Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Supporting the Ball and Player When in Possession

Warm up - Continuos / Dynamic Movement w Ball (10 mins)

ORGANIZATION:

All 12 players are in the centre half circle (or equivalant size if circle not available for use)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Each Player has a ball, Moving around the circle. Challenge is to achieve as many touches as possible on the ball in 5 to 10 mins, depending on alotted. Use ball skills from previous sessions:

(scissors, step overs, chucks, V Pulls, L Pulls, drags, pull backs, turns, cuts, maradona, cruyf, inside/outsides, switch ball, keep ups, rollies.....combine 2 moves at one time,....etc)

OBJECTIVES:

Use different parts of the feet

Changing directions often

Tempo of movement

Awareness of whats around them

Warm Up - Technical Prep (10 mins)

ORGANIZATION:

Set up a 20 x 20yrd grid, 1 Ball for play, other balls around the outside of grid. 6 Neutral Players on the outside of the grid. 2 teams of 3 players per team inside the grid. 3 Green Bibs, 3 White Bibs.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Game is played 3 v 3 + 6. The 6 players on outside of grid act as neutrals. Attacking players need to check towards ball in order to receive the ball on the half-turn and play to another player on their team or a neutral player to keep possession. 1 point for a diamond combination and 2 points for a switch of play from one side of area to the other side. Defenders try to regain posession and become attackers.

OBJECTIVES:

Movement off the ball

Communication & Decision Making

Postiivte touches &  Play what you see

Analytical - 3 Zone Soccer (15 mins)

ORGANIZATION:

Set up a 30yrd x 18yrd playing area. Divide the area into 3rds with each 3rd is 10yrds x 18yds.Have 15 players into 3 groups, 1 ball for play and the other balls spread around outside of grid for easy access. 5 players in each grid, 4 attackers, and 1 defender. Defenders wear bibs.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 ball is used. 4 v 1 in each box starting with left box (call it the def 3rd to relate it to real game). Each player must get at least 1 touch of the ball & keep it away from the defender, before they can transfer it to next box. Middle box must do the same before transferring ball to final box where attackers have a shot on target. Coach players to support the player and ball when their team has possession and doesnt have possession. Go forward when they have option, If not, be patient, keep the ball, remind them to play what they see.

PROGRESSION:

1 - Add in 16th player as a 2nd defender.

2 - Once player in middle box recieves ball, they are able to play whatever way they wish (ex - play it back to where it came from) also,end boxes can transfer to each other ( ex -play a long ball over top)

COACHING POINTS:

Movement off the ball - support the man and support the ball

Distance and Angles of support

Communication (eye contact)

Good body and team shape, preparaton for a positive touch