| The science of youth soccer is both simple and | | | | cover you. |
| complex when designing set plays. Every player on | | | | - The "Corner Kick" - When delivered properly, can |
| the field must know their role in any given situation. | | | | create a number of scoring opportunities for your |
| Soccer players must be quick on their feet as well as | | | | team. Practice having the designated kicker place the |
| quick in their reactions to the play. Some plays are | | | | ball high in the air in front of the goal giving the |
| described below, but you can also find more free | | | | offense the chance to run in and get a header or |
| youth soccer set plays online at sites like One of the | | | | free kick at the goal. |
| keys to being a great soccer player is reading the | | | | - The "Double Exchange" - Similar to a double reverse |
| field correctly and knowing the position you should be | | | | in football. This is where one teammate dribbles the |
| in to take advantage of the situation. Set plays for | | | | ball towards another and exchanges the ball. As most |
| soccer offense should involve opening the field up to | | | | defensive units are on to this exchange, add a third |
| create lanes for fast breaks into the offensive zone. | | | | teammate into the mix and exchange the ball again. |
| Set plays for soccer defense should be designed to | | | | The confusion among the defenders should create |
| force the play to the outside edges of the field to | | | | some open space to move the ball further up field. |
| limit space for the attackers. | | | | Soccer Defense |
| Set Plays for Youth Soccer | | | | - As a defensive unit, you want to push the |
| Soccer Offense | | | | attackers to the outside and squeeze them into a |
| When designing set plays for attacking in soccer, | | | | tight pack. The first defender should not only protect |
| you'll want to focus on ball possession while spreading | | | | the ball carrier from moving up field, they should |
| the defensive coverage throughout the soccer pitch. | | | | position themselves to protect the middle of the field |
| The idea is to create enough room for your | | | | as well. The second line of defense should then work |
| forwards to break into the open and receive a pass. | | | | on covering the lanes or open spaces and force the |
| In many cases, the defense will try to force the | | | | play to the outside. If the attacking player makes a |
| offense into a tight box and long cross passes are | | | | successful pass, the process should begin all over |
| required to spread the defenders out again. | | | | again. |
| - The "Decoy" - Involves the attacking forward | | | | - A good way to practice youth soccer defense is to |
| making a break to get in behind the defense. You | | | | have scrimmages with smaller numbers of players to |
| have to time this attack perfectly to avoid going | | | | increase the speed and create numerous types of |
| offside. If a pass is available for your teammate, he | | | | situations between the defenders and the attackers. |
| should make it. Otherwise, he should watch for | | | | You can run 3v3, 4v4, or 5v5 Scrimmage Drills to |
| another forward to break for the open space you | | | | maximize your soccer practice. |
| created when you dragged the defender away to | | | | |