Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Create goal scoring opportunities & defending situations

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Set Up: Players in 3 positions facing a large goal with GK, Ball each player.

Format: A goes 1v1 against GK • After the attacker’s action, they have to turn & defend against B in a 1v1 plus GK• A stays as the def as player C comes in and attacks in a 2v1 with B. 

Progressions: Add mini-goals for the defending team to transition into and score in they regain possession• Goalkeeper gets a point for every time they catch the ball, and loses a point every time they concede

Coaching points:  CREATING/FINISHING GOALSCORING OPPORTUNITIES• Calmness and composure to make effective decisions when 1v1 with the GK Identify GK positioning and where the space is: pass the ball in, go around or over the goalkeeper. 

Develop 1v1 skills to slow the defender down, feint to unbalance defender and shift to open up the space to finish. Try to get players to experiment in different ways to create space for goal scoring opportunities. 

In 2v1 situations, encourage players to commit the defender before finding the spare man, or ‘show and go’ themselves to finish.• Encourage the second player to follow in for rebounds. 

OUT OF POSSESSION1v1 & 1v2 DEFENDING• Defending 1v1 techniques: side-on, force away from goal, watch the ball, move your feet with the attackers, use closest leg to the ball to block. Don’t turn your back! Have the bravery to let the ball hit you to block shots. 

 Defending 1v2. Use your body to screen the pass into the second player and make it a 1v1 situation. Then apply pressure in the same way as above