Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Variable practice - control and turning

Variable practice - control and turn

Organisation:

15 x 15m outer square marked out with cones, with inner square marked out with cones about 2-3 m apart. This can be adapted to suit any age group or ability, but this is used for Under 8's.

All players have a ball each. For this size of square, no more than 8 players to avoid congestion.

Coloured bibs available.

Drill:

Have all the players dribble around the outer square. They can use any skills they like and move in any direction. They must keep out of the inner square initially.

As the progressions are introduced, players are encouraged to dribble at speed into and out of the inner square.

Progression:

Number the players 1 - 8. Give red bibs to odd numbered players; blue bibs to even numbered players.

On the command 'GO', all of the players have to dribble towards and through the small square, being careful not to bump into any other players.

The coach shouts the command 'Odds' or 'Even's' and the corresponding players that are given an odd or even number only dribble into and out of the square. This provides more room and space for those four players. Those that are not called continue to dribble within the outer square.

Players are encouraged to dribble into the inner square, do a skill / trick (roll over; step over; etc) and dribble out of the square.

Players are encouraged to dribble into the inner square, then move to the exit of the inner square to their right (as illustrated) The following progression should then amend that by exiting to the left square of which the entered. This will teach players to dribble and change direction at speed as if to get away from an opponent.

Key skills:

Dribbling the ball, having lots of touches with different parts of your feet

Keeping your head up

Concentration - are you an odd or even numbered player?

Turning technique - use the inside and outside parts of your feet

Change of speed