Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Using the Outside of the Foot

Warm Up 1 (10 mins)

Organization:

1.Two 15 x 15 yard areas set up as shown

2.12 players set up as shown

3.12 balls

Instructions:

1.The activity starts with 6 players in each area

2.Players then attempt to knock out each others ball while maintaining possession of their own ball

3.If a player gets knocked out of their area, they join the other area

4.If a player ends up in one area on their own, they’re the winner

Coaching Points:

1.Head up

2.Close control of the ball

3.Shield the ball when necessary

Progressions:

P – Players that get knocked out now move into the next square without a ball

Technical Development - Turning (10 mins)

Organization:

Players work in pairs, one ball per pair.

Instructions:

Dribble out through the gate, perform a turn around the cone, return to your side, get back in line.

Turns to practice: Inside Cut, Outside Cut. Alternate R/L

Coaching Points:

Quick turns.

Get low to create platform to accelerate from

Progressions

- Race, first team to go back and forth ten times wins.

Technical Development - Opposed (15 mins)

Organization:

1.Two 20 x 30 yard areas as shown

2.Two teams of 6 players

3.Lots of soccer balls with coach

Description:

1.The Coach passes a ball into each area, teams send two players into opposing half to play 4 v 2

2.Defending players attempt to steal ball and return it to their own area

3.If successful, play 6 v 2 with 2 soccer balls for as long as possible

4.Attacking team scores points for every pass completed when both soccer balls are in their own area

Coaching Points:

1.Speed of play

2.Importance of using 1st touch to move away from pressure

3.Keep the ball moving

4.Awareness of space

5.Combination play to keep defenders moving and unbalanced

Progression:

1.P - Add 3rd defender if attacking team keep both balls for a set period of time

2.R – Send only one player over to defend to play 5v1

3.R - Use only one ball. Possessing team gets a point if they complete 5 consecutive passes during the 6v2. Outside foot passes count double.