Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Recap Re-Assess (Start Time: 2014-05-06 17:30:00)

Passing Drill (20 mins)

Objectives:

To develop good habits by,

1- Receiving the ball on angles.

2- Receiving the ball on the half turn.

3- Receiving the ball with back foot.

We start the drill with 2 balls, then 3 and we finish the drill with 4 balls at once.

This improves awareness and creating space as an individual.

Coaching Points:

1- All players must go to meet the ball when receiving a pass.

2- It is important that players receive the ball at an angle and with back foot (the foot furthest away from the ball) this would put players automatically on the half turn so they can see all players involved.

3- Creat space by checking (move away from the ball then return to meet it).

The benefit from this will develop a player efficiency, mobility and awareness with or without the ball.

Progression:

Change direction of the drill from anti-clockwise to clockwise.

A simple command to the players of "change" will achive this.

Individual ball work & Combination play (30 mins)

ORGANISATION:

Mark out an area where a target player (T1) can move up and down the width of the field. Starting point approx where indicated above.

5 Attackers (Red)

5 Defenders (Blue)

1 Goalkeeper (Yellow)

1 Target player (Red)

INSTRUCTIONS:

In the example above the Red attacking team combines with each other following the starting sequence to create combinations to create chances on goal. Switch the roles of attacking and defending after 10 minutes. The restart positions can be varied. The coach works with the attacking team to identify the key points of attacking using the various combinations that are available in the final and middle thirds of the field.

T1 can be used for support for the attacking team from behind the line.

SCORING:

2 teams compete and attempt to score. The attacking team scores by scoring on the goal. The defending team scores by clearing the ball out to player T1. The defending team has only 10 touches to play the ball to T1. The touch restriction can be removed if necessary.

KEY COACHING POINTS:

1. On A2 receiving the ball, the players in front (Midfielders and Forwards) should be making runs to create space to receive, open space to dribble, or create space for another teammate.

2. Support runs from players deeper (full backs, etc)

3.Checking runs should be made across defenders. Check away first from where you want to receive the ball.

4.Discuss the range of passing options available. Into the feet of checking front players, through balls to front players, 1-2 combinations with flank players or front players.

5.Eye contact and communication on passing so the timing of runs is correct and recognizing the moment to pass.

6.Use the attributes of the players to assess for potential combinations (i.e. aerial flicks, 1-2s, etc) High balls into tall strikers, low to fast quicker players.

7.Discuss combinations with wing players and potential overlaps.

8.Discuss combinations with midfielders breaking free in central areas.

9.Discuss combinations with the forwards.

10.Opportunities to switch play using combinations.

11.Patience to wait for good combination opportunities to pass into advanced positions.