Ball Protection with Neutral Players (Free)
This small sided soccer drill emphasizes protecting the ball in 1v1 game and improving the quick combination play and triangular passing.
The soccer exercise also helps to develop reaction ability, transition and decision making.
Age: 12 - 20+
Difficulty: 3
Space: Quarter
Keeper: 0
Players:
14 - 18
Team
Video
Organisation
Cones are used to create a playing area, which is split into 4 grids, with a 1v1 in each of them.
2 neutral players can join the 1v1 to make a 3v1. The neutrals play with maximum 2 touches and they can't pass the ball to another grid.
The coach can determine the number of passes before the ball gets transferred to a different grid.
Description and Graphics
The player in possession must protect the ball in the grid until the 2 neutral players join him. Then they possess the ball in 3v1 with accurate passes and regular supporting movements. After several passes the ball gets transferred to a different grid. When the defender tackles in 1v1 or intercepts the ball in 3v1, he becomes the possessor and he can combine with the neutrals.
The small sided soccer game starts by the coach playing the ball to the red player. He combines with the neutral players (1-3) then performs an accurate pass (4) to play his mate in a different grid. The player in possession must protect the ball in the grid until the 2 neutral players join him. Then 3v1 game emerges.
When the defender tackles in 1v1 or intercepts the ball in 3v1, he becomes the possessor and he can combine with the neutrals.
Coaching points
To be able to do this small sided soccer drill successfully games should be played on an adequate area for different age groups. We always have to consider the players' technical skills and their cognitive abilities. Besides this the quality of the pitch is also very important. If it's necessary we can change the size of the area during the game.
- Covering/shielding the ball
- Use feints and deceptive movements to beat defender in 1v1
- Accuracy and weight of passes are imperative
- Supporting movements
- Create correct supporting angles and triangles in 3v1
- Vision
- Pre-thinking; Anticipation
- Take care of enough resting periods
- Take care of extra balls
Set up
Time: 15 - 20
Equipment
- Small Cones: 10
- Bibs: 6
- Balls: 1
Free Trial
GET YOUR FREE 14 - DAYS TRIAL NOW! INCLUDING:
