Player Manual
Player Manual
Player Manual
US Youth
Soccer ODP
Player Manuali
To that end, all US Youth Soccer ODP training sessions and events are geared toward teaching the players
the right principles specific to the possession playing style. US Youth Soccer ODP coaches throughout the
country are trained to focus on these principles and follow the official US Youth Soccer ODP Coaching
Manual and curriculum.
Since contact time in US Youth Soccer ODP is limited compared to club level and most US Youth Soccer
state association and region ODP events are short and spaced out over the year, we are constantly
looking at ways to enhance and accelerate the learning process for the players. This manual is another
tool we use to speed up learning by providing the players valuable information in addition to the training
sessions and events.
We ask that you read this manual carefully and learn the information. You should know the 4-3-3
numbering system and memorize and understand the 10 principles of possession soccer. We recommend
that you read the manual a few times and review it before coming to any ODP function. By doing this, you
will get more out of the program, become a smarter player, and be able to perform better at training
sessions and events. Don’t hesitate to ask your coaches if you have questions.
F IGURE 1 K EY TO D IAGRAMS
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At the youngest US Youth Soccer ODP age group, we play 9 vs. 9 and use a similar numbering system in
order to facilitate a smooth transition from 9 vs. 9 to 11 vs. 11. In the 9 vs. 9 games, we play out of a 3-1-1-3
formation as shown in diagram 1B. Note in diagram 1B that players 4 and 5 are combined into one position
and the same is done with players 8 and 10. Also notice that the 3-1-1-3 formation in 9 vs. 9 looks a lot like
the 4-3-3 minus 2 players. By doing this, we can teach you in the 9 vs. 9 environment the same behavior,
movement, and decisions that you would be expected to know in the 11 vs. 11 environment.
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D IAGRAM 1A
D IAGRAM 1B
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D IAGRAM 1C
In diagram 1C the ball is with the left defender 3. Notice how the winger 7 is still wide and attacking
midfielder 8 is still on the right side staying away from the ball and making the field big. Winger 7 and
midfielder 8 should resist the temptation to check toward the ball since this will create a congested
midfield.
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Diagrams 2A and 2B illustrate two scenarios and the recommended peeling off movement of all the
players ahead of the ball.
D IAGRAM 2B P LAYER 3 HAS THE BALL . P LAYER 9 CAN EITHER PEEL OFF OR CHECK TOWARDS THE BALL .
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Diagram 3 shows how the player on the left flank bends his/her run to get even wider. This spreads out the
opponents and creates a passing lane into the flank.
Also, notice how the player in the middle who is
standing with his/her back to goal starts with a flat run
and opens his/her body and then bends his/her run to
get onto a through ball. This flat run gives the passer
time to see how the opponents react to the run, allows
him/her to judge the pass, gives the passer more
options and avoid being off-side.
D IAGRAM 4
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Diagram 4 shows an example of a run that is triggered by another run. In diagram 4, player 11 receives the ball
from player 3. Player 9 checks towards the ball and player 10 sees the field and makes a run behind the
back line for a through ball into the space created by player 9’s run. You can see how winger 11 has a
couple of options: to combine with 9 or to play a through ball for 10.
Note: if you are checking towards the ball with your back to goal,
you should already know what you will do with the ball before you
get it. Most likely you should make a first time pass to a teammate
rather than hold the ball. D IAGRAM 5
D IAGRAM 6A
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Of course, there are exceptions to this principle. For example, if the back pass is part of a combination
play like a wall pass or a back-through passing sequence to penetrate, it is of course ok.
Diagrams 6A and 6B demonstrate the typical scenarios where a back pass should be followed by a switch.
The switch can be a square ball or a diagonal ball. Either way, the key is to send the ball into another area
of the field where we have a better chance of penetration.
D IAGRAM 6B
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Diagram 7 illustrates how the ball is circulated with a string of mostly diagonal passes from side to side and
from back to front, never staying in the same area for too long.
In Diagram 7, the ball starts with right back 2 and by the fourth pass it is with the left winger 11 and by the
eighth pass it is back on the right flank for winger 7. The ball doesn’t stay in the same place for long,
making it hard for the other team to press with numbers.
D IAGRAM 7
Diagrams 8A and 8B show how the team should be positioned on a goal kick to make the field big and
give the goalkeeper some options for a pass. Diagram 8A is the preferred shape, with defenders 4 and 5
spread to the corners of the penalty area and the outside backs 2 and 3 pushed up and wide and the rest
of the team pushed up. Diagram 8B shows how defenders 4 and 5 can drop down to receive the ball if the
other team is pressing them when they are positioned like in diagram 8A.
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D IAGRAM 8A
D IAGRAM 8B
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Diagram 9 shows how the back line can drop deep to receive the ball and switch it, or the midfielders can
check away to create space and then check to the ball to receive it and switch.
D IAGRAM 9
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iDeveloped by Jacob Daniel, Technical Director for Georgia Soccer and US Youth Soccer
Region III ODP Boys Head Coach.
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Players in US Youth Soccer ODP should also participate with their club team in one of the region
leagues, the national league and in the national championships series.
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Mission Statement
US Youth Soccer is non-profit and educational organization whose mission is to foster the physical,
mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer
at all levels of age and competition.
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