Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Turning Squares

Unopposed

Setup:

35 x 35 - 14 cones

8 on outside square, 4 in the middle. 4 balls in play.

Players receive a ball in the middle, perform a turn and then play to a spare man. 

Players look to receive a new ball.

Adaptations (Progressions & Regressions):

1. Each turn needs to be different eg - inside hook, outside hook, step over, drag back.

2. Progression for seniors - Add a different colour ball (special ball) that only gets passed around the outside players. If a player has this ball they cant receive a ball from the middle. Adding to decision making and scanning from the middle players.

Coaching Points:

1. Head up and scanning to retrieve and release.

2. Change direction and make contact with ball to go the way you want to play.

3. Keep eyes on the ball.

Small Sided Game - End Zones

Instructions:

Same layout as previous 35 x 35.

2 mini goals each side.

Conditions: Score in either 2 goals to score a goal. No goalkeepers and players must be in the opposition half to score.

Aims: If one side is blocked, can players turn away and play the other way.

Adaptations (Progressions & Regressions):

1. If a player can perform a special turn eg - Stepover turn in the build up to a goal, it will be worth 2 points.

2. Change pitch size eg - make area bigger to make it easier and provide more space for turns to be performed.

3. Move goals - eg - a goal on each side of the pitch. Top and right for blue team, bottom and left for red. This could promote new angles and turning opportunities.

Coaching Points:

1. Keep eyes on the ball.

2. Turn and accelerate quickly.

3. Keep scanning to aid decision making.