Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Wednesday 4th

Core Skills (30 mins)

Session Detail

In two small 7 x 7m areas there are two 3 v 1's, the defending player changes based on who they win possession from, while there is a player running with the ball to the other square. On their approach they communicate one players name and then pass that player the ball, these two players then change positions.

Coaching Points

- How to run with the ball; running style and surface use

- Off ball movement

- Pressing

Progression(s)

- Change the activity from a 3 v 1 to:

- Juggling; with a partner

- Ball manipulation

- 1 v 1 ball protecting

- Weak foot passing; in pairs or use a bound board

Theme Focus 2 (20 mins)

Session Detail

The main area is broken into thirds; length-way with goals situated at each end of the central zone and small goals (or targets) set 10-15m away from the ends of the wide zones. Teams can score a point by scoring centrally or dribbling to break the end line in the wide area and scoring with their first touch out of the area. As soon as the line is broken in a wide area, the coach plays a new ball into the team with an overload and they can attack immediately. Emphasise that if a team are not able to win possession and can force the opposing team wide, they will be rewarded with an opportunity to counter-attack as they have been able to defend the central zone.

Coaching Points

- Combinations in wide areas (BP)

- Scoring from wide; recap points from Theme Focus 1 (BP)

- 1 v 1/2 v 2/3 v 3 defending (BPO)

- Blocking crosses, making opponent predictable (BPO)

Progression(s)

- Reincentivise the points; e.g. 2 points for scoring in the central area (risk vs reward)

- Coach to add new ball sporadically to create outnumbered situations; both centrally and in wide zones.