Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Receiving out of the Air

Receivin Air WP (15 mins)

Organization:

1. 10 x 40 yard areas, set up as shown

2. Players divided into groups of 3s

3. 2 balls per group

Instructions:

1. Player 1 serves the ball underarm/throw ins

2. Player 2 uses proper receiving techniques to get ball under control using feet, thigh, chest

3. After getting ball under control player 2 pass the ball back to Player 1, then turns to repeat the activity to Player 3

4. The activity is repeated for 10 successful receives then players switch roles

Coaching Points:

1. Players should get their bodies behind the ball

2. Advance to meet ball in its flight

3. Chose appropriate surface for receive based on flight of ball

4. upon contact with the ball players should quickly retract the body part directing the ball to the ground 

Progression:

1.P - Increase distance of pass

2.P - Players can only receive with the weaker foot

3. Ask the receiving player to return the pass without ball touching the ground

1v1 Air Balls (15 mins)

Organization:

- 8-12 players playing 1v1 + Goalie set up as shown

- 20X20 yard playing area

Red players are defenders

Blue/yellow players are attackers

Coach becomes referee/ball server

Instructions:

- coach passes an air ball to the attacking

- attacker must take a good first touch before making nextr action

- defender is released on the coaches pass

- both players play a 1v1 game where defender tries to score in two small goals while attackers scores in empty net

Coaching Points:

- Attacker must take a positive first touch on the ball and observe defender before making next move

- Attackers try to use skilll moves to get pass defender and get a shot on goal

- Defenders should apply immediate pressure after pass and try to prevent attacker shooting

- Attackers MUST SHOOT when they create space between themselves and the defender

Progressions:

1. players work in pairs 2v2

2. defender is release before pass

CG - 4v4 Square (25 mins)

Organization:

- 8 players playing 4V4 set up as shown

- 20X20 yard playing area

Coach becomes referee

Instructions:

- Players are encourage to pass when the see an open player

- Players must take 2 touches (no more/no less during game)

Coaching Points:

- Players should communicate I'm open to teammates when they are in good positions

- Players should dribble when they see no option to pass

Progressions:

1. Free play