| Small sided games and soccer drills can be varied | | | | also need to think ahead and use good movement to |
| greatly by adding a few extra rules to condition the | | | | create space and be available for the ball. |
| players. Conditions can be used to make the drills | | | | When using this condition, specifically watch and give |
| harder or easier depending what you want the | | | | feedback on the player's first touch as this will |
| outcome to be. | | | | determine to a great extent what options they have |
| However, if you want to condition your players | | | | thereafter. |
| differently it's important to have a variety of rules that | | | | Three (or a Specified Number of Touches) |
| you can implement. | | | | Giving players more touches doesn't necessarily make |
| Here are five of the ten variations we prefer that you | | | | the games or drills easier. For example, we might |
| can use in your next training session. | | | | condition our players to five touches. That means they |
| One Touch | | | | must be able to control the ball, get their head up, look |
| Quite simply, players only have one touch. Do not allow | | | | for space, dribble, shield and bring other players into the |
| your players to trap the ball or control then pass. They | | | | game. |
| must play the ball first time. | | | | Ball Height - Below Knee Height |
| This means they must be constantly aware of where | | | | I like the quote from Brian Clough..."If God had meant |
| their team mates are, move their feet quickly to get in | | | | football to be played in the air he'd have put goals in |
| line with the ball flight and they must decide where | | | | the sky!" This condition focuses the players to keep |
| they are going to play the ball before they receive it. | | | | the ball on the ground. |
| This rule forces players to think quickly and anticipate | | | | That means they must look for passing channels along |
| the ball. When using this condition reiterate the key | | | | the floor and minimizes the "hoof" football that is so |
| coaching points of thinking ahead, sound decision | | | | prevalent! |
| making, head up & vision, quick movement and | | | | Coach players on creating space, good movement |
| communication. | | | | and offering support. |
| Two Touch | | | | Ball Height - Head Height |
| Here the condition limits the players to a maximum of | | | | Allowing the players a little more flexibility and some |
| two touches. | | | | more ball maneuverability allows them to lift the ball but |
| A player is allowed to control the ball with their first | | | | still discourages the "hoof" or "long ball all the time" |
| touch but they must play the ball with their second | | | | soccer. |
| touch. | | | | Again, creating space, movement and offering support |
| The extra time that they are allowed on the ball, even | | | | should all be key components when imposing this |
| though brief, allows them to evaluate their options and | | | | condition. |
| focus more on anticipation. Supporting team mates | | | | |