Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Half-court soccer

Screen 1

U10

The ideal size of the field is 20L x 30W.

Cones and soccer ball size 4.

Weather condition: 85 F. Practice of 1 hour and 15 minutes with 10 minutes break every 30 minutes of training or if players show fatigue/decreasing level (check and adapt).

You can play 3v3, 4v4, or more.

Before starting the session, as a coach i should check the environment to avoid players getting injured, in this case, check the goal,if there is a hole on the field, etc.

If the defending team steals the ball, it will need to take and control the ball to the 2 cones in the middle to reset the play, so the defending team starts to attack and the attacking team starts to defend.

Skills used: Scanning(be aware before player comes to mark and start making a plan before receiving the ball, receiving(and aking a decision based on the plan, dribbling( In case there is no other option, as passing, for example), short combination play(1-2 in order to push the marker and/or unmark yourself to be able to finish and finishing(using techniques such as inside of the foot if you want accuracy or laces in case of a shoot with more power).

Main idea and challenge would be for players to find an open space so using guided questions so i would use guided questions during water breaks, when the ball goes out of bounds and if necessary freeze to demonstrate and guide players better by telling what they can do, check if the players understand the main goal for the session and why we are doing that, what they are learning, etc (check and adapt, ask questions, command, apply the learning circle).

At this age, players need help to deal with conflicts, for example, in this session, if the goalie does not catch the ball, defenders blame him or when attackers do not pass the ball to a teammate that they see as a weak player. I would make sure everyone feels included and that we should work as team, the more work together, the better so players do not get too tired and they get more involved, having fun and learning. Teach them how to focus on learning and having fun, not results.

Give positive feedback for players, especially if they are dealing better with their difficulties and trying their best to work as a group (give positive reinforcement).