Columbus Crew
Contributed by Columbus Crew head coach, Greg Andrulis
Warm-Up
The players start most practices with a variation of 5 v 2 or 6 v 2 in small grids. They are then organized into two teams and each team is split into two groups of four players and positioned in lines as shown in diagram 21. The players perform a variety of passing and movement exercises. After each sequence the players stretch.
The players in line 1 and 2 are one team and lines 3 and 4 are another team. Once the players are warmed up, competition is introduced. For example, the first team to have all their players complete passes and end up in their original starting positions win. Or the first team to complete 20 consecutive passes wins.
Variations
Players in opposite lines dribble toward each other and do a takeover
Using two touches, the players pass the ball to the opposite line and follow their pass joining the back of the opposite line. The players' first touch should be at an angle to create movement and a passing lane
Use two touches as before but vary the technique with just the inside of the foot, outside of the foot, etc.
Use two touches, pass the ball to the opposite line and backpedal to join the back of your own line
Progression
The first player in line 1 passes to line 3. The first player in line 3 passes to line 4. The first player in line 4 passes to line 2. The first player in line 2 passes to line 1. After passing, the players follow their pass and join the end of the line they have passed to. The sequence continues with the next player in line 1 passing to line 3.
Progressions
Change directions
Once the exercise is flowing, a second ball is introduced starting at line 4.
Coaching Points
Weight of the pass
Direction of the passes
Control the ball across the body
Play to feet.
Half-Field Competition
The two teams now compete in a variety of exercises to goal. One team is attacking and one team is defending. The ball is in play until a goal is scored, a goal-kick or throw-in is given, or if the defending team scores a goal through the small goals (cones) on the half-line. This encourages second chances and transition. After 10 attacks, the teams change roles. Keep track of the score to make the game competitive.
Sequence One
3 v 2 to goal with a goalkeeper.
Sequence Two
4 v 2 to goal with a goalkeeper.
Sequence Three
5 v 3 to goal with a goalkeeper.
9 v 9 Game
Practice ended with a game on a full field with the goals positioned on the top of each penalty area. Full size goals and goalkeepers are used.
The winner of the game was the first team to three goals or a maximum of six minutes, whichever comes first. In this game, the six minutes came first so the game was decided by an MLS shoot-out.
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