
Medium Mixed Bag
Objective:
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To encourage young players to think more about using the width of the field.
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To develop crossing skills and to look to finish (or defend) attacks from the flanks.
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Target:
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To generate a good, fun practice, but don't forget to keep the score.

Organization
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This is the progression from the Mini-Mixed Bag.
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Mark in an area 36 (two penalty areas long) by 30 yards wide and then further extend the width with a 6-yard channel on either side.
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Don't be tempted to us the full width of the penalty box (44 yards) as this may be too wide at this age.
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Put in a half way line, but not in the channel.
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Play 2 Attackers vs. 1 Defender and a goalkeeper in each half.
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There are two neutral "crossers" of the ball - one on each flank.
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Keep a supply of balls in each net.
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Goalkeeper at one end starts by throwing the ball out to one of the "crossers" (wingers).
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The wingers play a cross in towards the goal.
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If the defenders or the goalkeeper gets the ball they play out to one of the two wingers and the attack goes the other way.
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Rotate all players at intervals through all positions.
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Use the offside law to prevent attackers standing in front of the goalkeeper.
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If possible, organize three teams of 4 (see Progressions for "How to Organize").
Teaching
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Encourage an accurate thrown ball from the keeper to the winger.
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Wingers should aim to cross the ball towards the far post with a hard driven pass.
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The wingers should also aim the ball to split the difference with the cross in between the defender and the goalkeeper.
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Attackers should go away from the crosser and then come in fast as the ball is played in (see Corner Shot).
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Defender and goalkeeper have to work well together as the defender cannot man-mark two attackers.
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Goalkeeper should take charge and organize the defenders.
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Progressions
U12 Progressions
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Is the progression from Mini Mixed Bag.
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Adjust the width of the middle area to suit the abilities of young players, as it is imperative the crossers/wingers are successful when crossing the ball.
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Eventually, when they get older (15/16 years of age), they should be able to cope with a full Mixed Bag using the full width of the field.