Soccer training – Tackling - Exercise:

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Soccer drill procedure

The players in the centre of the playing field have a lot to do in this drill. Substitute other players in regularly.

This passing game involves constant changes from short to long passes, as well as the constant one-on-one action between the two players in the middle. The defender should play aggressively, distracting their opponent to put them under pressure and prevent passes from being carried out.

The drill can be made even more effective, both players at the sides of the rectangle can remain in position for many repetitions of the drill. Keep changing the two players. This means that you aren’t tied to a fixed number of four players.

Description

Mark out a rectangle whose long sides are about ten metres long. A supporting player is positioned on each of the rectangle’s short sides. From the outside position, alternating passes are made: a short one to the player in the centre, and a long one to the player on the opposite side. The player in the centre chooses which side to pass the ball to. Tackles are not only allowed, but encouraged.

Variations

- Only direct passes are allowed

Soccer coach tips

- Encourage aggressive defence
- Keep on changing the players in the centre

Organisation of the soccer training drill

Category: Advanced training, children’s training, youth training, seniors
Minimum group size: 4
Maximum group size: 12
Materials required: One ball, four cone markers
Field size: According to ability

Changes from short to long passes