Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): TECHNICAL - DEFENSIVE SKILLS - GU14W (WSSL TRAVEL) (Start Time: 2014-04-23 17:30:00)

Dynamic Warm-up (20 mins)

Organization:

10x20 yard area (grid)

Groups of 6 players

Cones / Flags / Markers / Poles (4 different objects matched on each corner)

Instructions:

- First Player in the groups move around the three cones; on coaches command, it's a race to one of the four corners (which ever coach calls out).

- Point to the team of the quicker player.

Coaching Points:

- Head Up

- Quick feet

- Low center of gravity

- Explosive movement to flag or cone that is called

- Quick thinking/decision making

Progressions:

- Opposite of what coach calls (if flag, go to cone and vice versa)

- Vary the movement around the three cones

- Add a pass from the next person in line waiting, and person whose turn it is has to dribble while executing sequence

Main Theme II (20 mins)

Organization:

30x40 yard area

Players will play 4v3

Instructions:

- Attacking team will attack 3 small gated goals on the endline; score by dribbling through the gate.

- Defensive counter goals are at opposite end of the field.

- Players in line A will pass to either player from line B who will quickly dribble towards their gated goals.

- As ball is played in players in line D come out to put pressure on the attackers to pressure and delay while player C transitions to defense to assist.

- Players switch lines (A to B; C to D); teams will switch as a group from Attack to Defence after set amount of time.

Coaching Points:

- What type of pressure and delay?

- How does 3rd defender join and get involved?

- Does the player joining read the visual cue?

- Do the players communicate?

- Does the player providing pressure have a good angle of approach and stance?

- Can the defenders counter-attack quickly after winning possession?

Match (15 mins)

Organization:

6v6 plus GKs

60x40 yard area

Instructions:

- Regular Match

Coaching Points:

- Look to find and attack 1v1 or 2v1 situations.

- Off the ball movement.

- Combination play.

- Shoot when opportunity arises.

- Find target player early.

- Speed of play.

Progression:

Regression: