Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Tempo Control

Possession with tempo (35 mins)

Description - 35x25 yard grid. 4v4+3 Reds work with the yellows and have to try keep possession. If blues win possession 3 times, they swap with the reds.

Can either count passes or time how long team keep possession

Progressions

Play directional

a) Yellows passing across grid using reds = 1 point

b) Yellow on outside passing to central yellow, who passes to a red = 2 points

c) Yellow on outside passing to central yellow, who passes across to other yellow

Technical - passing and receiving, movement, dribbling, defending 1v1 and as a unit, angles of support, combination play

Tactical - Early decisions (retain possession or combine with teammates),, reaction to loss of possession (pressure quickly or drop back), when to be patient in build up and retain possession and when to attack with purpose, yellow receiving with open body

Physical - stamina, speed, acceleration, balance, coordination, strength to hold off defenders, agility

Psychological/Social - confidence on the ball, competition, teamwork, decision making, communication

Learning Objectives

Quick passing included limited touches.

Players should be constantly working to create good supporting angles.

Develop forward, side and back passing patterns and support.

Movement of the central midfield neutral to get open.

Defenders should work hard and as a unit to close down space and pressure the football.

Controlling the tempo (35 mins)

Description

Half pitch set up as shown. 8 v 8 + GK. Play starts with the coach passing in to the midfielder (4) within the Safe Zone (SZ). Blue team can not engage in the SZ. Red lines used for visualisation purposes of areas of responsibility. (Ensure understanding with players of what this means)

Red team try to score a goal. Play restarts when ball goes dead or blue team win possession.

Rotate players at appropriate intervals.

Progression

- Change start position - GK plays out to the blue team who have to try and cross the white line with the ball

- One blue midfielder runs with the ball past the half way line. Once he passes that line the coach plays another ball in to the red team. (mix up coach's choice of pass here in relation to the blue player who has vacated their position)

Technical

- Effective control

- Passing accuracy and tempo

- Attacking skills

Tactical

- Recognition of opportunity to exploit space within a certain position

- Positional awareness

- Movement

Physical

- Strength on the ball

- Acceleration/deceleration with/without the ball

Psychological/Social

- Focus/concentration

- Information detail

- Trigger cues