Soccer Zone Tag Training Drill


Zone Tag

Discover a series of free soccer coaching drills tips and basic info for coaches of all levels, designed to introduce the basics of teaching youth soccer players the soccer techniques required to keep possession of the ball such as possession, ball protection, regaining possession (defense) and basic individual attacking skills. You’ll also learn the best ways to progress them from one training stage to the next.

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Basic Information

Age Group: (5-7yrs) (8-11yrs) (12-15yrs)
Number of Players: 7+
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Time: 5-15 min.
Emphasis: Dribbling

Field Preparation:

  • each player with a ball
  • cones to mark off area
  • pinnies

Description:

  • 4 corners are “safe zones”
  • the hunters carrying pinnies with their hand trying to tag other players
  • tagged players take over the pinnie
  • one player only allowed in a safe zone
  • player has to leave if another dribbles inside the safe zone

Variation:

  • vary number of safe zones/hunters to keep all players engaged
  • hunters tag other players by passing the ball against another player’s ball or leg
  • adjust spacing depending on the age and ability of the group if necessary

Coaching Points:

  • deception
  • set up defender
  • change of speed & direction
  • protect the ball
  • vision
  • acceleration
  • close control
  • soft touch

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