Coaching Youth Soccer: Attacking Offense

If you're coaching a youth soccer club, the most important aspect of attacking in soccer is to use the whole field to spread out the defenders. You want to create a lot of open space in order to move the ball up the field and eventually take a shot.

The defenders are going to be attempting to "corral" the offensive players into a tight group and increase their opportunities to take possession. You want to be sure to recognize this tactic and move the ball back to the midfielder or send a cross pass to the other side of the field to renew the attack from a better position. A few youth soccer attacking drills are listed below but you can find many more free soccer attacking drills online at websites like Weplay.com.

Ball Possession Tips: The Cornerstone to an Effective Attack

Maintaining possession of the ball is critical when going on the attack. Passing and moving into empty spaces on the field will allow the offensive team to gain valuable territory and then scoring opportunities. Here are a few soccer strategies for attacking:

• The midfielder passes to a teammate that is being closely defended or "marked" to draw the attention of the defense. The first and second defenders will be drawn towards the player with the ball. With the defenders attention elsewhere, your forwards can now break downfield into open territory. The player with the ball can make a pass back to the midfielder who then tries to connect with one of the breaking forwards.
  
  
• The give-and-go is a tried and true attack strategy in soccer. If you're being closely defended and there is open field beyond your opponent, lay off the ball to a teammate on the wing and break to the opening for a return pass. You're going to have to think fast and know what you are going to do with the ball when you receive it as the defense is going to close in on you fast. Scan the field quickly when the defense closes in and locate an open teammate to move the ball to.
  
  
• Don't force the play if there isn't one. The defending team is going to try to push you to the sidelines and close off the middle of the field. If you run out of space to maneuver effectively, retreat and pass the ball back to the midfield to launch the attack from a more advantageous angle.

Offensive Attack Drills for Youth Soccer Practice

• 3v3 Small Sided Game Drill
  This creates a game situation for soccer players to familiarize themselves with pressure situations. It allows players to work on their individual attack skills, problem solving and creativity.
  
  
• Timed 4v2 Keep-away Drill
  The objective of this drill is to create a pressure situation in which SPEED of play is trained. Its fun as well as challenging physically and mentally for the offense and defensive soccer players involved.