FineSoccer Drill 126

This game is a common one in training sessions but one I think can be used to cover so many different aspects of the game that it's worth discussing here. The game is Team Handball (soccer style) and can be played full field or on a modified field for less players.

The game can be played 11 vs. 11 or whatever numbers you have and the ball is advanced down the field by throwing the ball (with the hands) from player to player. Players are NOT permitted to run with the ball (a step or so is permitted if they were running and momentum forces them forward) and the ball may not touch the ground. If, while the ball is being thrown down the field, a player drops the ball, it goes to the opposing team. To score a goal, the ball must be thrown to a player who must HEAD the ball into the goal (the ball CAN hit the ground after it's headed and if it goes in it counts). The opposing team is allowed to defend and if they catch the ball thrown by an opponent, they get the ball in the attack. Also, if they can knock the ball down, they get the ball (I play this as the last team to have POSSESSION gets possession regardless of who touches the ball last).

Some of the many things this game works on include spacing of players and team shape, conditioning, throw ins (you can play that any ball thrown must be thrown using proper soccer technique), getting back and defending, transition, communication and much, much more. As an added bonus, most players have a great deal of fun playing team handball so they will work exceptionally hard.

After playing Team Handball for awhile, I will make sure the players all understand why we were playing it and then see if they can take the same ideas and apply it to soccer by then playing a scrimmage right afterwards. It's amazing to me how many coaches seem to miss this part of the game and forget to make sure their players understand the reasoning behind the game.