4v4 Playing Wide Out of the Back

This drill is designed to get players to play balls wide when playing from the back (defensive third of the field). Players will recognize that they will find more time and space in the outsides of the fields and be relieving the center of the field from dangerious play.

Soccer Drill contributed by: Chris Johnson

Drill Info:
This is for ages U10, U12, U14, U16, U17 and up.  Run this soccer drill with at least 4 players but no more than 16. This soccer drill should last approximately 25 minutes  on a small field. Make sure you have the following equipment: cones, alternate jersey, .

Setup:
Create a grid approximately 40X25 yards. Create a small goal on the endline with two cones. Create two 7 yard channels along the outsides of the field on the center line. Split the players into 2 teams of 4.

Instructions:
Each team has a goal to defend. Scoring is achieved when the ball is won in the back half of the field and played wide through a channel. Players are not allowed to go forward unless it is passed or dribbled through the channel first.

Variations:
* Limit players number of touches
* Add a 2nd ball
* Ball must be PASSED through the channel

Coaching Points:
* Once the ball is won, players must quickly open up for their teammates which will allow for quick switch (changing the point of the attack).
* Players should be thinking a step ahead of the play.
* Once the ball is won defensively, keep possession and get out of the back by going wide.

Focus:
Technical Passing, Technical Receiving, Tactical Attacking, Tactical Support, Tactical Possession, Tactical Transition, Tactical Movement with/Without The Ball, Tactical Switching Point of Attack, Tactical Role of Defender