http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZnUr8lcqjo

In soccer, playing the game is the best way to learn and there is no replacement for "game fitness". Game situations involve many skills and challenges players by the problems it presents. Decision making is a big part of success as is 1v1 situations trapping under pressure, leading a player in to space with just the right pace on the ball etc.
Small games create realistic situations with many more opportunities to solve them and allows players more room for creativity which can then be taken into the real game. Small games offer many more touches on the ball which is key to developing skill on the ball. Through friendly competition, players will be motivated and challenged to learn the game.
We all run into problems with numbers - not enough for a full sided game- and field space - limited spaced to tuck you team into, so it is not always possible to play a full sided game every practice and maybe not ideal; therefore, the use of small sided games becomes an important development tool. Through small sided games, players are forced to respond to game like situations and are forced to learn to problem solve. Small sided games incorporate all of the major elements of the game.
Small sided games are great learning tools to focus on areas such as transitional play, quality of touches, quality and speed of decision making, and positional. Not to mention the fact that small sided games are fun and players enjoy the competition.
We like to mix it up a little in the small games. Example, on a half field place two goals at either end of the field so players have the option of switching play to attack another goal that is less crowded. Great for learning how to swing a ball and/or how to switch the point of attack

Keep-away is a great way to tech possession. At it's simplest form it is a game that keeps every player active, thinking and offers many opportunities to practice skills such as trapping, passing, dribbling if allowed, defending and decision-making.
To start build a grid to accommodate the number of players. 5 v5 could be played in a 40 yard x 40 yard grid. Team A vs Team B. One team (team A) tries to keep the ball while the other (team B) tries to steal it. If stolen then (by team B) then that team is now on offense or in possession of the ball and in turn attempts to possess the ball for as long as possible.
Coaching point. 1)move the ball with passes 2) players without the ball must work hard (run to open spaces; add to this spaces that make them available for passes) to get open, 3) players with the ball must a) find open players to pass to, b) shield the ball until a teammate is open c) make good passes and good traps.
Progression is to put limitations on the players. Limit players to 3 or 2 touch on the ball.

The game of keep-away becomes more complex with more players. 7 v 7 might require goals such as moving the ball from quadrant to quadrant so there is no stagnation. In other words on a grid 60 yds x 60 yds, build 4 quadrants and allow only 4 consecutive passes in each quadrant before the ball must find another quadrant. More than 4 is a turn over....
Another alternative ('s) is to limit players to 3 seconds with the ball so as not to stifle creativity. Add to this tactics that will teach them to change fields to release pressure and to think two and three passes/spaces ahead to create effective attacks. This can be done by 2 yard goals in random places around the field; a pass completed while passing through the goal is a point and players can not score through the same goal consecutively i.e. players must attack a new goal after scoring.(the ball can pass through the goal from either direction). Coaching points 1) if one goal is well defended then look to attack a different goal 2) teams may want to draw the defense to one goal with the intention of switching to another goal 3) players not involved in the immediate play must look for the 1,2 or 3 passes that may link to them to strategically switch the field of play (preferably with a long ball) so they can attack another goal-much like swinging a ball from the left wing to the right wing, moving the ball through the midfield to do so.

We like it all; scrimmages, small games, 1v1, keep-away, shooting repetition, repetition of all sorts. Mix it up, introduce new tools and new concepts. The means to the end is the important part of the process. No matter what level and age group, the drills, technique, tactics and concepts need to fit. You need to start at A and work your way through B, C, D to whatever level your team can accomplish. It is important to have expectations and hold the bar high enough to make them reach and stretch in what they need to accomplish as individuals and as a team.
Ideally the coach has a long term plan with short term goals that will incrementally guide players through a season in achieving the Big Plan. There needs to be consistency and transition from one level to the next, from 1v1 to 2v1, from 5v2 tiger ball to 5v5 keep-away to game tactics.
We feel it is important to start at A and cover it thoroughly, master it so to speak, before you go to B. A leads to B which leads to C. As you are performing the drill that includes A,B & C it should be emphasised that all should be executed with care, precision and to the best of their ability. Call this good fundamentals, base building or foundation. Building good habits early will lead to success. A may be the initial pass, B the trap and C the recognition and execution of the next pass after B (the trap). If the initial pass is poorly executed the trap will be difficult or impossible. If the trap is poorly executed the pass to follow may not happen.
We like to have a plan that starts at Day 1 and takes us through to the last day, which hopefully is the championship game. Along the way the plan will be tweaked, may change depending on personalities, injuries etc ......

Developing a team takes time, consistency and a building block approach. Too often we coaches get ahead of ourselves in an effort to implement a system that will promote tactical play and we forget about the fundamentals and skills required to execute those tactics.
It is just as important if not more important to develop skills at every level in order to continue to raise the level of play on the field.

Twenty to thirty minutes a session should be devoted to serious ball handling. This can include passing and trapping, dribbling and shooting. Building up from A to B to C and at the same time incorporating fundamental tactics of the game will lead to tremendous results if given time and consistency. For example a simple pass and trap drill can become a three-man weave down the field where players are overlapping each other, moving into open space and passes must have proper pace and lead players into that space with the ball recieved on the proper foot and touched in to a space that keeps the attack/momentum moving forward.
Placing restriction of two touch or even one touch on players in such a drill increases decision making and speed of play as well as touch. Creating boundries to make them aware of space available adds another dimension. But, no matter what drill you are executing, emphasis must be placed on technique, recieving the ball properly, touch and movement off the ball. Promote game play with in the drill.
Creating drills where players will get hundreds of touches and many opportunities to run the same pattern or execute the same move or technique multiple times in a short amout of time is optimal for development. Offer an enviroment that promotes success and where mistakes are not costly, then translate it into game play. The results will be measurable and players will recognize and feed off their own success.

Possession is important at any level of soccer. Controlling the tempo and momentum of a game requires the ability to connect several passes consecutively with a tactic or strategy in min. It will invariably involve escaping pressure, changing point of attack, and ultimately creating opportunities on goal.
A great way to develop possession is by incorporating it into training sessions.
5 v 5 in a 40 x 40 yd grid is a good place to start. Restrict players to 2 or 3 touch, or even better to 3 seconds with the ball so as not to inhibit creativity. To create competition you can have 5 consecutive passes equal a point and play games to 3.
Once the game of possession is understood and accomplished a great twist is to create small goals around the grid in random places (inside the grid); a completed pass through the small goal scores a point (can't go back to or through the same goal consecutively to score). This works very well with 5v5, 8v8 or 10v10 full field. Now the team has a goal or tactic in mind. Encourage your team to switch points of attack if the goal they are attacking is well defended. Players must also think ahead to be in position to pass tha ball through the small goal as well as have somebody at the end of that pass. Players will have to think two and three passes/spaces ahead of the play and get themselves there.
The tactical creativity can be enhanced with a little analysis and thought. Take time to stop play, point things out and help the players see what was done right and what could have been done better.

As a team, controlling the ball and dictating the style and speed of play in the game of soccer is a large part of the formula of success. While maintaining possession and owning the better part of the play will not guarantee a win it will bring a fair share of success over the course of a season.

How to get there.
Decision making is important in possession and speed of play. Having simple formulas or "go to's plays" to get out of tight spots or to release pressure on the ball will solve some situations. Examples are give and go's or wall passes to get out of tight spots. Or having a release for midfielders such as playing a ball to the corner flag if no other option seems available. Defenders should always know they can turn a ball back to their sweeper and/or keeper if pressured.
Developing good first touch on the ball may be the most important ingredient to speed play and make it difficult for teams to play high pressure. If all 10 and even 11 players can control the ball soundly, especially in tight spaces, making good quick decisions on where to play the ball becomes easier and it becomes difficult for defenses to pressure the ball. Having the ability as a team to play several "one touch" balls in sequence without turning the ball over is the most effective way to speed up play. Add to this the ability as a team to recognize when and how to change fields or points of attack quickly ultimately leads to dictating play and pressuring the opponents into reactive play always trying to keep up or just settling into defensive postures.

To develope 1 touch play putting restrictions on 5v2 warm-ups or even 6v3 is very effective. Play a mandatory 2 touch to start and then ask for 1 touch as often as possible or as play allows, then move to mandatory 1 touch to force anticipation and decision making that accommodates 1 touch.
Another good drill is as follows: in a 40 x 40 grid put 3v3 in the middle with teammates on the outside making the game 7v7 or 8 v8. Keep the outside players in windows or sections on the outside so they cannot defend or interfere with other outside players. Play keep-away or possession putting restrictions on both the outside and the inside players. The idea is to work toward 1 touch on all accounts. Make it success oriented moving from A to B to C and eventually to Z in incremental steps. ex 2 touch on the out side and 2 touch on the inside. Then move to 1 touch on the outside and 2 touch inside the grid. Then 1 touch inside with 2 touch outside, giving the inside players time to find space. THen 1 touch all the way around. Spend 5 or 6 sessions getting there. It's magic

Advanced Team Warm-up

How about this.

Build a grid with cones that has 9 squares or boxes. Each square should be 5x5 to 8x8 yds.

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^ ^ ^ ^

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As a warm-up give each player a Brasilian Futebol and ask them to juggle in the box.
Restrict them to 2 touches and one bounce in each square. Or 3 touches or 4 or no bounces. Whatever fits your team. Remember we are trying to make this success oriented while testing the envelope.
They cannot go back to the square they just came from or ask them to hit all nine squares in an allotted time. What ever it takes to accomplish movement with the ball.

The goal is to move with the ball, or make the ball do what they want or what they need the ball to do. They need to avoid other players in the box, move from grid to grid, keep the ball alive hopefully while juggling under control.
The exercise will require them move fast to chase down long touches and it will require them touching the ball away from pressure and crowds while trying to get from square to square. Great for chasing down and controling loose balls in a game.

Ask for some artistry and creativity.
Execute a “sombrero” to change directions. A sombrero can be flipping, kicking or knocking a ball over your own head to change directions and go the other way, or it can be touching it over another players head, usually a defender, as they run by or at you, or as you run by them.
Maybe they could skip a square, chase the ball down, control it and move on.
Reciting poetry while juggling was always one of my favorites.

They can also work in pairs. One futebol per pair. 2 touches, one bounce per square. Cannot receive ball in the same grid twice.
Work in groups of three.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Develop-Soccer-Juggling-Skills&id=734015
Juggling is an awesome way to develop wild soccer skills. Juggling develops eye-foot coordination, increases focus, and will get you more comfortable with the ball.
Use all different parts of your body to keep the ball alive, let it bounce as part of your routine. be creative. Be ambidextrous. work on moves and work on moving with the ball.
Make the ball work for you. It's not how many touches you get, but what you do with those touches that count. But get lots of touches, it helps.
http://www.romow.com/sports-blog/soccer-juggling-skills/
Spending quality time with the ball will help you improve your skills.
http://www.soccercoachingnotes.com/coaching/technical/juggling-the-soccer-ball.html

Commit to it. You will see a difference and it will translate into game play.

Brasilian Futebol - soccer training equipment Incorporating the Brasilian Futebol into your practices is a great way to accomplish this goal. This is the same tool by which Brazilian soccer players have ...www.brasilianfutebol.com/

If you have time to play only one little fun game, play this one!
This is an excellent game for developing juggling skills, "first-touch", passing skills and performing under pressure. The best thing is that the kids love it and will play on their own! We all know how important it is to be able to quickly control bouncing balls during a game. Soccer tennis will create hundreds of quality touches while the players are having fun. Without even trying, they will learn to receive chest balls, thigh controls, instep volleys and head touches. Soon they will be sliding sideways to get in front of the pass instead of poking out with their legs. We think most important of all players will learn how to place balls and play thoughtful passes into corners, over heads into space, bending balls and slicing balls.....
Here is an excellent site that talks about the game and more.
http://www.footy4kids.co.uk/soccer_tennis.htm
We like using the Brasilian Futebol for Soccer Tennis because of it's size weight and bounce. It makes for a more challenging session and will develop skill more quickly.

A skill very much needed to be a complete player is the ability to kick a ball far and accurately with varying trajectories. It can be a chip into space with a high trajectory and backspin to shorten the roll in order not to carry into the next space or out of bounds. Or it can be a bender into the box to catch an onrunning striker or a driven ball from a defender played behind the defense to a streaking forward. They are all useful and all have thier place.

http://www.mastersport.co.uk/loftedkick.htm
The lofted kick is the soccer skill used to play the long ball, cross the ball into the penalty area, and to clear the ball from defense. Apart from the chip, used for short-range kicks, this is the only technique for lifting the ball into the air with real power.
This soccer skill uses the instep as for the basic kicking technique, but it is important to strike low down on the ball to generate lift, and to lean back slightly. Beginners sometimes find it difficult to balance properly, and it is important not to fall too far to the side as you kick. Using the non-kicking foot as a firm anchor, and putting your opposite arm out for balance will help. Another useful tip is to try to place the non-kicking foot slightly in front of the ball instead of level with it.
It is important to obtain distance from your kick as well as height. Do not just kick the ball as high as possible. The object is to kick the ball high enough to clear any opposition players, but extra height is not necessary.

How Liverpool can still beat Chelsea to reach Champions League semi-finals
Five things Liverpool can do to overcome the 3-1 deficit in their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
1 Employ their midfield generals
At Anfield Chelsea dominated midfield with both work rate and exceptional passing. Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack showcased the modern midfielder’s art in tidying up in front of defence and surging forward to launch attacks at will.

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Lucas was out of his depth in that environment but Javier Mascherano, who is back for the return leg, is unlikely to be as easily bullied and if he and Xabi Alonso can shut down Ballack and Lampard and use what possession Liverpool have effectively they will be in a better position to dictate play.
2 Free Stevie G
Rafa Benitez needs to be bold. After Fernando Torres, the most reliable source of the three or more goals Liverpool need is Steven Gerrard.
If fit, the Liverpool captain must be pushed forward to support Torres more closely in a 4-4-2 formation, with Gerrard playing the support striker – leaving Mascherno and Alonso to take care of business in the middle – and his goal threat will be increased. Michael Essien, should he be asked to do another man marking job on Gerrard, would also be forced further back and inevitably wander into Chelsea defenders’ territory where responsibility to pick up Gerrard would become confused.
3 Get in the zone
While Liverpool need to score, conceding will make life even more difficult. Losing two goals to simple set pieces at Anfield questioned the wisdom of Benitez’s zonal marking system. Should Liverpool persist with it they need to communicate better when players run across their space to avoid a repeat of Branislav Ivanovic’s almost free headers.
Chelsea are a bigger side than Liverpool – despite the absence through suspension of John Terry – and so Sami Hyypia’s presence in place of Martin Skrtel, who had a shocker in the first leg, might improve things in that department, though with a loss of pace on the ground. Better still, abandon the ploy and revert to man-to-man marking, just this once.
4 Win their personal battles
At Anfield Skrtel was bullied in to submission by Didier Drogba, Essien had Gerrard in his pocket all night while Ashley Cole, Lampard and Ballack reminded us all of their quality and even Florent Malouda justified his starting place.
With Terry absent and his likely replacement, Richard Carvalho, just back from injury to partner the less assured Alex, Torres can make hay with his fleetness of movement and thought. If Liverpool do go 4-4-2 then Albert Riera needs to ask questions defensively of Ivanovic, while Dirk Kuyt is capable of harrying Cole to distraction. Alonso and Mascherano need to claim the midfield off Ballack and Lampard. Simple, eh?
5 Evoke the spirit of Istanbul
As chastening an experience as the first leg was, this Liverpool side is not one that is easily broken and they have already gone to the home of the European and Premier League Champions and won by three goals this season in the sacking of Old Trafford.
They may have only twice scored three goals or more at Stamford Bridge in competitive matches and failed to win any of their Champions League fixtures there but what’s three goals in 90 minutes to a club who pulled off the trick in six minutes in a Champions League final?

Commitiment is key. Players must be willing to train and work on the various aspects of their skill sets and game in order to compete. Having tools to enhance training sessions can break the monotoney, increase enthusiasm and broaden awareness.
We like the Brasilian Futebol as an all around training tool. It's a smaller ball with a nice weight and allot of bounce. The Brasilian Futebol improves soccer performance, confidence on the ball and increases overall skill. Consistent training with the futebol will help develope a softer more refined touch on the ball and can help with skills like "first touch" and one touch as well as juggling and small game skills.
Give it a try. We think you will like what the Brasilian Futebol brings to your training sessions.

Time with the ball is essential. Large quantities of quality touches every session will improve touch and confidence on the ball. Involving the players in game-like situations with decisions to make will bring quality and thoughtfulness to their game. Combine it all into one and you've got something special.
Training sessions should be fun, challenging and developmental. Make sure they want to come back for more.
Here is a nifty little site that has some great ideas;
http://www.soccerxpert.com/drills.aspx

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/66/united-states/2009/04/01/1186244/riquelme-petitioning-to-join-us-mens-national-team

Just thinking about it is fun.

Training with a smaller ball makes play with a regular game ball much easier. Juggle with a tennis ball for 20 minutes and then juggle with a regular ball and see the difference. It's ideal to find a ball that is well weighted to better approximate a game balls touch. We like training with the Brasilian Futebol because it's got a nice weight, is bouncy and is small enough to be challenging but not so small to make training in all aspects of the game impossible. It's a nice fit.
The Brasilian Futebol improves soccer performance, confidence on the ball and increases overall skill. Consistent use of the futebol will accelerate skill development which will translate into game performance.

In Soccer, control of the ball is an imporat part of the game both on an individual basis and as a team. The ability to control an awkward bouncing ball quickly and effectively gives the player with the ball the immediate advantage. The ability to control the ball under pressure sets players an teams apart. First touch is often the difference between success and failure in most situations during the match.
The first touch shoul be part of the focus at every practice. It is something that can be developed and should become art in a players development.


http://www.soccerxpert.com/SoccerTips/id1209.aspx

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