Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 16/1/2024 U17MJL Girls Session 1, W2, C1 (Start Time: 2024-01-16 19:00:00)

Screen 1 (10 mins)

Set Up: FIFA 11 Warm up or equivalent

Organisation:

Coaching Points:

Progressions:

Screen 3 (20 mins)

Set Up: Grids 10m x 5m (size for age) 4 players per grid and half with bibs. Red and blue players at opposite ends of the grid to start.

Organisation: 1 of the red players passes the ball across the grid to the opposing blue and enters to defend a 1v1 with that blue attacker. The blue needs to find a pass to the remaining red on the end line to score a point. If red defender wins the ball they pass to their team mate red on the opposite end. Players take turns to attack and defend.

Coaching Points: Covering distance to close the ball down as it travels. Approaching the ball at speed to block the immediate pass forward. Not getting too close when the opponent has complete control. Hips not square-on to the attacker. Looking over the lead shoulder. Body shape to show the opponent where you want them to go. Using the side-line as a defender. Front foot tackle. Changing direction while jockeying.

Recovery runs of 2nd defender. Positioning of 2nd defender (distance, angle). Isolating an attacker. Double teaming, Dropping or pressing alternating. Communications.

Progressions: 

The Defending players approach from different angles. 

The attacking players must pass the halfway line of the grid before scoring (if initial play is too easy for attackers).

Make it a 2v1. After attacker 1 controls the ball, attacker 2 is permitted to enter the field.

Make it a 2v2. Second defender can come in once attacker 1 has control of the ball.

Second defender enters ona retreating line to the ball (not goal side of defender 1)