9v9 2-5-1 in possession, defending third - part 1 In previous articles in this series, we introduced several different 9v9 formations. In this article we discuss the implementation of the 2-5-1 in the defending third when in possession, including the...

Coach 9v9? In this article from our library, we introduce concepts related to playing in possession in the defending third with the objective of moving the ball into the middle third.
Click: bit.ly/4g86S9j
@JustCoachMD @Coach_Osku @RossFlintoft @TheS_Resource @Coach_B_Godwin @AcademySCoach

Our curated library of YouTube skills development videos is available on our open access website.
Click: bit.ly/4d5ZUPN
Initially organized for at-home training, the library includes videos from on specific elements of individual skills development.
@TheS_Resource

Description plus schematic
@AcademySCoach

6v6+2+2 3 zones, 4 goals
Encourage use of wide players + GK to combine, misdirect opposition
@TacticalPad notes + video: bit.ly/45Xgn64
Unmarked wide-zone teammates + GK create 8v6 in possession, use of 2 target goals allows team to misdirect, quickly switch to score - only GK in defending goal zone

Here is the animated version of this activity from our library
Click: bit.ly/48PoIKY

Session activity variables A team (program) calendar is typically broken into blocks (“cycles”) – yearly, monthly, weekly – to organize objectives and develop themes. At the professional, college, and elite academy levels, cycl...

The key was knowing what the activity should look like - the desired learning experiences for the players - and making adjustments to find the proper environment. This article provides some additional context.
Click: bit.ly/3PvvlcC

With 3v3, the players had difficulty with a single pair of goals, so I added a second. When another player showed up, we went 3v3+1 which unlocked the game - allowing for the 3rd player runs that I had hoped for.

Recognition of the opportunity to quickly counter back to the other pair of goals when teams switched sides was a positive outcome. This is an example of the classic "I planned for 8 but I have 6" activity.

We did this 2-sided goal game with @SeasideHigh girls yesterday. I modified as a 3v3+1 with 4 goals, which simplified the problem and create more opportunities to combine. The key coaching point was the movement of the 3rd player, especially off ball played into the neutral.

Overview of 205 practice plan template Introduction 205 Academy uses a standard template for describing training session activities. The template includes the 205 Principles of Play, the objectives for the session, a sample timing of activ...

All of our session plans uses a Google sheets template. Coaches can insert notes, instructions, diagrams with simple web-based tools. Plans can be copied and shared. Click below to learn more + download template.
Click: bit.ly/3WxO3C0

4v1 rondo - movements into new spaces, receiving while moving backward
6v6 color game - challenge players to recognize when to move + receive + progress ball, quality of passes

205 club weekly session plan W49 - Warmup, movement patterns, rondos, SSGs
Theme - Passing/receiving
@TacticalPad videos, notes: bit.ly/3ARx6hb
1v1 - work on receiving side-on, turning into on-coming pressure, quality of 1st pass in

Activity analysis series

Helping parents embrace your expections and goals provides a consistent message for players. There is no World Cup for U10s. The Activity Analysis series includes deep dives for coaches looking for more insights on how to use, modify, customize our activities with their teams.
Click: bit.ly/4adl3qE

7v7 - communication, expectations In this article – part of our series on 7v7 for the U9/U10 age groups – we’ll discuss communication, expectations, and a definition for success in the 7v7 format. As coaches, we interact with the play...

Coaching 7v7? Here is an article on managing communication and expections in this important age group.
Click: bit.ly/3WhcZ2q
You should have a clear understanding of your vision and encourage a consistent model of athletic development in conjunction with soccer abilities.

Focusing on long-term player development, simplifying the game into groups of 2s and 3s, allow players to explore the game are some great ideas. Don't forget the role of the goalkeeper in the run of play - ensure that they are used as +1 in the build-out, develop field skills, play with composure.

7v7 systems of play Introduction In this article in our 7v7 series for U9/U10 age groups, we’ll introduce 4 systems of play and discuss the pros and cons of each. Numbering system As we discuss each of the systems of pla...

Our article on 7v7 systems of play discusses the pros-and-cons on different possible formations for grassroots and entry level teams
Click: bit.ly/4cF1nNQ
It can be a challenge to decide which system to use, particularly with young players with a first exposure to organized play.

Our open-access session library is updated weekly - each plan includes activation, 1v1s, rondos, SSGs, and more
Click: bit.ly/3UhPmHx

3v3+1 3 grids
Grid divided into 3 zones, 1v1s with 1 neutral, focus on possession, combos
@TacticalPad notes + video: bit.ly/3xfb0mQ
Focus on role of neutral, actions of players off-ball to create space to combine. On transition, quickly play away from pressure. Use middle grid for quick 1-2s

6v3+1 hex 3 zone
Here is a variation on the classic positional play with a hex shape and zone-locked defenders. With touch restrictions, the Red players are challenged to make short/sharp passes. On loss of possession, they must quickly enter+press to regain the ball. Adjust size based on ability.

Here is a @TacticalPad video that provides a little bit more context. An instruction for the player passing the ball is to position yourself to receive the ball back immediately - since you are in the opposite color - either by dropping or being the runner in a give-and-go.

Our open-access website contains an extensive library of @TacticalPad videos (SSGs, rondos, positional play, etc) demonstrating a variety of activity themes.
Click for library: bit.ly/42f6JKU

We tried this activity with @SeasideHigh girls soccer. I have used it in the past - it is always interesting to see the players sort out the problem, understand the responsibility of the 2nd player (opposite color) when their teammate has the ball, needs an outlet. 3-touch max to encourage passing.

I modified the activity to use 4 mini-goals (2 per team) rather than 1 large goal to encourage the attacks in the wide channels and the central 1v1s to feint one direction, then head to the opposite mini-goal. A good learning experience for the players.

The successful players ended up in wider positions where they could drive forward into 1v1s with a supporting neutral to create a 2v1.

Often, the players were passive with the first touch, or receiving in positions where they were immediately marked and had to find a teammate/neutral in a position to receive their pass. It was interesting to watch as players figured out how to take advantage of their abilities within the rules.

Introduced this activity to our @SeasideHigh girls today. The game prioritizes decision making off the ball to find spaces and angles to receive, then to be able to move forward with the ball or play into the wide neutrals.

Thanks @tttground.bsky.social !

The library contains about 300 videos that have been created over the last 5 years. The vast majority (>90%) are activities that we have put on the field, with teams ranging from grassroots through college-level. All videos are available without subscription our our website.

Our open-access website contains an extensive library of @TacticalPad videos (SSGs, rondos, positional play, etc) demonstrating a variety of activity themes.
Click for library: bit.ly/42f6JKU
@JustCoachMD @FootballTwenty5 @Coach_Osku @TheS_Resource @Coach_Temisan

We're starting to mirror our Twitter activity videos and session plans here on Bluesky. Going forward, we're hoping to provide more in-depth commentary and make this the primary social medial account for engagement.