U18-Transition Keepaway
Keep away is a staple of passing and movement practice for almost all soccer teams. At the U18 level the fundamental coaching points of passing and receiving technique remain the same.
When passing the ball the plant foot should be next to the ball and facing the intended target, the hips and shoulders should be also facing the receiver. Contact the ball with the side of the foot and ensure the follow through points to the intended target of the pass. When passing the ball U18 players should have the ability to recognize a situation and decide which pass is best. If the receiver has his back to a defender and is under tight pressure a ball directly into feet is the best option. If a defender is to one side of the receiving player then the passer should lead the pass away from the defender. At the U18 age group passes should not slow down as the ball reaches the target, instead they should be firm and offer little chance for defensive interceptions. The game below adds the element of switching from attack to defense into keep away and emphasizes urgency and team communication;
- Two teams of six players on each team. The field consists of two 20 yard boxes directly next to each other. Team A is in one box, with Team B in the other.
- Team A begins with the ball and team B sends one defender into the team A box. Team A must complete 5 passes in 6 v 1 keep away. If five passes are completed then without the game stopping team B sends a second defender into the team A box. This process is repeated for every 5 passes until the game is 6 v 6.
- If the defender wins the ball they must either clear it out of bounds or back into the box of their own team. Instantly the game switches and team B begin keep away 6 v 1. It is vital to create urgency in the change of possession. As a coach have spare balls at your feet and the instant a defender clears out of bounds feed a ball into her team’s box and go. If the 5 passes are completed before the defensive team gets organized that is fine, keep playing and at the next stoppage emphasize the need for defensive urgency.
- Explain the importance of how this drill relates to a game. Being slow to recover on defense after a turnover will lead to numbers up for the opposition, being able to attack after winning possession before the opposition can recover makes you a very dangerous and effective team.
