Offensive and Defensive Systems for Youth Soccer

North Carolina Assistant Coach Jason Sisneros provides an overview of fundamental principles for effective defending and attacking at the youth level. He then analyzes systemic applications of those principles with a variety of formations, including the 3-4-3 and 4-4-2.

After laying out the fundamental principles of offense and defense and their systemic applications, Coach Sisneros uses practice footage with two youth players to present foundational one- and two-player technical drills and variations.

DEFENSIVE PRINCIPLES AND SYSTEMS
Coach Sisneros introduces the defensive elements of pressure, cover and balance. He analyzes how these elements can be implemented through a variety of systems of play, with particular focus on the 3-4-3 and 4-4-2 formations. Player positioning for the three lines of attack, midfield, and defense and off-ball awareness are stressed.

OFFENSIVE PRINCIPLES AND SYSTEMS
The essential attacking principles of width and depth are highlighted by Coach Sisneros, who elaborates on how different systems of play -- including the 3-4-3 and 4-4-2 -- can achieve these key strategic elements during a game. The roles of all three lines -- defense, midfield, and attack -- are covered.

ONE- AND TWO-PLAYER DRILLS
Using two players and practice footage, Coach Sisneros presents 12 fundamental drills that develop technical skills, including Hook Turn Patters, Repetitive and Off-Post Finishing, 12-Part Juggling, and seven different components of Pele Touches. Coach Sisneros demonstrates ways to make drill conditions increasingly game-like for players.

Coach Sisneros's analysis of how to establish fundamental principles and apply them to specific systems of play, along with his presentation of a dozen technical youth drills, will be beneficial for coaches and teams at the beginner and intermediate levels.

38 minutes (27 minutes of bonus footage). 2014.