Aggressiveness Drills - NASL Drills - Best source for soccer coaches in the world

1. By The Numbers

Set up:
Make a grid using 10 cones.

                     1,2,3....
^      ^ GOAL ^      ^

^                          ^

^      ^ GOAL ^      ^
....3,2,1

1,2,3... = split squad (each player has a number)
^=cones

       Divide the team in half. Then give each player a number: 1-?. The four outside cones are the boundaries while the small inside cones are the goals. The coach calls either 1 number or any series of numbers. The players run to their right, outside of the cones until they reach the cones set as the goal. They run through the goal then attempt to score into the opposite goal. The coach needs to serve the ball in to the grid. I usually wait until they are only several steps away from entering the grid. This prevents them from locating the ball to soon. I tend to serve the ball closer to the slower runner. This ensures a battle for the ball.

      To increase fitness have them run the entire outside of the grid. To work support call one number then wait a couple of seconds then call another number.

2. Controlling the Air

      Separate the team in half. Single file lines with the first in each line facing each other. The coach has a supply of balls. Serve the ball into the air. Each player must fight for and get control of the ball. The player that does not get control has to do some type of penalty-sit ups, pushups. Stay away from running since this is a fast paced drill. Var: The ball can be served on the ground so that each player has to run diagonally to the ball.
-- Thanks to Perrone Ford

      I have been a Varsity H.S. Womens coach for 3 years. At my school, we have many players who have not played soccer or any other sport for that matter. Many have not had to be aggressive in their exploits. This year I have instituted three drills to help them be more aggressive to the ball.

1. Protect the BALL

In this drill, players work one on one. One players stands next to a ball, feet shoulder width apart. Another player stands on the outside shoulder of the first player. The object is to have player 2 get her foot on the ball "by any means necessary". Player 1 is forced to keep balance, protect the ball, and respond to open aggressiveness by a defender.

2. I'm CLOSER

Setup for this drill is the same as the "Protect drill". The difference is that the player furthest from the ball has to try to wedge her body between the inside player and the ball "any way she can".

3. Push & Drag

In this drill 2 players stand facing each other. They are instructed to grab the other player's jersey up by the shoulders. This puts them face to face in a "strong" position. The coach stands ~10 yards away from the players with a ball at his feet. On "GO!" the players must try to get the ball away from the coach. If the girls are working hard and being aggressive then the first to the ball wins. If they are not being aggressive, then I begin to dribble away from the fighting players, forcing them to follow me in their tussling position. If aggression is moderate, then I just kick the ball away about 10 extra yards in a position favorable to one of the players.

** Warnings - For both of these drill, strict supervision must be maintained because they can get VERY physical. I usually pair up my very aggressive players with girls who are not very aggressive, but are physically similar in size. This gives the weaker player incentive since they "should" be able to get to the ball.

** Make sure that you do this drill in something other than game jerseys. You might also want to do this in school sponsored practice wear, since shirts might get ripped. Also, watch for players who take pride in their nails (problematic in High School) because they can lose them in a rather painful way in this drill.