FineSoccer Drill 71

Today's activity is called All Forward and All Back and works on proper support both offensively and defensively.

This game is best with at least 12 players including 2 keepers and can be played with up to 22 players total

I am going to assume we have 12 players including the keepers.  Play on a field approximately 60 x 40 with full sized goals on the end lines and also with a midfield line.

The rules are quite simple.  The teams play regular soccer with the condition that in order for a goal to be scored all 6 players from the team must be on the offensive half of the field (this includes the keeper).  If all 6 players are over midfield when the goal is scored, the team gets a point.  If there are any opposing players who have not crossed into their defensive half of the field, the team that scored a goal gets an additional point for each 

This works on transition (both offensively and defensively) as well as conditioning, finishing, goalkeeping, and overall team play.

Why, you might ask, does the keeper have to cross over midfield as well as everyone else?  The answer is that it works on the keepers being able to properly support their team.  If your team has the ball in the offensive half of the field (in a real game) you don't want your keepers back in the 6 yard box.  You will probably want the keeper out 30 yards or so to support her teammates offensively as well as to provide the proper support defensively.  This is the same distance that the keeper will be out on this smaller field so you are conditioning the keeper to be in the proper support position.

Why do the forwards have to come back into the defensive half of the field?  Again, this is a simple answer as it will both keep them onsides as well as to encourage them to get back and defend (we are trying to create total soccer players here).

Other variables you can alter in order to speed up the game is to play 2 touch soccer all over the field (with the rest of the rules the same).  Or you can play 2 touch just in the defensive half of the field and unlimited touches in the offensive half of the field.

This activity will work on many things but also if done properly will allow the players to have a great deal of fun as everyone is involved at all times.

Give this a try and let me know what you think on the FineSoccer Forum

Have a great day!

Lawrence