Speed of Play Warm-Up - U10 to U17 Advance Soccers Drills

This soccer drill is a great warm-up to sessions relating to speed of play. Players must have a good grasp of basic passing and receiving skills to successfully execute this soccer drill.
Soccer Drill contributed by: Chris Johnson

Soccer Drill Info:
This is for ages U10, U12, U14, U16, U17 and up. Run this soccer drill with at least 12 players but no more than 18. This soccer drill should last approximately 30 minutes on a 1/2 field. Make sure you have the following equipment: cones, alternate jersey.

Soccer Drill Diagram

Setup:
Create a 30X40 grid. Divide the team into even groups of 6 players per group (each group in different color pennies). Number the players 1 through 6; the ball should start with players 1 and 4 to start the warm-up.

Instructions:

Follow the progression below after working on a step for 5-7 minutes. You can spend more or less time on an area depending on the players and players might not be able to complete all of the warm-up. With the players spread out inside the grid randomly and intermingled, perform the following progression:

1. Players should pass to the next highest number upon receiving the ball. So #1 passes to #2; #2 passes to #3; #3 passes to #4; … finally #6 passes to #1 and the warm-up continues.
2. Next, reverse the pattern where #6 plays to #5, #5 passes to #4; etc.
3. Next, players play to odd players if they are odd numbers and even players play to even numbers. For Example, #1 passes to #3, #3 passes to #5, etc… and #2 passes to #4, #4 passes to #6, etc…
4. Decrease the number of touches to make the speed of play faster by demanding quicker thought process.
5. Limit the verbal communication by limiting the number of words the players can speak. For example, only let then say one word. So player #1 might ask for player #2 by saying “TWO”.
6. Lastly, only allow non-verbal communication such as hand clapping, pointing, eye contact, etc.

Variations:
N/A

Coaching Points:

* Encourage players to think a step ahead and know who the ball is coming from and who the ball is going to at all times.
* Encourage proper passing and receiving skills.
* Movement without the ball is crucial as players attempt to get in triangular shapes.

Focus:
Technical Dribbling, Technical Passing, Technical Receiving, Tactical Possession, Tactical Movement with/Without The Ball, Tactical Communication, Tactical Combination Play, Tactical Vision