Target Players - U14 to U17 Advance Soccer Drills

This attacking drill focuses on the target players in the attacking third of the field.
Soccer Drill contributed by: Chris Johnson

Soccer Drill Info:
This is for ages U14, U16, U17 and up. Run this soccer drill with at least 16 players but no more than 22. This soccer drill should last approximately 30 minutes on a 1/2 field. Make sure you have the following equipment: cones, goals, alternate jersey.

Soccer Drill Diagram

Setup:
25x25 yard grid split down the middle. 8 players (set up 2 separate areas and get 2 groups of 8 for a total of 16)

Instructions:
The Blue play 4v2 against the Yellow and attempt to find the target in the attacking half. As soon as the target is played they send 3 more players over and one defender goes and helps to get the ball back. If the defender in the attacking half wins the ball as the ball is played across they must try and keep the ball away from that target as the 2 defenders from the other half come help play 3v1. A 2-touch limit will be put on these defenders as they try and keep the ball away from the target. When the target wins the ball back then they must play over to the waiting 3 players in the other half.

The purpose is to find the forward target, get connected and keep possession. It will be very difficult for the target to win the ball back if it is lost in the attacking half because they will soon be 2 men down – so high pressure is a must to win the ball back. This will make players aware of the danger of dispossessing the ball and the energy needed to get the ball back.

The attacking team looks to get 10 changes before the players rotate into different roles. If the defender win the ball and connect 10 passes then the entire attacking team will do push-ups or sit-ups or sprints – whatever the coach decides.

Variations:
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Coaching Points:
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Focus:
Technical Dribbling, Technical Passing, Technical Receiving, Tactical Attacking, Tactical Role of Striker