Get your players in the habit of looking at the entire field during the course of a game. Every 10 seconds the players need to look and be aware of what is happening not only around the ball but also what is occurring away from the ball. The players need to take mental pictures of that visual information.

Here are a few guidelines:

1. Body positioning. Teach your players to position themselves; so that they can see as much of the field as possible.

Example:
Player A receives the ball from the right but her body is positioned so that she can only see play to the right.

Player B receives the same ball from the right but her body is positioned so that she can see the whole field and is able to switch the play.

2. Stay behind the ball: Too many players will always run forward ahead of the ball. Teach your players to support behind the ball. This will give them the time and space they need to look up and find options.

3. Swivel your head: Constantly look from left to right and know your options before you get the ball.

Exercises to teach vision:

1) Two-Goal Games Each team attacks and defends two goals. If there are no options on one side, then go to the other side. Teams score by passing through the small goal.

2) Two-Goal games: As above, now the goals are on the sidelines. Teams score by dribbling through the goal under control similar as "line soccer".

3) Offense vs Defense: Offense goes to the big goal plus keeper. Defense goes to the three small goals. Defense scores by dribbling through the small goals under control. Coaching points: Look to switch play, find the open space, position yourself so that you can see as much of the field as possible.

VISION TRAINING

Dribbling and passing for Possession
TJ Kostecky, Pfeiffer College

Purpose: To maintain individual and team possession. To increase the speed of play. To improve decision making. To play with alternating rhythm.

Organization:
1. Develop concepts and timing.

A. Dribbling for possession. Dribble in space; before you accelerate look front and back. Add defenders; maintain possession. Use arms to keep defenders off.

B. Passing for possession. In pairs pass in space; before you receive the ball, take a look behind you. Add defenders; point when you connect passes and manage to take a look behind you before you receive.

2. Apply to Games

A. In 3's: server, attacker, defender. Attacker checks, receives and tries to turn. Attacker needs to look before receiving.

B. 4 vs 4 or 5 vs 5 +1. Possession game. Points awarded for: glancing when receiving a pass. shielding, look front and back and accelerating in space.

3. Alternating Rhythm of Play.

A. 4 vs 4 or 5 vs 5 + 1. Possession game. Goals scored when team in possession achieves 5 one-touch passes. Passes need not be in sequence.

4. Free Game.

A. Identify:

• Slow/fast rhythm.
• Glancing
• Good decisions.