Quick reactions to score
Exercise Description:
Area – 35 x 30 Two teams of players and two goalkeepers. The teams are positioned as shown in the diagram. The coach has all the balls. Start with a 3v2 then a 4v3.
1. Two yellows and three blues enter the field of play. The coach serves in the ball to the blue team. The blue team attacks 3v2 against the yellow defenders.
The game is played until a goal is scored, the goalkeeper saves a shot or the ball leaves play.
2. A ball is served to a wide additional yellow player who enters the field (and so does the opposite yellow player) and creates a 4v3 situation in the opposite direction. Once the 4v3 is completed. The players exit the field and a new group of 3v2 in favor of blue re-starts the game.
3. After playing a few rounds, start with the yellows player 3v2 against blues.
4. If the defending team wins the ball, they can attack.
Coaching points: Decision making. Quality passing. Utilize space and the extra player. Angles of support, movement, and Communication shot at goal – pick a target. Do not shoot the ball in the middle of the goal.
Intended outcome:
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To help the players visualize quick reactions in the penalty area.
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Fun
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Goal-keeper work
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Scoring lots of goals.
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Improve quick play and speed of thought.
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Improve one-touch shooting.
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Improve team play and decision-making. When to shoot, dribble or pass?
Variations:
You can start with a 4v3 if you have more players to accommodate. Then the second attack will be 5v4.
Possible Performance Problems:
Players do not find the open player
Attacks are slow
The transition is not fluid.
To get the ball to an open player, you may need to pass it to another player first, so they can find the open player. Players do not think ahead.
Be ready to focus - Make decisions
Keep scanning the area and visualize playing in a game.
Accept mistakes - Find solutions
Coach your teammates
Communicate
Applaud good play
Be ready to pass or receive the ball
Reactions
Be willing to move
Work at game speed
Quality of the pass and first touch
Pass with purpose
Body shape
Find the open player