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ByCopper Mountain Soccer

Triangle Support

Coach: Renata Lawson

Club: Copper Mountain Soccer Club

Role: Director of Coaching

Qualification: USSF “C” (United States)

Date: October 11, 2022

Duration: 1 hour

Age Group: U8–U18

Session Objective

Improve attacking support by consistently forming triangles.

Warm-Up: Triangle Passing

Description

Set up two triangles, with 1–2 players at each cone.

  • The receiving player backpedals off the cone to receive the ball with their upfield foot, away from pressure (represented by the triangle shape)
  • The second touch is a pass to the next player, who is also backpedaling off their cone
  • After passing, the player follows the pass and moves to the next cone

Players should never pass through the triangle, as it represents the opposing team. Switch the passing direction halfway through the exercise.

Coaching Points

  • Adjust body shape so the ball can be received with the upfield foot
  • Open hips to cushion and redirect the ball with the inside of the foot
  • Take a quick second touch to pass
  • Challenge players to increase passing speed
  • Pass with a locked ankle using the inside of the foot
  • Backpedaling helps create space and keeps eyes on the ball

Activity 1: 8v2 or 4v1 Rondo

Description

In a 20×20 yard grid, players pass to keep possession away from two defenders.

  • If a defender wins the ball (not just kicks it away), the player who made the pass becomes a defender
  • The defender who has been in the longest rotates out
  • Begin with the coach as the only defender if needed

As players improve, progress to:

  • One defender
  • Two defenders
  • Two 4v1 rondos in 10×10 yard grids

Coaching Points

  • Backpedal to create space and maintain vision
  • Receive with the upfield foot (know the next pass before receiving)
  • Use quick touches
  • Pass with a locked ankle using the inside of the foot
  • Ask players how bigger triangles help maintain possession (they move the ball further from pressure)

Activity 2: Backward Goals

Description

Set up two 4×6 goals facing away from each other, approximately 15 yards apart.

  • Create two teams
  • Send out the first three players from each team
  • Roll the ball out between the goals
  • Players have 1.5 minutes to score on either goal

After a goal or time expires, reset and send out the next group.

Coaching Points

  • Create larger triangles with teammates
  • Move and backpedal to create passing lanes
  • Receive with the upfield foot and pass quickly
  • Communicate so teammates know where support is
  • Play away from pressure

Activity 3: Scrimmage

Description

Scrimmage with emphasis on:

  • Throw-ins
  • Building out of the back (use the halfway line as the build-out line)

Coaching Points

  • Form large triangles with teammates
  • Move/backpedal to create space and passing lanes
  • Receive with the upfield foot and play quickly
  • Communicate constantly
  • Spread out and play away from pressure
  • Freeze play occasionally and ask players how many triangles they see, checking overall spacing

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