Youth
3. NUMBERS UP OR DOWN
Area: 30 by 40 yards Where on the field: Half Field Players: 7v7 w / 1 goalkeeper and 1 target Objectives: Improve ability to recognize number advantage / overload as well as organization of both teams.
Description: 2 Teams- team defending the goal is compact and in a low block. They are limiting time and space. They want to win the ball either by a tackle or more likely interception and then counter and pass to a target in between flags within the half space. After scoring the target who receives the ball plays the ball to the opponents and then enters the field as a recovering defender while the teammate who passed the ball now becomes the new target. Change direction of the teams after 9 mins.
Progressions / Variations: When a team scores by dribbling through the gates they now change ends and attack the goal by recycling the ball from one set of flags to the other set. The ball does not have to reenter the field through the 2nd set of goals- it can be played back towards the original flags and is live when it enters the field [ taking too long allows opponents to get organized ].
Coaching Points: Recognize number advantage as well as how organized both teams are at moment of transition. Can 1 pass beat 1 or more lines of the opponent?
4. ATTACK / DEFEND WITH BLOCK- DEFEND WITH / ATTACK THE PRESS
Area: 60 by 40 yards Where on the field: Full Field Players: 7 v 7 w / 2 goalkeepers Objectives: Improve collective ability to work together based on communication and team structure / organization.
Description: 2 Teams- play 2 ten minute halves. One team per half defends in a medium block to create space to counter attack into. The other team is encouraged to press as soon as they lose the ball in the opponent’ s half.
Progressions / Variations: Encourage both teams to quickly drop and become compact after losing the ball. Encourage both teams to press whenever they lose the ball. Encourage both teams to recognize the optimal form of defending after losing the ball.
Coaching Points: Concentration, control and communication. Quick movement on and off the ball! Keep the ball moving!
2026 PRE-SEASON SOCCER JOURNAL | 29