High School
3. 3V1 TO # 9( MODIFIED SCRIMMAGE)
Area: 36 yards wide x 65 yards long( One goal and counter goals) Where on the Field? Central Channel Players: # 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 9 vs # 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 9 Objectives: Improve the ability of central midfielders to break lines to play the # 9. Improve the ability of the # 9 to make runs to SHOW or STRETCH to help maintain possession.
Description: This 25-minute, 8v7 drill uses a 20x36-yard central grid inside a 36x65-yard field. Inside the grid, three attacking midfielders must complete two passes against one defender before playing into the # 9. Under Option 1, live 8v7 play triggers after the # 9 takes two touches, whereas Option 2 starts live play immediately on the pass to the # 9. If the defender intercepts, they pass to outside teammates to activate the game. A reset occurs when the ball goes out.
Progressions / Variations: Make the central channel 3v2. Make the central channel 2v1( lower player numbers) to replicate the demands in the central channel of a 9v9 game playing 1-3-4-1. Change the space of the field or central grid.
Coaching Points: Improve timing of forward passes into the # 9. Focus on: 1) Timing the check from a high starting position; 2) Using trigger cues when the passer looks up to play; 3) Maintaining a sideways-on body shape to secure possession under pressure.
4. 8V7- FINAL GAME
Area: 36 yards wide x 65 yards long( One goal and counter goals) Where on the Field? Central Channel Players: # 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 9 vs # 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 9 Objectives: # 1: Find and keep looking for # 9 w / optimal body shape.
# 2: Improved ability WHEN to play # 9 and improve movement where and when 39 shows short long.
Description: 20 mins- 2 teams( 8v7) in defined positions
A central grid 20x36 yds wide. Full field 36x65 yds
Team in blue stripes attacks the large goal. Team in green attacks the two smaller goals without keepers.
Two rounds of 10 minutes. Switch ends at half-time.
Progressions / Variations: Alter the field space. Change formation based on player numbers or alignment with 1-3-4-1 to mirror two central midfielders.
Coaching Points: Demonstrate the application of the training session principles. # 1: Find and keep looking for # 9 w / optimal body shape. # 2: Improved ability WHEN to play # 9 and improve movement where and when 39 shows short long...
2026 PRE-SEASON SOCCER JOURNAL | 45