Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Possession with a Purpose: Retaining Possession to Penetrate

Stage 1: Warm Up (15 mins)

INTENSITY: Moderate ACTIVITY TIME: 3 mins REST: 1 min INTERVALS: 3

Activity:

- Divide players into group of 4

- 4 v 2 with 2 players resting.

- The yellow team must make at least 3 passes before they can pass ball into the next square for one of the yellow players to run onto. If successful all four blue players move into the next square and again try to get at least 3 passes before looking to play in the original square.

- If the yellow team is successful in playing into the open square the 2 defending players exit and the other 2 opponents enter.

- If possession is lost teams reverse roles.

- Every successful movement from one square to the other = 1 point. First team to 10 points wins.

Coaching Points:

1. Pass weight and accuracy

2. First touch - take in the direction you want to play and open body position

3. Principles of Attacking Play: Mobility and support play (angles & distance)

Stage 3: Expanded Activity (25 mins)

INTENSITY: Moderate ACTIVITY TIME: 6 mins REST: 1 min INTERVALS: 3

Activity:

- 5v5 with 4 Target Players to 2 small goals.

- Target players can move up and down the sidelines but are restricted to play two touch maximum.

- Encourage teams to recognize when and why to use the extra target players so that they understand how to control the tempo so they see when it is important to retain possession and not force the pass.

Progressions:

1. Rotate target players.

2. Allow target player to dribble on to the field when gaining possession of the ball. When possession is lost they must go back to the sideline

Coaching points:

1. As previous Principles of Attacking Play

2. Forwards #9 providing depth and movement in between the lines

3. Combination Play

4. Switching the Point of Attack, when & why