NSCAA Foundations of Coaching Activities Stage 4: 12-14 Year Old Players

STAGE 4 ACTIVITIES12-14 YEAR OLD PLAYERS

NSCAA Foundations of Coaching Diploma

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3V2 TO 6V5 SMALL SIDED GAME

WHY USE ITThis activity provides a coach with an

opportunity to teach passing, creating

space, defending and shooting.

SET UPThere are two different field shapes for

this activity. The set-up for the first

sequence is a 25x15 yards area running

from the edge of the 6 yard box and

stretching outside of the penalty area.

The 18-yard line is the offside line and

six-yard box is an end zone with two

flagged gate goals. In the second set-

up the width of the area is extended to

the edges of the penalty box and two 8

yards wide 1v1 channels are marked.

HOW TO PLAYThe session progresses from a 3v2 to

a 6v5 as the players demonstrate their

competency. Player movement and a

well-timed pass into space between

defenders are key to breaking down

the defense and leading to close range

shooting opportunities.

COACHING NOTES + Coaching objectives – The coaching

objective is to work with players

on their off the ball movement and

timing of runs forward to avoid the

offside trap. The game becomes

a foundation to teach second and

third attacker movement.

+ Coaching tips – As a general rule, a

coach should encourage attacking

players to run diagonally across

the defensive line and the midfield

players should look to make direct

passes between the seams of the

defense. Straight runs and straight

passes are predictable and an

experience defense will step up and

catch the attackers offside.

HOW TO MODIFY THE ACTIVITY + Less challenging: Continue with the

3v2 sequence and even reduce the

defenders to 1.

+ More challenging: Allow players

free movement into the zones and

add a touch restriction to speed up

the pace of play.

+ The activity has been progressed to 6v5 in favor of the defenders, 3v3 in the center zone and 1v1 in the side channels. The yellow attackers start in possession of the ball from the top of the area and must seek to penetrate with a pass or dribble into the penalty box. The red team must attempt to force a turnover.

+ The yellow attackers have successfully penetrated the penalty box with a nice interchange of passes. + A yellow attacker makes a bent run centrally and takes the ball 1v1 against the goalkeeper. + The defenders and support attackers chase into the box in case the goalkeeper saves the shot.

+ The yellow attackers maintain possession and look to release a player into the area beyond the 18 yard line. + The defenders and attackers cannot enter the box until the ball is played through. + Once through, the attacker scores in the flagged goals placed on the six-yard line. The attacking team

has two touches only and can only score from inside the end zone.

STAGES COVERED BY ACTIVITYStages 3, 4 & 5 - 9-18 year old players.

THEMES & COMPETENCIESTop 3 themes: Passing, receiving and support.Top 3 competencies: Short passing, receiving with the feet and movement off the ball

NSCAA Foundations of Coaching Activities Stage 4: 12-14 Year Old Players24 NSCAA LEVEL 1 DIPLOMA STAGE 4 ACTIVITY - 12-14 YEAR OLD PLAYERS

30yds

30yds

5V2 KEEP AWAY

WHY USE ITThis is an ideal activity to teach defenders the roles of the 1st and 2nd defender and the principles of pressure and cover.SET UPThe set-up is a 30x30 yards square with 5 attacking players forming a large circle around 2 defenders holding training vests.HOW TO PLAY5v2 Keep Away can be coached from an attacking or defending perspective. Quick ball movement, adjusting a player’s body position when receiving the pass and knowing when to make a firm pass to split the defenders, are attacking themes that can be explored. Conversely, the coach can teach defenders to approach the ball carrier with a curved run, lower the center of gravity, adjust to a sideways body position and drop into a cover position as the ball is transferred between attackers. Play with a minimum 2-touch restriction for the outside attacking players. If a player makes a poor pass, loses the ball to a defender, or violates the touch restriction, that player switches with one of the defenders and play continues immediately. If the attackers can ‘split’ the defenders with a pass, the defenders must do 2 push-ups right away as the game progresses. COACHING NOTES

+ Coaching objectives – Work with defenders as a unit to limit passing and penetrating options - using coordinated pressure, cover and communication. Defenders will usually be most successful if they trade between pressure and cover roles and not chase the ball..

+ Coaching tips – This can be a tiring exercise for the defenders and overall quality of play can rapidly decline. To increase competitiveness, randomly call “TIME” and have the 2 players in the middle do push-ups before trading out and restarting the action.

HOW TO MODIFY THE ACTIVITY + Less challenging: The coach can reduce the number of attackers to create a 4v2 and add a touch requirement for the passing players. The coach can also include a requirement that the ball must never stop moving.

+ More challenging: The coach can impose a restriction of 1-2 touches. Although this condition will test the technical abilities of the attackers, it will also ensure the ball moves quicker and defenders will need to adjust the positioning faster.

+ The defender over commits and allows the attacker an opportunity to escape pressure. + The attacker takes a couple of touches and passes to a teammate in space. + As a result, the 2nd defender now has to cover more ground to close the ball as the attackers move the ball.

+ In the final diagram the defenders are split with a pass across the circle. + The first defender fails to apply enough pressure to force play around the outside and the 2nd defender

does not get close enough to cover the first defender.

+ In the first diagram the red attackers maintain possession around the perimeter of the circle. + The closest defender makes an angled run in an attempt to force the play towards his/her teammate. + The 2nd defender starts to adjust his/her position to provide cover in case the attackers attempt to

make a splitting pass.

STAGES COVERED BY ACTIVITYStages 3, 4 & 5 - 9-18 year old players.

THEMES & COMPETENCIESTop 3 themes: Switching the point of attack, counter attacking and finishing breakaways.Top 3 competencies: Short/medium passing, receiving and defending in pairs and small groups.

©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY NSCAA22 NSCAA LEVEL 1 DIPLOMA STAGE 4 ACTIVITY - 12-14 YEAR OLD PLAYERS

CHANGE THE POINT OF ATTACK 6V6

WHY USE ITIt is important for the activity to occur on the field as it places midfield players in areas where they will operate during a game. Specifically, this activity emphasizes the role of the holding midfielder playing behind 4 attacking midfield players. The attention of the defenders will often be on the more advanced players, so the holding midfield player has a critical role in maintaining possession and has time for long passes to switch the point of attack. The holding midfield player provides defensive cover and also acts as the team’s attacking pivot/fulcrum. SET UPThe set-up for this activity is an area the width of a full-size soccer field and 25 yards into each half of the field. 4 medium-sized goals are placed in wide positions at each end of the area.HOW TO PLAYA 6v3 numerical advantage is provided to t2 teams of 5 players compete to score in the opponent’s goals. Each team has an extra player who stands off the end line and cannot enter the area, but can move along the outside and support teammates in keeping possession. The holding midfield player should be included in passing sequences as much as possible. To begin set out the team with 1 striker, left and right midfield players and 2 attacking central midfield players. Instruct individuals to play in areas of the field typically associated with these positions so that wide areas have plenty of space for the wide attacker and defender. As the activity progresses allow players to move freely in all areas.COACHING NOTES

+ Coaching objectives – The coaching objective is to work with players on different movement patterns to create space for themselves and for their teammates. When working with the holding midfield player the coach can demonstrate how important it is to create separation and depth to operate in space.

+ Coaching tips – With older players it is important to practice on the game field. Functional training is a coaching methodology used to train players in the roles they will assume in the game environment.

HOW TO MODIFY THE ACTIVITY + Less challenging: Create an attacking overload by reducing the number of defenders or by restricting the defenders to zones.

+ More challenging: Allow players to roam freely in the area and bring the target goals to the center to reduce the width the defensive team has to cover.

+ In the 2nd sequence the target player makes a deep pass to the holding midfield player who spreads the play wide to the left flank.

+ A blue defender is caught out of position and the left midfielder has a clear run at goal.

+ The coach allows the holding midfield player to roam freely when in possession of the ball. + This creates a 6v5 overload and results in confusion and decision-making by the defensive team. + Attacking overload is established down the right-hand side and a red midfield player is clear on goal.

+ In the 1st illustration the pivot player (P) initiates the movement with a pass to a central midfield player (C). + The ball is transferred wide to the right midfielder who plays inside to the target striker (T). + Space is available on the left-hand side of the field as the defenders move across to counter the red

teams attack down the right-hand side.

STAGES COVERED BY ACTIVITYStages 3, 4 & 5 - 9-18 year old players.

THEMES & COMPETENCIESTop 3 themes: Passing, receiving and support.Top 3 competencies: Medium to long distance passing, receiving and creating space.

NSCAA Foundations of Coaching Activities Stage 4: 12-14 Year Old Players© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY NSCAA 25

CROSSING AND FINISHING 7V7

WHY USE ITThis activity encourages players to make runs into wide positions and support attacks.SET UPThis activity is played in half a field with an appropriate size goal on the goal line and at halfway. Wide channels 6 yards wide are marked running the length of the field. Between the wide channels play 7v7 with a goalkeeper for both teams. The goalkeepers initiate each sequence with a throw.HOW TO PLAYIt is a perfect game to work with full backs to get forward, midfield players to maximize the width of the field and to train strikers in timing runs into the penalty box to attack crosses. The coach can also work with attacking and defending units of the team to shift together as the ball is transferred from one location to another. The attacking objective is to get the ball in the wide channels where the teams are restricted to 1v1. Players are encouraged to attack deep into the opponents end and get crosses into the box for teammates charging forward to score goals.COACHING NOTES

+ Coaching objectives – The coaching objective is to work with attacking players to create width for crosses and to make runs into danger areas in the box. Communication between the players is critical as they attempt to create separation from their opponent in order to meet a cross with the head or foot.

+ Coaching tips – Timing of runs into the box is important and in an ideal scenario a ball is delivered that tails away from the goalkeeper as the attackers arrive at full speed. The tendency for young players is to get into the danger areas too early and then stand. Coaches should help players to recycle their runs and also start from deeper lying positions.

HOW TO MODIFY THE ACTIVITY + Less challenging: Reduce the number of players, restrict the wide channels to attacking players only and shorten the field.

+ More challenging: The coach can allow players to roam freely and restrict the touches of the player in the wide channel to 2-3.

+ In the second diagram the yellow defender finds a teammate in the wide channel. + The receiving player dribbles inside enabling the yellow defender to make an overlapping run. + As the attack develops teammates on the far side start to make runs to support into the penalty box.

+ Movement by the yellow attackers is quite sophisticated creating confusion for the red defenders. + One attacker checks to the ball and receives a short pass and another runs into a wide space. + A third attacker creates space in the penalty box with a bent run to the back post.

+ In the first illustration the yellow defender plays a delightful long pass to a wide midfield player. + The midfield player uses the wide channel effectively and crosses the ball into the danger zone just

outside the 6 yard box. + A yellow attacker times his/her run perfectly and has an uncontested header at the far post.

STAGES COVERED BY ACTIVITYStages 4 & 5 - 12-18 year old players.

THEMES & COMPETENCIESTop 3 themes: Crossing, passing and support.Top 3 competencies: Medium/long distance passing, creating space and crosses into the penalty box.

©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY NSCAA© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY NSCAA 23

HALF FIELD BARRIER SCRIMMAGE

WHY USE ITThis match-related game requires teams to attack down the wings and challenges players to recognize the right moment to change the point of attack.SET UPPlayed on half a field, the set-up includes an appropriate size goal on the goal line and on the halfway line. Cones are laid equal distance from each goal approximately 40 yards in length to create a wide barrier. Two teams play 8v8 with a goalkeeper and a supply of balls at each end.HOW TO PLAYThe coach selects a goalkeeper to start each attack. The attacking team must attempt to keep possession and build up the attack in wide positions before scoring. Players can travel through the barrier but the ball must go around it and goalkeepers can only distribute the ball by throwing it. If the ball crosses over or through the barrier play is restarted at the spot where the ball was last touched by a player on the opposing team. Use assistants to enforce the offside law in each team’s attacking half.COACHING NOTES

+ Coaching objectives – The coaching objective is to help players play through 4 tactical lines - Goalkeeper, Defense, Midfield and Forward - while also using the full width of the field to maximize the available attacking space.

+ Coaching tips – Use zones on the field to restrict player movement and increase the likelihood of success. In this activity require 2 forwards to stay in the attacking half so the defensive team cannot ‘pack the box’ and eliminate attacking space.

HOW TO MODIFY THE ACTIVITY + Less challenging: Reduce the number of players. The coach can also open a small hole in the center of the barrier to give a third attacking option down the middle of the field or add wide channels to give attackers more time and space to play around the barrier.

+ More challenging: Make the barrier longer and award more points for a goal scored from wide positions. This condition will also add to the urgency of the defending team who will not want to allow their opponents maximum points.

+ In the second sequence the coach permits a third defender to enter into the attacking half. + The extra player helps to prevent the attack developing down the left. + The fullback turns back and the blue team is able to switch the play across the field quickly.

+ In the final diagram the right fullback has continued to dribble deep into the attacking half. + Blue players move quickly to support and a cross is made into the path of an on-rushing striker who scores. + Players can move freely through the barrier, but the ball must transfer around the outside.

+ In the first illustration the goalkeeper initiates the attack with a throw to the blue team’s left back. + The coach has placed a restriction on the defenders only allowing 2 players in the attacking half. + This condition enables the attacking team more time and space to play out from the back. + The blue team builds-up play down the left side of the field.

STAGES COVERED BY ACTIVITYStages 3, 4 & 5 - 9-18 year old players.

THEMES & COMPETENCIESTop 3 themes: Transition, switching the point of attack and finishing breakaways.Top 3 competencies: short and medium passing; mobility on/off the ball & attacking in pairs/groups.

NSCAA Foundations of Coaching Activities Stage 4: 12-14 Year Old Players20 NSCAA LEVEL 1 DIPLOMA STAGE 4 ACTIVITY - 12-14 YEAR OLD PLAYERS

20yds

20yds

TRIANGLE POSSESSION IN A CIRCLE

WHY USE ITThis activity is great to teach older players how to maintain possession and pass their way out of tight areas in midfield. The triangle shape and distance players are apart mirrors game day conditions. The exercise teaches players to play quickly and provide support movement in areas close to the ball.SET UPThe set-up is a circle with a 20-30 yards diameter. 5 attackers start outside the periphery of the circle and 3 attackers compete against 3 defenders inside the circle. The coach also stands on the outside with a large supply of balls.HOW TO PLAYThe attacking team on the outside can pass to any midfield player in the circle or a teammate on the perimeter. This team attempts to keep possession for as long as possible and points are awarded for each pass that moves from the outside to the inside and back to a player on the periphery. To begin, the perimeter players cannot enter the circle but can be tackled by the defenders who are not restricted to the inside of the area. The defenders attempt to win the ball and either pass to the coach or make 3 passes between them for 1 point. As this is a tiring activity for the players in the middle, rotate the attackers and defenders every 2-3 minutes. COACHING NOTES

+ Coaching objectives – The coaching objective is to work with the attackers to create space and combine with teammates in quick passing exchanges.

+ Coaching tips – The shape of the area can often help the coach to enhance the activity and draw out the main teaching moments. A circle keeps all the players involved in the play as there are no corners to hide in. This means the players must constantly move to find space and invariably the defenders are in close proximity to the attackers.

HOW TO MODIFY THE ACTIVITY + Less challenging: Increase the size of the circle to provide the attackers with more time and space. The coach can also reduce the number of defenders and elect not to impose passing restrictions.

+ More challenging: The coach can impose touch restrictions for the attackers and allow players to exchange positions from the center to the perimeter during the flow of the game.

+ The central player must make at least 1 passing combination before passing to the teammates on the outside. + The teammate checks to the ball and this movement creates separation from the defender. + The reds gain a point with a series of penetrating passes.

+ In the final sequence all 3 central players are tightly marked. + The coach allows the perimeter players to step into the circle to provide support and 1 player makes a move. + If pressure is being applied bring more players to the ball and move the ball faster.

+ In the first illustration a ball is played from the red periphery player to the feet of a central attacker. + The attacker immediately finds a teammate open on the outside and makes a firm pass. + Importantly the perimeter player moves to support around the edge of the circle.

STAGES COVERED BY ACTIVITYStages 3, 4 & 5 - 9-18 year old players.

THEMES & COMPETENCIESTop 3 themes: Passing, receiving and support.Top 3 competencies: Short passing, receiving with the feet and movement off the ball