Youth
3. 9 RED VERSUS 8 GREEN
( adjust difficulty by removing a green) Red 4 or 5 begins with ball, build up
» Create 3v2 outside back, CMF and winger » Identify moments to coach » Player decisions for overlap, underlap,
1v1 penetrate » Coach the weight of the pass to penetrate on overlap » Coach delivery of the cross / technique- location
» Coach reading timing of the run by the 9, weakside attacking players / accelerate to arrive in penalty area » In transition / roles and responsibility to defend » Coach the green defending team:
- Reacquire ball, transition to attack
4. HALF-FIELD, FULL-WIDTH FLANK PLAY
Field at or near full width, length is endline to center circle in opposite half
2 x 10-minute periods Observe:
» In the flank, appropriate players connecting
» Do we create penetration in the flank?
» Rotation versus static, linear behavior in the flank » Do we create chances? » Do we score goals?
2026 PRE-SEASON SOCCER JOURNAL | 25