This week’s Resource Library feature highlights a practice drill by National Soccer Coaches Association of America Senior Academy Staff Coach Tony Waiters entitled “The Four Goal Game”. Tony is an experienced coach and former player at the elite level, was the first Director of the NSCAA Goalkeeping Academy, a position he held until 2006, and is still active on the NSCAA Coaching Academy Staff.  

Born in Liverpool, England, he spent 10 years playing at the professional level for Blackpool FC in the English Football League and Burnley FC, in addition to five appearances with the English National Team from 1964-1965. As a coach, he has held positions as the Lancashire FA Instructor, English FA Regional Coach and managed the Liverpool FC’s Youth Development Program, the England Professional Youth Team and the Plymouth Argyle of the Football League.

In 1977, he moved to North America and coached the Canadian National Team from 1981-1986 and 1990-1991. He was inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame as a builder in 2001. Today, Tony is President and Technical Director of World of Soccer, a company that focuses on soccer coaching, teaching systems and products that generate team success through age-appropriate development.

The featured piece today from Tony Waiters includes a possession-oriented game with progressive rules to build on in order to encourage ball movement and seeing the field. Although it was developed for young pros it is just as appropriate with 11- or 12-year olds, but keeps the numbers at 4 vs. 4 or 5 vs. 5.

Download the session now!

Contents:                                                                                   

• Objectives of the Four Goal Game.

• Organization of the Four Goal Game.

• Coaching Points for both the offense and defense.

• Additional rules that may be included to make the drill more challenging.

The Four Goal Game has been made available for a short time for both members and non-members. This article, along with hundreds more, can be found in the NSCAA Resource Library at www.nscaa.com/education/library.

To find out how to get the most out of the Resource Library read the launch release.

On a regular basis, NSCAA will feature an article or practice plan from the Resource Library. To have your Resource Library upload featured on NSCAA.com, contact Chris Burt at cburt@nscaa.com.

Additional articles by Tony Waiters that can be found in the Resource Library:

The Progressive Numbers Game

This drill works on players being comfortable in defending 1 vs. 1 by giving them an opportunity to outfox an opponent by dribbling, screening and feinting.

http://www.nscaa.com/education/library/445-the-progressive-numbers-game

Shooting Sessions for Players of All Ages

This practice plan includes two shooting sessions aimed at developing players’ ability to create angles and improve shooting from central areas.

http://www.nscaa.com/education/library/394-shooting-sessions-for-players-of-all-ages-by-tony-waiters

Coach/Parent Guide

Tony’s advice concerning how coaches can get parents involved with their child’s soccer team in the most effective and productive way.

http://www.nscaa.com/education/library/446-coach-parent-guide

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