1. TCYSA PRACTICE PLAN (6 – 12 YEAR OLDS): REGAINING THE BALL
Objective – Teach players to apply immediate pressure to win the ball back
1. Bring it Back
Activity Time: 1 min
Recovery Time: 1 min (juggling)
Duration: 13 min
Intervals: 5 (followed by ABC movements)
Organization: Each player has a ball and hands it to the coach. The coach plays the ball out and gives a directive on how to bring the ball back (outside of right foot, outside of left foot, alternating feet, sole of the foot).
Coaching Points: Teach players to get to the ball as quickly as possible. Teach players to look behind them when running to the ball.
Guided Question: What are some things that you are looking for when you go to the ball?
2. Get it Back
Activity Time: 1 min
Recovery Time: 1 min (2 touch passing)
Duration: 12 min
Intervals: 6
Organization: Set up gates 3 yards wide and 5 yards long. Player that starts with the ball passes to the opposing player and then sprints to defend. Players score by dribbling through the opposing gate. After 1 min players pass back and forth for a 1 min and then switch the player serving the ball.
Coaching Points: Teach players to sprint toward attacking player. Teach players to stop 1 arms length away from attacking player in an athletic stance.
Guided Question: Why do we want to stop an arms length away? What can happen if you are too close to a player?
3. 2v2 or 3v3
Activity Time: 30 sec
Recovery Time: 1 min (until next rep)
Duration: 16 min
Intervals: 8
Organization: 25x15 field with mini goals. Players are divided into 2 teams. Coach plays the ball out to a player. The defender player then sprints to apply pressure on the player with the ball. Each team tries to score as many goals as possible during 30 sec then next group comes on. When ball goes out coach serves next ball in to an open player.
Coaching Points: Teach players to apply immediate pressure on the ball to create a turnover. Teach players to steal the ball to regain possession.
Guided Question: When you have the ball do you like it when the defender is far away from you or right next to you?
4. Match
Activity Time: 10 min
Recovery Time: 2 min
Duration: 22 min
Intervals: 2
Organization: Create as realistic of a game environment as possible by having players in positions and playing with FIFA Laws of the Game.
Coaching Points: Use this time to observe the players in a game environment and their application of regaining possession of the ball. Teach players to double team when the attacker is facing backward.
Guided Question: How can you go help your friend that is trying to win the ball?