Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): SSC Training Program: Session #5 (U15+ back to train)

Dynamics (10 mins)

Organization:
*Each player has their own segregated channel for their dynamic warm ups.
*Captain is placed in the middle and is calling out the activity each time they get back to the start.

Description:
*Players run only in their own channel
*Players run to the end of their channel then cycle to the right and proceed back down that channel

Rules:
*Players are not permitted to go into another channel
*Players must not touch the cones

1v1 skills (10 mins)

Organization:
*Players in 5yx 5y boxes and also in a channel of 15-20 yards
*Players start in pairs, first player is on top of the box (between pillars) and second player at back of the box, keeping 3m apart

Description:
*Players drive at the mannequin, perform skill move and dribble to the end

*Once players reach the end square, they will turn to their right, and dribble down the middle channel back

*Once the first player reaches the box at the opposite end, the second player can begin

*Revisit the concepts of the 1v1 duel. 

• Commit the defender (drive/dribble at the defender)
• Skill move (unbalance the defender, deception - eyes, hips, arms, shoulders, leg, etc.)
• Timing (when to complete the move.. too close = defender gets into tackle, too far away = defender can adjust
• Exit (accelerate after completing the skill and beating the defender - angle & weight of touch) 

Have the players progress through various skill moves:

• Feint / head fake
• Sole roll
• Scissors
• Hop skill 
• open - give players the chance to experiment, ask them what they have in their tool kit and to show you!

Crossbar challenge (5 mins)

Organization:

*Split players into two teams

*Choose a distance for players to strike the ball towards their net (just in front of half, between 2 pillars)

*Ensure players are maintaining 3m distance

Description:

*Each team tries to strike the ball and hit the crossbar

*Players on each team alternate, but both teams can shoot at same time

*First to 5 crossbars wins!

If players are struggling with this, add in the ability to hit the posts (must be in air, can only bounce once, etc. based on ability)

Focus on coaching points to help play a lofted ball:

• contact point is underneath the ball with that second knuckle
• Leaning back to help get underneath the ball
• Angle of approach - can't be straight behind ball, don't want to be at an extreme angle either (allow foot to get underneath ball with more of an angle)
• Not about how hard or fast you swing your foot - about the striking technique!

You will notice some players may have a lot of spin on their ball. They may be striking the ball with the inside of their foot, and on the outside of the ball - causing it to spin. Remind them to contact the back of the ball, on the lower half.