close
LOGINKick off tactics to keep opponents guessing
Kick-offs are particularly important in junior soccer because if you’ve just given away a goal, or you are starting the first or second half of a match, you need your players to take the initiative.
Kick-offs are particularly important in junior soccer because if you’ve just given away a goal, or you are starting the first or second half of a match, you need your players to take the initiative.
Use these kick-off soccer coaching tips and tactics to catch your opponents out.
Kick-off tactics
Often, if your team has had to take a few kick-offs during a game, the opposition will soon read what your players are going to do.
They’ll start intercepting the long ball over the top into the corner and stand players in the appropriate areas.
So this tactic is another way to go on the attack straight from the kick-off and catch your opponents off guard.
Soccer tactics to keep opponents guessing
- Tell your left-winger to move quickly forward and immediately pass the ball to the winger.
- Get your winger to move towards goal and cut the ball back to either supporting player.
- Tell your supporting player to shoot for goal.
Tell your players to vary the cross
Get your winger to vary his crosses between the two attacking players, and the attackers may want to exchange passes. Attackers can change the angle of their runs towards goal. Gradually add defenders to make the drill more difficult. Tell your players they can also pass the ball backwards to another player and then follow the same procedure.
Key soccer coaching tip: move the ball forward as quickly and accurately as possible.
Dave Clarke
Latest Issue
Subscribe Today
Subscriber Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Subscribe Today
Newsletter Sign Up
Coaches Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Subscribe Today
Latest Issue
Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful soccer coach
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
*includes 3 coaching manuals
Get Weekly Inspiration
All the latest techniques and approaches
Soccer Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use soccer drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of soccer coaching since we launched in 2007, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.
