Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Tactical Development (Goal Kicks)

Game Day Goal Kicks

LA Stars Premier Game Day Formation (Scenario A) for Goal Kicks:

For scenario (A) Goal Kicks, line up as shown in the diagram. The focus is to minimize "areas of risk" and stay compact as a unit. The focus here is to play the ball directly out of play and reorganize quickly from a throw in. The key fundamental here is to have one of the more technically proficient players fake to play the ball up the field but actually play the ball out for a throw in. The key fundamentals of this particular set up are:

1. Players must first understand "why" first and then understand "how" before implementing this on game day. Take time in practice to run through this process multiple times.

2. Make sure time is being taken to set up correctly. Make sure the player selected to take the Goal Kick is aware he should take his time and not be hurried. Identify a player with reasonable technique and basic soccer IQ to take the Goal Kick and make sure he understands the process.

3. Immediately after the kick is taken, and as the ball is travelling out of play, every individual except the striker must organize quickly. Marking space in this instance is vital, with one or two players pressing the ball from the throw in. As the ball is transferred between opposition players it is important that players then focus first on closing down the shot from distance without turning their back or getting beaten too easily.