Soccer 4v4 Breakaways Training Drill
Setup
- 2 teams
- 1 goalie
- grid (40yds x 50yds)
- cones to mark off area
- 1 goal
- pinnies
- 15-25 min
Rules & Objectives
- attacker has to dribble across defender's end line to play 1v1 with last defender and then score on goalie
- last defender starts from a designated spot after attacker's first touch inside end zone
- play multiple rounds
- switch roles after 4-8 minutes
Variations
- each team defends a goal with goalie
- attackers switch roles with defenders if the attacker inside the end zone can't finish on target (or can't score)
- play without a steady last defender in zone and allow only one defender to follow the player with the ball into end zone
- defending team switches duties with the attacking team if they can keep possession for 7 seconds
- if defenders manage to dribble across attacker's end line they keep possession and direction of play changes
- play 5v4, 6v5, 6v4, 5v3 etc.
- adjust spacing depending on the age and ability of the group if necessary
Coaching Points
- Attacking: set up defender
- Attacking: change of speed &direction
- Attacking: protect the ball
- Attacking: vision
- Attacking: close control
- Attacking: supporting angle and distance to ball
- Attacking: create space for others
- Attacking: quality of preparation touch
- Attacking: aggressive and positive mentality
- Attacking: vision and anticipation
- Attacking: placement versus power
- Attacking: quick finish
- Defending: angle and distance of cover
- Defending: change role of pressure and cover
- Defending: visual and verbal communication
- Defending: control and restraint
- Defending: delay and channel
