Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Developing Support Play

Welcome Game

Welcome Games:

Set up: Two 40L x 25W grids with two cone goals on each end.

Instructions: As players arrive put them into 1 of 2 4v4 games.

Focus: Encourage players to explore how they can helpl their teammates in possession of the ball.

Tech

Pass/Receive/Turn

Set up:

Create a 5 yd by 5yd diamond with flags or coaching sticks. Place one player inside the diamond by each flag. Place other players around the 4 outside cones. Players at the cones start with the balls.

Instructions:

1. Player at the cone checks away and in front of flag, receiving the ball from player at the cone. Receiving player pass back to next player at the cone. Both follow pass.

2. Same as 1 however after player 2 passes back to 1, they then run to next outside cone clockwise. Switch directions.

3. Same as 2. As 2 receives the ball, she turns with the ball and passes to the next outside cone. Switch directions.

Coaching Points: Checking runs, quality of first touch and pass, turning with the ball, checking shoulder.

Game

8v8

Set up:

1-3-3-1 formation. 1/2 field length by width of penalty area.

Coaching points:

Early support - start supporting before the ball is received.

Good angle - support in undefended space where the pass cannot be intercepted by the defender.

Move without the ball

Support both sides of the attacker with the ball.

Focus on a good first touch in space towards a supporting player.

Distance of support