The ability to make precision passes under pressure makes the difference in an average player versus a great player.

by : Alec Fenn

Here is a great example from a top performer.

As a result of his vision, low centre of gravity and magnetic touch, David Silva is considered a master. Constantly slipping passes through gaps and creating chances in the final third.

Check out this drill designed by Coerver Coaching’s Alfred Galustian (@coerveralf).

This drill is based around the Spaniard’s skill set. It will challenge you to keep the ball in tight spaces and as a result pick that killer pass when the opportunity presents itself.

If you put the time in at practice you will eventually equip your game with Silva -inspired style.  Filled with finesse, patience, good first touch and an eye for a defense splitting pass.

Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/performance/training/how-play-david-silva-master-assist#wfK1SlI37wYcheoj.99

The post Play Like David Silva: Master the Assist Killer Pass appeared first on Coerver Coaching.

Dither in front of goal no more. Supercharge the speed of your finishing with this shooting drill from Coerver Coaching.

By: Ben Welch

Mesmerising approach play, finished in a flash. Spain’s football is beautiful, but deadly.

The genius of La Roja’s highly technical passing game hogs the limelight, but it’s the speed and accuracy of their finishing that brings substance to their style.

Imagine if you could add this turbocharged ruthless streak to your game? Instead of sitting there dreaming of the impossible, focus on the screen and hit play because we might just have the answer.

FFT teamed up with Alfred Galustian, co-founder of Coerver Coaching, to create a fast finishing drill for your training sessions. The session featured in this video will not only improve the accuracy of your finishing, but teach you to do it at speed and under pressure.

The Stoke City Academy demonstrated the drills.

Coerver Coaching is the world’s number one soccer skills teaching method. For more information visit www.playgreatsoccer.com. Follow co-founder of @CoerverCoaching, @coerveralf

Read more at FourFourTwo

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Follow these 3 great tips to help you play like a pro! Playing against a strong opposition you may find that there are no sensible passing options. In these situations defenders will pressure the ball so it is vital to stay in possession to allow team mates to find space and passing options. David Silva is one of the best players at this and often makes chances using the following techniques.

1. Perfect your wriggle!

Watch David Silva wriggle free from his marker. He uses lots of little touches with both sides of each foot and is constantly changing direction. You must be comfortable using both the inside and outside of each foot if you want to keep the ball away from defenders. Coerver Ball Mastery drills are a great way of improving this skill

2. Make space to pass or shoot!

Maintaining possession is essential to give your team mates time to move into space and to create shooting options. It is important to keep your head up as much as possible whilst maintaining control of the ball. The more you have to focus on the ball the fewer options you will see and the more likely it is that the opposition will steal the ball from you. Practice ball control whilst looking up. A great way of improving this aspect of your game is to move between two cones whilst playing catch with a tennis ball. This drill will force you to keep your head up. It is important to also shield the ball from the defender. It is then possible to use a pull or drag move and spin away from the challenge, once open you can then choose to pass or shoot.

3. Look after the ball!

The ball is your friend, protecting it from defenders and maintaining possession is essential. The Spanish national team has one of the best possession percentages in the world due to the players being confident in tight situations under pressure. They always have their body or a foot between the ball and the defender to act as a shield. There are many great games coming up over the next few weeks, when watching look at how particular players such as Silva, Messi and Ronaldo protect the ball from opponents.

As with all skills practicing them in game situations is key to success.

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Follow these 3 great tips to help you play like a pro! Playing against a strong opposition you may find that there are no sensible passing options. In such cases it is possible to surge the defenders with a change of pace. Catch your defender wrong footed and you can find yourself in a strong shooting position or able to play the ball to a team mate making an attacking run!

Watch for space

We’re not talking about mazy dribbling but full-pelt sprinting with the ball, just like the Real Madrid star! To pull this off, you need to be totally aware of the space around you. If you’re approaching a defender who’s been left on his own, get ready to burn it!

Sprint it out

This technique is not about having loads of tippy tappy touches like Lionel Messi – it’s about hitting the ball into space and belting after it! Measuring your touch is the key. You’ll need just enough power on the ball to get it past the defender, while giving you enough room to beat him in a sprint! Remember to practice this skill with both your left and right foot. As with all Coerver skills it essential to be able to use both feet. This will make you a threat in any situation!

Use the surge

You can’t fly around the pitch at full speed for the whole game, so it’s important to vary your speed and pick your moment. Carry the ball at one pace towards your marker, then when you spot a moment, it’s time to surge and really turn on the gas!

As with all skills practicing them in game situations is key to success. Try simple shuttle runs dribbling with both feet and alternating speed between each run. This will give you the confidence to beat any defender in any situation you find yourself in on the pitch!

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Coerver Coaching team up with Premier League club Stoke City to show you this essential soccer practice.

The post Essential 1v1 Soccer Drills – Part 2 appeared first on Coerver Coaching.

These exercises from Coerver Coaching’s co-founder Alf Galustian are a great way to make your next practice even better.

Alf is working with Academy players from Premiership team, Stoke City.

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