Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): u11G Starburst

Technical Repetitions (10 mins)

Organization:

1. Players set up as shown.

2. Gates (shown in blue) are 2yd.

3. Distance cone A to cone B = 10-15yd.

4. Distance cone B to cone C = 8-10yd.

Instructions:

1. Player B moves off the cone to receive from Player A.

2. Player B Passes to player C

3. Player C crosses ball into mini goal before joining back of opposite line.

4. Rotation: A2 > A1 > B > C > A2

Coaching Points/Questions:

1. Movement - timing and direction (towards the ball, away from the ball).

2. Weight and accuracy of pass.

3. Quality of set - take weight off the ball, allow teammate to step into pass.

4. Technical execution of cross - contact ball at mid-line (or slightly above), controlled follow through.

Regressions/Progressions:

1. Ensure players work on both sides.

2. Player B sets for Player A. (progression)

3. Player A sends one-touch pass to Player C.(progression)

4. Vary movement: Player C combines with Player A to release Player B for long pass.

5. Adjust distances as needed.

Game Situation/Conditioned Game (20 mins)

Organization:

1. Field set up as shown.

2. Two large goals or mini goals as needed/available.

3. Wide channels outlined with cones.

Instructions:

1. Teams play a regular game with specific considerations.

2. Regular restarts.

Attacking Considerations

1. Attacking team tries to occupy both wide channels when the ball is in the central channel.

2. Ball carrier needs options in ball channel and central zone when ball is out wide.

3. Avoid occupying both wide channels when ball is out wide.

Defensive Considerations

1. Look to occupy central channel with all players when ball is central.

2. Look to occupy central and ball possession area when ball is wide.

Game Management Considerations

1. Add these conditions after 5-10 minutes of play.

2. Team A starts the game with a three goal lead.

3. Team A can add points by scoring a goal or by connecting passes in all three zones in one possession sequence. Alternative: 8 consecutive passes (regardless of where) = 1pt.

4. Team B has five minutes to tie or win the game.

5. Rotate roles so both teams experience each set of game management situations.

Coaching Points/Questions:

1. When/how do we provide width?

2. How do we provide/create balance in attack?

3. How do we react when the ball gets switched?

4. Defensive transition - counter-press when losing possession.

5. Game awareness - when to play quickly vs. when to slow down.

6. Game awareness - when to retain possession vs. when to penetrate.

Regressions/Progressions:

1. Adjust dimensions as needed.

2. Remove the wide channels and finish with free play.