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intercept DRILLS
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3 vs 1 Keep ball

Straight forward passing and moving drill with only two touches on the ball. The blue players off the ball can only receive the ball at one of the four cones in each corner of the area and the red player is trying to intercept the ball.

Possession

Defending the Midfield

Play 2 v 2 in the area furthest from goal and 2 v 3 in the defensive area around the goal. Make 2 small goals on the end line for the defense to play out through. The attacking team (gold) in the area furthest from the goal, combine to play the ball into the two attackers in the opposite area. The two defenders in the area furthest from the goal attempt to intercept passes as they are played through. The three defenders in the defensive area mu st pressure the ball, marking tightly when close to the ball or goal. Defenders from the area furthest from the goal may enter into the defensive area to support the three defenders and to serve as midfield players for clearances from the back. If defenders intercept the ball, they should attempt to play the ball through either of the small goals at the bottom of the diagram.

Defending

Interceptor

Four players with one ball can only be outside the square of cones. Only one defender is allowed inside the square. The players on the outside have to pass the ball through the square to score a goal. The ball must remain on the floor. The player in the middle tries to intercept the ball. Players should move the ball around at speed to move the defender out of position and create pass to pass across the square.

Possession

Lofted pass

Lofted passes are great for clearing your lines, switching play or dinking the ball over the top to a striker who is making a run behind the other team's defensive line. Approach the ball at a slight angle, back swing of leg (using arms for balance) and follow through with your pass.

Passing and Receiving

Minefield Passing

In both the wide channels put one defender and two attackers. Both attackers in the same rectangle must touch the ball before trying to pass to the other attackers. However the ball is not allowed to touch the floor in the minefield area (middle box). If the pass doesn't find its intended recipient because it falls short or is intercepted the player who passed the ball swaps over with the defender in their area.

Possession

Pass and pressure

Player 1 starts with the ball and passes the ball to player 2. player 1 runs after the ball to try and win the ball off player 2 (not allowed to intercept, only tackle). Player 2 has to at least play 2 touches, one to control and one pass. Every player in turn has to follow his/her own pass and stop in the position of the next player.

Passing and Receiving

Pinball

Team stay in own half, except for 2 players from each team who are put in the other section. Each team shoots at earliest opportunity. Start the game with one ball and build it up to a number of balls. The two players in the opposite half score from rebounds or interceptions.

Conditioned games

Through Ball in the Triangle

Set up a rectangle, 15x10m, with a player on each corner plus two defending players inside the grid with bibs on. The outside players must try to stretch the two defenders in order to make space for the diagonal pass. In order to do this they can pass laterally and use dummy passes to send the defenders. Players keep count of how many diagonal passes they have completed.

Possession

Through Pass

4 players have to try and play the ball from one side of the area to the other by passing it between or around the 2 players in the middle area. 5 interceptions, then swap.

Passing and Receiving

Transition Game

Station four players in each grid, with one ball per practice. The white team start with possession of the ball. Player 1 on the white team passes the ball into the opposing area. The white team can then send two players into the opposing area to defend. A goal is scored when the blue team makes 5 consecutive passes without an interception. Repeat in the opposite direction.

Conditioned games

Interceptor Possession - Footb...

Four players with one ball can only be outside the square of cones. Only one defender is allowed inside the square. The players on the outside have to pass the ball through the square to score a goal. The ball must remain on the floor. The player in the middle tries to intercept the ball. Players should move the ball around at speed to move the defender out of position and create pass to pass across the square.

General

3 vs 1 Keep ball Possession - ...

Straight forward passing and moving drill with only two touches on the ball. The blue players off the ball can only receive the ball at one of the four cones in each corner of the area and the red player is trying to intercept the ball.

General

Pass and pressure Passing and ...

Player 1 starts with the ball and passes the ball to player 2. player 1 runs after the ball to try and win the ball off player 2 (not allowed to intercept, only tackle). Player 2 has to at least play 2 touches, one to control and one pass. Every player in turn has to follow his/her own pass and stop in the position of the next player.

General

Through Ball in the Triangle P...

Set up a rectangle, 15x10m, with a player on each corner plus two defending players inside the grid with bibs on. The outside players must try to stretch the two defenders in order to make space for the diagonal pass. In order to do this they can pass laterally and use dummy passes to send the defenders. Players keep count of how many diagonal passes they have completed.

General

Defending the Midfield Defendi...

Play 2 v 2 in the area furthest from goal and 2 v 3 in the defensive area around the goal. Make 2 small goals on the end line for the defense to play out through. The attacking team (gold) in the area furthest from the goal, combine to play the ball into the two attackers in the opposite area. The two defenders in the area furthest from the goal attempt to intercept passes as they are played through. The three defenders in the defensive area mu st pressure the ball, marking tightly when close to the ball or goal. Defenders from the area furthest from the goal may enter into the defensive area to support the three defenders and to serve as midfield players for clearances from the back. If defenders intercept the ball, they should attempt to play the ball through either of the small goals at the bottom of the diagram.

General

Shadow defending 1 v 1 skills ...

Players are working in pairs. Player 1 dribbles forward and player 2 shadows them, not trying to win the ball but trying to put pressure on the player in possession.

General

instep pass Passing and Receiv...

General

Instep to Instep, then Lateral...

Amalgamation of the previous 2 practices. On the spot move the ball from instep to instep. On coach's command, drag ball laterally using the sole of the boot twice, before playing it back to the starting position with the instep.

General

Dealing with the Backpass Goal...

Start with one Goalkeeper, 3 defenders and 2 attackers. Set up 2 mini goals outside and wide of the penalty box.Ball is played back to the Goalkeeper from one of the defending team.As soon as the ball is played back the attacking team are live and can apply pressure. Goalkeeper passes out to defending team who pass back again to Goalkeeper. The aim is to get 2 back passes in.Once 2 back passes have been achieved, a shot at 1 of the 2 mini goals can be taken.If the attacking team intercept, they are able to take a shot at the mini goals straight away.Once one sequence has been achieved, rotate Goalkeeper.

General

Handball Game - No running wit...

5 vs 5 game (can be played with or without goals).Game 1:Possession keeping game where all passing is with the hands by throwing and catching. Teams score a point for every 10 passes they make without losing the ball.Game 2:Alternatively you can play this game with goals. All passes must be made with the hands (players can't run with the ball in hand) and players can only score with a header.

General

Football: Activation - 4v4v4 P...

Objective: The team on the outside to retain possession (on outside only) & switch play by combining with middle attacking team. It will get players thinking, moving & working together.Use a 20 x 20 grid and split your players into 3 groups, bibbed up. For example if you have 12 players (3 teams of 4). This activation practice will get players thinking, moving and working together. You will have 1 team spread on the outside of the box and 2 in the middle (one playing as Attackers, the other Defenders). The objective is for the team on the outside to retain possession on outside only & when an opportunity arrives, play to the attacking team (whom combine/pass) and play it back out on a different side of the box. The defending team can only shadow/intercept but can tackle once the ball is inside. If the ball is turned over, then a transition happens & the outside team will swap with the defending team.

General

Passing and Finishing Passing ...

Position 5 Attackers as shown in the diagram, with Player 4 being marked by a Defender.Pass 1 > 3 > 2 > 4 > 5, with 5 running round from behind 4 to collect the pass.As ball is travelling from 3 to 4 then 5 makes the run. It is key that he doesn't go too early. Set this up on the left and the right, You can play both sides, with Player 1 passing alternately to the left and then right. Form a line of players ready on the centre circle ready to make it a continuous drill.Each Player moves to the starting position of the Player they just passed to, except 5 who becomes the Defender and the Defender who joins the line of 1s.

General

Playing From The Back Defendin...

Play 5 v 5 +1 goalkeeper at each end. Only defending players and goalkeepers are allowed in the end zones. The game is started by the coach playing the ball into an end zone. The object of the game is for the team to score with a shot on the opposite goal. A defensive player receives the ball from the goalkeeper at the top of the diagram. The defenders must attempt to pass the ball around the area until an opportunity arises to play the ball forward to the lone striker. Defenders and midfield players must then push forward toward the opposing goal line in support of the attack. Defenders and midfield players should retain position until they are able to play the ball forward without fear of losing possession.

General

Kabadi: 4v1 Possession - Footb...

Four players are placed in a grid next to another four players. As soon as the ball is given to one group of four a player from the opposite four must enter the grid too win the ball back. Once the ball is won the defender plays the ball back into their own grid and the roles are reversed.

General

Long ball relay Passing and Re...

Passing pattern: The ball starts with the player near the corner flag who passes up the line to the next player. the next player must them play a long ball (lofted or driven) the opposite corner player. That player must then control the ball and then pass to the center player who then dribbles back to the start point.

General

4 v 2 Possession - Football Dr...

A 4 v 2 drill depending on which team has possession. A square box is set up using cones. 2 blue and 2 white players are outside this box. The two players defending must prevent the opposing team retaining the ball. Once possession is relinquished the players outside the box are unused awaiting their team gaining possession again.

General

4 v 2 Possession - Soccer Dril...

Play 4 v 2 keep-away. Attackers are stationed in the corners of the grid. One ball per group. Repeat in another area for a total of 12 players. Attacker 1 starts with the ball. The object is to pass the ball around the outside and middle of the square, playing keep-away from the two defenders. Players score 1 point for a pass around the defenders and 2 points for a penetrating pass that splits the defenders. How many passes can be made before defenders force the ball out 3 times or score 1 goal? Repeat and rotate.

General

3 vs 3 Football Possession - S...

Each teams has 3 players and one goal to defend and one to attack. The ball is not allowed to stop or go over head height. By passing and dribbling the ball players must try to score three goals - first to three wins!

General

4 v 2 Rotation Possession - Fo...

Four players are placed in a grid with two defender. The four attacking players aim is to keep possesion as long as possible. The player who makes the mistake must swap over and become the defender.

General

Reverse Pass Passing and Recei...

Players are in pairs. <BR>Player 2 starts with the ball, they dribble the ball in a diagonal line to the opposite cone. <BR>Player 1 make a diagonal run towards the opposite cone. <BR>As the player with the ball reaches the cone they play a reverse ball to their partner.

General

Simple 2v1 Possession Possessi...

2 players try and keep possession of the ball against 1 defender who has to put pressure on the player with the ball. Players passing should try and look in the opposite direction to their intended pass (not all the time).<br>Coaching Points:- <br>Use of dummies<br>Pass with all parts of both feet

General

5v3 End Zone Possession - Foot...

The 5 attackers must get the ball from one end zone to the other without losing possession to the defenders.<BR><BR><br>Encourages use of width,depth and possession.<BR><BR><br>Progressions:-<BR>Only use 2 touch<BR>No balls allowed over head height<BR>

General

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intercept DRILL CATEGORIES
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Agility Drills
Agility Drills
intercept SESSIONS
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Goalkeeper Footwork Drills

The best keepers in the world use their feet to make saves and to always be in the right position. Their agility and bounce comes from the timing and accuracy of their footwork. Work your keepers with this session.

Junior Defending - Making sure all players are covered

Teach all your players how to stand up and resist the temptation to dive in. Instead jockey players and wait for the right moment to make the interception!

Goalkeeping Dealing with Cutbacks

Get your goalkeepers dealing with cutbacks by staying on their feet and anticipating the change of angle.

High Dives and Top Hand Saves

Improve the goalkeepers ability to deal with high in-swinging shots into the top corners and ensure the correct technique is being used.

Make your Corners Count!

Set pieces need to be made the most of in a match. This plan will make those corners count, and improve the communication between your players

1 v 1 Finishing against goalkeepers

Turn defence into attack in an instant by stepping in front of the opposition and intercepting the passes to spring a counter attack.

Intercepting Passes

Turn defence into attack in an instant by stepping in front of the opposition and intercepting the passes to spring a counter attack.

Aerial Passing - Switch it like Beckham

Get your players' to look up, spot the player in space and play an accurate aerial pass to release the player in space.

Off the Ball Movement and Patterns of Play

Banish the bad habit of ball watching once and for all and get your team looking up and moving for one another to create more passing opportunities for one another

First Defender Technique - Stand up and hold them up!

Teach your defenders resist diving in and stand up to hold up attackers when they're the first line of defence!

Turning defence into attack - Early ball distribution

Stop your players ball-watching and encourage them to make space, pass the ball and drive up the pitch, transitioning quickly from back to attack!
intercept ANSWERS
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U14 level - Are there any drills for getting the goalie?

U14 level - Are there any drills for getting the goalie to decide whether to stay on 6 yard line or intercept the through ball

Archived User Coach

My team can't seem to get the ball and pass?

Every time my get the ball they will always kick it long and give straight to the time where as they need to gert it and pass. Can any one help?

Matthew Perkins Coach, England

How do i get my u14 team to compete for the ball?

During a match, my team seem to stand back and let the other team take control. Is there anyway I can get them to be first to the ball and compete to win?

Archived User Coach

corner kicks drill practice

what is the best corner kick drill to practice attack vs defence?

Scott Coach, Scotland

How to make players be first to the ball?

Players are not reacting quick enough to be first to the ball. How can I change this?

mike doneski Coach, United States of America

which warm up is suitable before this dril

which warm up is suitable before doing through pass drill

Quinton Ndlovu Coach, Swaziland

How do i get my u14 team to co...

During a match, my team seem to stand back and let the other team take control. Is there anyway I can get them to be first to the ball and compete to win?

Archived User Coach

What drills can I use for more...

What drills do you recommend I use to improve my team's ability to keep possession for longer?

Archived User Coach

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