Offense/Defense Split Template
Players divide into offensive and defensive groups on opposite sides of the field. Offense: INSERT DRILL HERE Defense: INSERT DRILL HERE ADD DESCRIPTION TO PLAN EXPORT to handle multiple drills in the same block.
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Foot Work (Ladder)
2 in 2 out 1 in 1 out Icky shuffle Hop scotch One foot jumps
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.
3-Man Ground Ball Drill
Set three players: Player 1, Player 2, and Player 3. Player 1 rolls a ball to Player 2, who scoops it cleanly. Player 2 immediately passes to Player 3, who looks to quickly move the ball back to Player 1 for a shot on goal. Emphasize proper ground ball technique and creating space. Rotate players to keep everyone active.
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.
Out of Dodge Drill
Start six offensive players in a 1-4-1 formation and six defenders matched up, with a goalie in the cage. On the coach’s whistle, offense begins passing around the perimeter. The coach calls out the jersey number of the defender covering the ball. That defender sprints to the sideline and back before returning to the play. As the defender vacates his spot, the ball carrier attacks the goal, forcing the rest of the defense to slide and adjust to limit scoring opportunities. After a goal or turnover, the drill resets and another defender is called out. Players rotate positions after several repetitions. Emphasize clear communication, proper footwork, and awareness of both the ball and adjacent slides. Defense must move cohesively, anticipate offensive cuts, and maintain strong positioning.
Out of Dodge
Improve defensive communication and sliding in a live 6v6 setting. 6 offensive players in a 1-4-1, 6 defenders plus a goalie. Offense passes the ball around. Coach calls out a defender's jersey number — that player sprints to the sideline and back. While he's gone, the ball carrier attacks the goal, forcing the remaining defense to slide and rotate. After a goal or turnover, repeat with a different player called out. Variation: Use different slide packages (crease, adjacent) against different sets (1-4-1, 1-3-2, 2-2-2).
3-2 Read and Feed Offensive Drill
6-person drill simulating slide recovery window exploitation. Dodger attacks, forces slide from two defenders who exit drill. Creates 3v2: feeder receives pass, reads two remaining defenders. Three options based on defensive reaction: feed backside dive if defender guards ball, feed pop behind ball if defender takes backside, or wrap corner if defender gets caught between. Emphasizes quick decisions during defensive recovery gaps.
Air Force Drill
The coach blows the whistle and rolls out a ground ball to each wing. Players race to the balls, and whoever wins each ground ball immediately leads a 4v3 fast break toward their designated end of the field. The defenders sprint back to stop the attack, and play continues until there’s a goal, turnover, or the coach whistles the drill dead. Focus on quick pickups, fast ball movement, and communication. Attackers should exploit numbers advantage, while defenders practice sliding, coverage, and recovering under pressure. Variations let you adjust intensity and complexity: change the fast break setup, add or subtract players, bring in players from other areas, or allow the ground ball loser to chase, turning it into a 4v4. You can even have the chaser come from the opposite wing to keep players reading the play and reacting quickly.