I can bounce off them and not just the kids.

The organization worked out well with the game and training areas all set up to go each time.  It was just a matter of moving the balls back and forth.

I was happy with our progress the last 2 nights and need to pan properly to try and get the boys on the same level for our game Thursday.  We are missing 2 of our faster players but we’ll manage.