Drills that focus on the cognitive side of the game: staying focused, communicating with team-mates and deciding fast under pressure. They combine with technical and tactical work so the improvement is real.
4 drills
4 drills
Two players wait with their backs to the coach; on the signal they turn and sprint to the ball the coach has played in. First to the ball attacks the mini goal, the other defends. Reaction, acceleration and a duel in one action.
Waves of three attackers against two defenders from the halfway line towards a goal with a keeper. The player on the ball must decide between dribbling, passing to the support or to the runner depending on the defenders' reaction.
3v2 counter-attack on a half pitch with a defender recovering from behind. The attackers must finish quickly before the recovering defender evens up the duel.
1v1 duel in which the attacker tries to score past the goalkeeper while the defender, if he wins the ball, counters into two mini goals. Dribbling, decision making and transition in one action.
With drills that offer two or more real options (pass, dribble, shoot) and a defender who forces a choice, such as 3v2 attacking overloads or rondos with a zone switch.