YOUTH TRANSITION 7 A SIDE
Jason Neumann National Coach Educator | United Soccer Coaches
1. ACTIVATION AND 1V1 TRANSITION
Area: 18 by 18 yards Where on the field: Middle Third Players: 12 players- 2 teams no goalkeepers Objectives: Improve ability to concentrate and control to quickly transition from Attack to defend and defend to attack.
Description: 1) 3 players pass the ball. Once a player stops the ball the player who did not pass the ball closes the attacker, taking the ball and resuming passing.
2) A player passes the ball and then closes the attacker.
3) A player dribbles towards a goal. A defender closes them down. As soon as the game is over, the attacker becomes a defender as a player from the opponent begins dribbling.
Progressions / Variations: 1) Instead of stopping the ball a player turns with the ball to trigger the non passer to close them down, take the ball and resume passing.
2) The attacker must dribble at least halfway to the goal. Instead of the initial attacker becoming a defender- if the initial defender wins the 1v1 they stay on the field as a defender.
Coaching Points: When ball is lost- if closest player- immediately delay or apply pressure. When ball is won- if closest player to the ball- attack / penetrate using dribble, pass or shot, if not retain possession.
2. FIND THE TARGET
Area: 20 by 15 yards with 2 target areas 5-8 by 5 yards Where on the field: Middle Third Players: 6 players- 3 teams 2v2 + 2 Objectives: Improve ability to combine including movement to receive the ball as well as support to attack or retain possession. Recognize when out of possession how to stop opponents attacking and retaining possession.
Description: 3 teams- 2 playing actively and a 3rd as targets. A team scores by passing the ball to the target in the end they are attacking. The team can retain possession by passing the ball to the target in the end they are defending. After a goal is scored the target resumes play by passing the ball to the team that just conceded.
Progressions / Variations: After a team passes the ball to the target at the end they are attacking the team must both receive the ball back and then return it to the target before the opponents touch the ball in order to score a goal. After a team passes the ball to the target at the end they are attacking they receive the ball back then attack the other end and pass to that target to score.
Coaching Points: When ball is lost- if not the closest player- immediately look to offer cover as the 2nd defender. This can involve dropping or pressing. When the ball is won- if not the closest player- immediately look to create space for oneself / teammate. Create triangle / diamond with targets.
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