Competitive Off-season

1. Competitive Off-season 4th& 5th Session – March 3 & 4 U11/U12 – Individual Defending

2. When you get there • Session will be Play (10-15minutes) – Work (30-40 minutes) – Play (10-15 minutes) • Take attendance by putting your initials next to players in your group • If there is an NP next to a players name for team please give an opinion on the level the player should be playing at (C1, C2, C3) • Hand your attendance sheet at the end to Tyler (Sat & Sun ‘til 1pm) and Brian (Sun afternoon) • Coaches will have groups of 6 to start and then will get players added to their group – once you have 8 players start session • Focus on details the more detailed and specific you are with your teaching and feedback the better our players will develop • “I like how you used your laces and struck thru the center of the ball” is better then “Nice hit of the that ball” • Some groups you will need to provide the energy so be prepared with a few silly things mixed in but get back to business ASAP

3. Field Map

4. Key • Coach • Players • Players w/ball • Cones • Balls • Pugg • Goal

5. Play – Win by one Split the players onto two teams Play 3v3 to start and play no larger then 5v5 with a few subs if necessary. Make sure to adjust the field a little more space is better then too small Have a pile of balls near each end line when you run out of balls go collect Goals are scored by passing thru goal Once a team scores then they need to keep the ball (possession) until the other team has scored a goal KEYS Look for opportunities to shoot Can players shoot on the move

6. Activity 1 – Cushion- Establish it KEEP it Break group into pairs or threes – alternate who starts with ball Pattern works like this “D” runs across touches line then attacker tries to dribble past while D is trying to keep cushion If cushion (space between D and A shrinks) D has to decide if they are going to run with them A scores by dribbling over line without D with the them D scores 2 pts. for guiding player out of bounds or taking ball without tackle – 1 pt. for running across line with attacker KEYS Establish proper distance between you and attacker What goes into this? Pace, technical ability, etc. Transition from being side on and containing to running with attacker Moment that you use crossover step to sprint Attitude Be determined about keeping your cushion

7. Activity 2 – 2v1 to Cone Get players into groups of 4 – player 2 A vs. 1 D Attackers score by passing to hit cone If D wins ball they can dribble/pass thru small goal KEYS Patience and composure Move your feet and let the attacker make the error Pounce on the big or bad touch How do you use your body to win the ball versus just feet – “stepping in” Recognition of when A wants to pass can you intercept pass?

8. Activity 3 – 2v1 to Big and Counters Two teams one will attack big goal others will attack two counter goals If defenders win the ball get them to shot early Make sure to switch side of the servers and defenders accordingly One touch finish in toe poke/push pass zone KEYS Closing down speed on pass Get there as quickly as possible to get shooters head down Talk about distance that you defend at. The closer to goal the closer to the shooter you need to be Kicking the ball out of bounds is not good enough – “win it build with it” Frustration for the attacker means job well done Toe poke/push pass zone

9. Activity 4 – Play Split the players onto two teams Play 3v3 to start and play no larger then 5v5 with a few subs if necessary. Make sure to adjust the field a little more space is better then too small Have a pile of balls near each end line when you run out of balls go collect One team could play to goal w/sweeper/GK KEYS Effort is number 1 priority if effort is not sufficient pull player out and have them watch until the are ready to give effort Willingness to Defend and Attack Look for patience to pounce on “big or bad” touch True success is winning it and starting the attack

10. Thanks Have fun, be detailed, be demanding!

11. U11/U12 Off-Season Session 4 & 5 – Mar 3 & 4 Play • 3v3 up to 5v5 • Win by one • Team that is up by one needs to try to keep the ball • Play short rounds • Mentality • Relate to theme of the day Activity 1 – Cushion • Get players into groups of two, Attacker & Defender • Defender is going to come out to attacker and establish a cushion • Tough tight is best but… • Pts. for A dribbling across the line. Pts. For defender who guides attacker out of bounds or takes ball without tackle • Composure • Quick feet and low center of gravity • Anticipate • This is really challenging Activity 2– 2v1 to cone • Groups of 4 – 2 A and 1 D • Attackers try to hit cone for a goal if cone is to easy for D to defend make small goal • Change roles every so often • If attacker scores they stay on attack flip and go other direction • Patience and composure • Foot work • Body posture • What should D look at? • A backwards or slow attacker is success Activity 3– 2v1 to big & Counter Goals • 2 teams – keep score • 1 team attacks big goal other team attacks 2 counter goals • Keep pace quick • When group runs out of balls collect them • Close ground quickly! • Get shooters head down • Composure win the ball and score • Kick it out of bounds not good enough Play • 3v3 up to 5v5 with subs if necessary • Shooting mentality • Mechanics specific to individual • Surface choice • - Decisions - Ownership - Technique - Attacking - Standards - Enjoyment The Woodbury Way