The "Pick" Throw In

Field size: 30 yards by 10 yards

Number of players: at least four players; one player to throw the ball in and then three field players

Age range: 10-12

Description: Separate into groups or setup lines for each position in this drill. One player runs down the line and another player checks back to a player who is throwing the ball in and blocks the path of the defender who is trying to follow the player making the run down the line. 

This usually works best with the central midfielder making a run down the line and the wide midfielder checking back inside and blocking or setting a "pick" on the defender marking that player. 

Be careful though, you don’t want to make this too obvious – just get in the way of the defender and don’t knock them over or anything, of course. This is might be football but it’s not American football.

Extra: Setting picks in socer is actually pretty common believe it or not, just watch an English Premier League game when they’re setting up for a corner kick. Invariably, you’ll see at least one or two picks before the corner kick is even taken. As it’s a mad dash to the ball and players are running into one another, so it’s easy to disguise a pick when so many players are jostling for position and try to be first to the ball.

Equipment needed: Cones and practice vests.