Island 1v1
Battle for inside position in the island area — offense works to get hands free for a close shot, defense works to deny clean looks. Two lines (offense and defense) off to the side. Coach at the top of the box with balls. One pair enters the island (5-10 yards in front of the crease). Coach places the ball at the offensive player's feet with the defender behind. On the whistle, offense scoops and tries to score. Defense works for the takeaway or forces a bad shot. Goalie clears every save. Variation: Change 1v1 starting positions.
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3-Man Ground Ball Drill
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Four Corner Finish
Setup: Set four players with balls at the corners of a box, about 12 to 15 yards apart depending on age and level. One attacker and one defender start inside the box. Each corner player has a ball. On the whistle, the attacker must cut to space, receive a pass from any corner, and immediately shoot. After each shot, she must quickly reset, cut again, and receive the next ball from a different corner. She can choose the order of corners, but must receive and shoot one ball from each corner to complete the rep. The defender plays live throughout, applying pressure and forcing the attacker to work for separation.
Add Fill
Improve defensive approach, sliding, and filling above GLE. X dodges against D1, who takes away the middle and forces the alley. D2 slides to help and forces the dodger away from the goal. D3 fills from the backside as D1 recovers to the crease or picks up D3's man. Variation: Include attackmen and midfielders for position-specific reps. Increase speed as technique improves. Run from both sides.
4v4 Split Drill
- Divide the field in half so there are two separate playing areas on one half of the field. Place a goal at each half field so each side has its own goal. - Create two teams, for example white and dark. On one side of the field place: - 4 white attackers - 4 dark defenders On the other side place: - 4 dark attackers - 4 white defenders - Players must remain on their assigned side for the entire drill. - Start the ball with the white attacking group. They play live 4v4 against the dark defenders and try to score. - If the offense scores or the defense creates a turnover, the defending team immediately works to clear the ball to their attacking teammates on the opposite side of the field. Once the clear reaches the opposite side, that group begins their own 4v4 possession. - Play continues back and forth between the two sides each time a goal is scored or a turnover occurs. Focus Points - Clearing and switching fields if you get stopped - Quick ball movement
Sqaures
There are 4 lines (A,B,C and D), each at a point on a square. Player A starts with the ball and runs toward player B. Player B runs toward line C (perpendicularly to player A's movement) and receives the ball from player A. Player B continues with the ball as player C moves toward line D. Player B passes to player C, who advances toward line D. The ball continues to be passed around the square. Variations: - Add more than one ball - Change directions - Left-handed
Full Field Clearing Drill
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