Soccer Change of Direction Training Drill
Setup
- 2 teams
- cones to mark off area
- good supply of balls
- pinnies
- 10-15 min
Rules & Objectives
- each team defends and attacks one goal
- on coach's command direction of play changes (teams now attack the goal they were defending)
Variations
- players must take a minimum of three touches
- direction of play changes with each goal scored
- adjust spacing depending on the age and ability of the group if necessary
Coaching Points
- Attacking: quick transitions
- Attacking: set up defender
- Attacking: change of speed &direction
- Attacking: protect the ball
- Attacking: vision
- Attacking: close control
- Attacking: angle, distance and timing of support
- Attacking: decision making
- Attacking: verbal and visual communication
- Attacking: create space for others
- Attacking: attack space behind defense
- Defending: positioning to provide cover and balance
- Defending: intercept passes
- Defending: squeeze toward center
- Defending: track players
- Defending: visual and verbal communication
