Question

I need one drill for each of the 4 base positions in soccer (goalie, defense, mid-field, forward) explain the drill along with what skill the drill enhances.

Answer 1

Goalie:

Handling- Aerial dives and catches

Being able to handle and catch shots is what most people think of when speaking of goalkeeping. It is extremely important as a goalkeeper not to allow rebounds, and this drill teaches you how to make sure that you catch the ball and not give the attacker a second chance to score a goal. The way you approach the ball in the air is critical to the outcome of the action, and this drill teaches you how to position yourself, jump, and catch the ball correctly.

Stand in your start position with your weight on the front of your feet and your hands in front of your body. When you take off reach for the ball with both hands and make sure that the leg closest to the ball points diagonal forward. Try to catch the ball at a forward going movement.

Defense:

2 on 2 support

Two defenders pass the ball out to two attackers and attempt to prevent them from scoring on goal. One defender runs directly to the attacker receiving the pass while the second defender supports and is ready to pressure the second attacker if the ball is passed.

Develop individual defending skills as well as defensive supporting positioning. Defenders improve their footwork, timing, and defensive angles. Attackers increase their 1-on-1 dribbling, decision-making, and finishing.

Mid field:

Grab the ball

Mark out a circular pitch that is 30 yards in diameter. Each team has four lives. Pass a ball onto the pitch to start the game. Theobject is to score in any other team’s goal. Any player who concedes a goal is ejected from the game, his team loses a life, and a team mate comes in to replace him. Thee winner is the last team with a player left on the pitch.

First and foremost, this is a simple game that needs players to be able to switch from attack to defence quickly and effectively. Speed of thought is also essential, but the biggest benefit is in giving players the realisation that they have many options around them in the circle.

Attack:

Overload attack

This small sided soccer shooting and finishing activity is a great shooting drill that focuses on shooting and finishing confidence.

The pitch set up has a defending zone and an attacking zone, divided by a midfield channel.2 defenders in the defending zone, 1 midfielder in the middle zone and 2 attackers in the attacking zone. Again the non passing defender enters the midfield zone to create an overload. Either player located in the midfield zone can then enter the attacking zone to create another overload.