Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): SAP (U8-U12) - RWTB - Community - S1

Skill Training - Chasers (15 mins)

Organisation: 

Mark out a grid of approximately 30m x 20m, with 4 small goals and a shooting line roughly 5m from each goal line. 

Evenly split teams as shown. 

If possible (and if required), create two grids to keep players engaged for longer and minimise time waiting in line. 

How to Play:

The exercise starts with the first player of the blue team running with the ball to the opposite side and shooting the ball into the goal. They can only shoot once they have crossed the line into the shooting zone. 

As soon as the blue player shoots at goal, the first red player starts running with the ball to the opposite side. 

At the same time, the blue player who just shot at goal, will turn around and chase the red player to try and catch up with them. 

Count the goals! Which team scores the most goals?

Coaching Tips:

Run as fast as you can but keep the ball under control

If the defender catches up with you, this is what you can do (demonstrate)

- Feint to turn and accelerate again

- Feint to stop and accelerate again

- Cut off the defenders by crossing in front of them

CHANGEIT / Progressions:

Start the activity by not allowing the defenders to tackle but only apply pressure on the ball carrier. This will allow you to have a better flow before giving the defenders the ability to stop the attackers from shooting. 

Allow players to take on the defender 1v1 if they manage to get in front of the attacker and allow the attacker to score in both goals. 

If you need to make it easier, make the chaser just race the dribbler to the shooting line. If the chaser reaches the shooting line first, the chaser's team gains a point. 

Skill Game - End Zone (20 mins)

Organisation:

Create a grid with scoring zones on the long sides of the grid. This way the pitch shape is short but wide. 

How to Play:

Evenly split teams play a game. To score a goal, a player must run with the ball across the opponent's by-line and stop the ball in scoring zone. 

Coaching Tips:

Spread out; use the width of the field

We must have a centre forward and 1 wingers

Run with the ball whenever you see space in front of you

Don't be afraid to take on opponents

When a defender is chasing you, use the skills you practiced earlier

CHANGEIT / Progressions:

To make it easier, you can make the pitch wider or add a neutral player who always plays with the team that has the ball. 

To make it harder, you can make the pitch narrower.