5 Keys to Coaching with a Man Down and No Subs in Soccer

5 Keys to Coaching with a Man Down and No Subs

1. PARENTS UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION

There will be occasions when you have to start a game with the minimum number of players. This could be because of injuries, sickness or just running late. When dealing with a young team a key to coaching with a man down and no subs is to be sure the parents are aware of the situation. It is important to give the parents the information early when playing with a man down and no subs. Parents can help prepare the player for the game mentally and physically. The parents should be encouraging and have the appropriate expectations for the contest. 

2. PLAYERS UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION

Another key to coaching with a man down and no subs is to make sure the players understand  the situation. The players must understand what their responsibilities are and carry them out. Players have to stay alert and help when needed. This will be a difficult task but if the team works together they will find moments of success. While playing with a man down and no subs players must trust that their teammates will fulfill their responsibilities.  Players will need to play with energy all over the field. 

3. FORMATION

The formation is a key to coaching with a man down and no subs. This depends on the available players and the positions they normally play. Attempt to make the players as comfortable as possible.  But if all you have are attacking players someone has to play out of position. Remember to have balance throughout the field that will give you a good defense and attacking opportunities.  In a 6v6 game with 5 players a 2-2 is simple, it provides a good defense and attacking options.  A 1-3 or a 3-1 is good if you have 3 players that can play with high energy. This gives them the freedom to create in their 1/3 of the field. 

4. ROTATE PLAYERS

A key to coaching with a man down and no subs is to rotate players to different positions. There are no subs so players will change positions within the flow of the game. Be sure to monitor players fatigue, and allow them time to recover. It can be as simple as rotating the backs to attackers. This will give the players a chance to recover and make an impact on the game. 

5. STAY POSITIVE

Finally staying positive is an important key to coaching with a man down and no subs. You want to see effort from each player. Continue to encourage them for working hard, remember they are not accustomed to playing with a man down. Look for ways to keep them engaged in the game by giving positive feedback during play. Players can learn a lot from this situation. Their decision making and approach to the game will be slightly altered but expect them to show the skills learned in training.

  

5 Goalie Ball Handling Drills

5 Goalie Ball Handling Drills

1. AROUND

A simple goalie ball handling drill is to take the ball and pass it around your body with your hands. Start with your waist 20 reps to the right then 20 reps to the left. Then move to both legs together 20 reps to the right then 20 reps to the left. Next place your legs apart and pass around your right leg 10 reps to the right then 10 reps to the left. Continue to the left leg 10 reps to the right and 10 reps to the left. Finish up with your legs apart passing in a figure 8. Right 10 reps then left 10 reps.  Be sure to have your head up in order to see the field. This goalie drill will increase ball control.   

2. ROLL

Rolling the ball on the ground is a simple goalie ball handling drill. While standing with both feet together, roll the ball to the right 10 reps then to the left 10 reps. Next place your legs apart and roll the ball around your right leg 10 reps right then 10 reps left. Proceed to the left leg 10 reps right the 10 reps left. End with your legs apart rolling in a figure 8. 10 reps to the right the 10 reps to the left. This goalie drill will allow you to stay alert and be prepared to communicate.

3. DRIBBLE

Another simple goalie ball handling drill is to dribble the ball with your hands. Begin with right hand dribble 20 reps. Then left hand 20 reps. Remember to stay aware, see the field, and use your hands to control the ball. Next move to both hand together 20 reps. Then alternate right and left 20 reps. Finish by dribbling around your body right 10 reps then left 10 reps.

4. 1 CONE FOOTWORK

1 cone footwork is another simple goalie ball handling drill. Use your feet to dribble around the cone. This will improve comfort when the ball is at your feet. Be sure to use soft touch, stay on your toes and see the field. Start with the inside touch or chop to move the ball from side to side 10 reps to the right and 10 reps to the left. Then move to an outside touch or hook 10 reps to the right then 10 reps to the left. Next use the sole roll 10 reps right then 10 reps left. Finish with an L 10 reps right and 10 reps left.

5. 4 CONE FOOTWORK

A simple goalie ball handling drill is 4 cone footwork. Begin the drill with 4 cones in a straight line about 2 yards apart. Dribble from the first to the last cone, turn and dribble back. Complete 2 chop turns, 2 hook turns, 2 L turns, 2 step over turns, 2 scissor turns, and 2 V's. Then move to the 4 cone weave. Using inside, outside, sole roll, and L. Next toe tap forward to the last cone and toe tap backwards back. Then turn to the side and walk the dog down and back. Finish by turning to the side and doing the 4 cone weave. Using inside, outside, sole roll and L.

5 Keys to Playing Soccer Goalie

5 Keys to Playing Soccer Goalie

1. SEE THE FIELD

It is important to see the field when playing soccer goalie. Always be aware of the location of the ball and the positioning of your teammates. Stay alert and recognize potential scoring opportunities for the opposing team. Understand the style of the opposing players and what they are attempting to accomplish. When playing soccer goalie see the field you can better prepare yourself and your team to make good decisions.

2. COMMUNICATE

Communication is essential to playing soccer goalie. Since you can see the field it is important that you relay the information to your teammates. Give your team the opportunity to make good decision by giving them information. The more info you can give the more likely your team will make good decisions. Remind your team of the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing team. While playing soccer goalie give your teammates warnings about unmarked players and potential dangers.

3. BE IN POSITION

Another key aspect of playing soccer goalie is to be in position. Be sure to move your feet and have your body in a position to make plays. Understand that it is critical to be in line with the ball. This will aide in taking away shooting angles. When playing soccer goalie remember to have your hands in the ready position, on your toes with your knees slightly bent. Be aware of where you are in the box and who is around you.

4. MAKE STOPS

It is crucial to make stops when playing soccer goalie. When you think of playing soccer goalie this is the first thing that comes to your mind, making saves. Secure the ball and make sure nothing gets in the net. Locate the ball and potential scoring threats, communicate to your teammates, move your feet and get into position, use your hands to secure the ball and keep it out of the net. While playing soccer goalie be consistent and dependable in the box. 

5. DISTRIBUTE

When playing soccer goalie once the ball is secure it is vital to start the attack. Give your team the best chance of maintaining possession or creating a scoring opportunity with soccer goalie distribution. It is important to see the field and communicate in order to make good distribution decisions while playing soccer goalie. Be alert and recognize when you can switch the field or play quickly. Be aware of the positioning of the opposing team and know when to use a punt, roll out, or a throw. Remember that your team wants to hold possession be sure to find available teammates.  

5 Soccer ball handling activities

5 Soccer ball handling activities

1. SPRINT

Sprinting with the ball is a simple ball handling activity. Use cones to create a 20 yard area. Sprint with your ball from one cone to the other. Be sure to use both feet. Practice using large touches to gain separation from defenders and play the ball into open space. It is also important to practice using small touches when you are in traffic to maintain possession. Soft touch on the ball while being able to see the field are key to ball handling.

2. WEAVE

Another soccer ball handling activity is the weave. Set up 6 cones about 2 yards apart in a straight line. Weave thru the cones, at the last cone turn and sprint back. This activity will use both feet and multiple surfaces of each foot. Be sure to use the inside and the outside of both feet. Being able to change directions is a key to ball handling. Weaving requires quick change of direction. Remember to keep your head up in order to see the field. A variation to the forward weave is the side weave. This is the same set up, but you would go thru the cones sideways.

3. GATES

Gates are a good soccer ball handling activity. In a 15x15 area set up 6 sets of 2 cones 1 yard apart. This should give you 6 different gates that are 1 yard wide. This activity will allow you to use your moves in the open spaces, change direction and change speed. Be aware and see the field and attack and dribble thru the gates. Remember to use different moves to change direction. When you use moves like the L turn or V's during this activity, you will become more comfortable using them in game situations. A variation to dribbling thru the gate is to use the gate as a defender you have to beat.

4. SLALOM

Set up 6 cones 5 yards wide and 5 yards apart making zig-zag or slalom. This is easy soccer ball handling activity. Dribble thru the cones sprinting, changing directions and accelerating to the next cone. This activity will help you get away from defenders and find space. It will also help in attacking open spaces. Be alert by keeping your head up and seeing the field. It is important to have soft touch in order to maintain possession of the ball. Remember to use the inside and outside of both feet.

5. 4 CONES

A light soccer ball handling activity is the 4 cone box. Set up 4 cones 1 yard apart in the shape of a box and a single cone 10 yards away. While facing in one direction dribble around the box: forward, across the top, back down the side and across the back then sprint to the cone 10 yards away. This activity will help with ball control while having open body to the field. It will allow you to change direction forward, backward, right and left. Be sure to use the inside, outside and the sole of both feet. Remember the keys to ball handling are to use soft touch, see the field, change direction and change speed. 

5 Keys to Defending in Soccer

5 Keys to Defending in Soccer

1. CLOSE THE SPACE
The first key to defending is soccer is to close the space. Use quickness and speed to close the space under control. Remember high to low, fast to slow. You start with high speed but as you close to the ball you slow your pace to be under control. Start with your body in a high position, you will lower your body to the defensive stance as you approach the ball. It is important to close the space quickly and under control, the attacker may take a poor first touch. This will allow you to gain possession of the ball. Closing the space quickly will also limit the options of the attacker which is beneficial in defending in soccer.

2. DEFENSIVE STANCE
It is important to get into your defensive stance while defending in soccer. This will give you balance and increase your mobility. The defensive stance looks like you are standing on a surf board. One foot is in front of the other with the knees slightly bent. This give you full range of motion to limit the options of the attacker. It gives you balance in order to win the ball from the attacker. The defensive stance is necessary to defending in soccer because it keeps your body under control. This will increase your success in gaining possession of the ball.

3. STAY IN FRONT
Do not stab. Staying in front of the attacker is vital to defending in soccer. Remember to be under control while applying pressure. Moving your feet to stay in front of the attacker is important to defending in soccer. Be aware and take away to attacking angles and limit the options. This will allow your teammates to recover and get positive numbers behind the ball and slow the attack. Once the attack is slowed you are more likely to gain possession.  

4. WIN THE BALL
Gaining possession of the ball is the purpose for defending in soccer. While in your defensive stance be patient and under control. Move your feet and keep your balance. Use your front foot to poke tackle and win the ball. The back foot is used to block tackle in order to gain possession. The attacker may attempt to pass, anticipate the direction and take possession. Remember to be aware and take advantage of opportunities to obtain possession.

5. START THE ATTACK
The last step in defending in soccer is to start the attack. Remember that once possession is gained, you are attacking and will need to start the attack. The transition from defending to attacking is sudden and critical to the success of the team strategy. Be able to locate teammates and pass the ball in areas that will continue the attack. Make sure you give support once your team has possession. Stay available by having your body open to the field. Be ready to transition back to defending when needed and start the process all over again.

5 Keys to Receiving in Soccer

5 Keys to Receiving in Soccer

1. GET IN LINE WITH THE BALL

It is essential to get in line with the ball to receive in soccer. Remember to move your feet and get your body in position to receive the ball. Be aware of ball movement, it could be in the air or on the ground. Adjust you body to step in front of the ball while maintaining your balance. Use your speed and quickness to get to the ball first. Other times strength and shielding can be used to gain possession of the ball.

2. CHOOSE HOW YOU WILL RECEIVE THE BALL

Choosing which surface you will use is key in receiving in soccer. Will you use your right foot or left. Is it better to use the inside or outside. Can you keep it close using your chest or thigh. This is determined by the flight of the ball and the direction you want to go. It is important to understand where you are on the field and what you want to do with the ball.

3. MAKE CONTACT AND GET THE BALL ON THE GROUND

Making contact and getting the ball on the ground is crucial to receiving in soccer. Use the largest part of your body to ensure possession. This is helpful in continuing the attack or securing a defensive stop.

4. KEEP THE BALL IN FRONT OF YOU AND CLOSE

A key to receiving in soccer is to keep the ball in front of you and close. You want possession of the ball. Keeping the ball close and in front of you gives you a better chance of maintaining possession. Be reliable and able to continue the attack. It is easier to make decisions when the ball is close and in front of you.

5. MAKE A POSITIVE TOUCH INTO SPACE

It is important to make a positive touch into space when receiving in soccer. Be alert and seek numbers up situations. Attack open spaces in the defense in order to create scoring opportunities. You may need to turn and exploit an open area or pass to open the space around you.