Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Shooting Session plan (Start Time: 2024-10-31 17:25:00)

Shooting (skill practice) (20 mins)

Shooting (skill practice)

Key Focus 

• Ball Control: Ensure players receive and control the ball properly before setting it up for the shot.
• Body Positioning: Proper body posture and foot positioning for a clean shot.
• Shot Accuracy: Focus on aiming for the corners of the goal.
• First-Time Shot vs. Touch and Shoot: Encourage players to decide when to take a first-time shot and when to take a touch for better control.
• Timing: Quick decision-making in terms of when to shoot after receiving the ball.
• Follow-through: Emphasize the importance of a proper follow-through to generate power and accuracy.

• 2 markers are setup on the touch line and 2 markers are setup on top of the 18 yard box. 
• balls will be passed from the touchline 
• 15 balls inside the pitch 
• 12 players including two goalkeepers

Skill Session: 20 minutes 

• Initial Phase (5 minutes):

  • Focus: Introduce the basic movement, passing, and shooting technique.
  • Players practice passing the ball to each other and setting it for the shooter. Encourage accurate passing and a quick first-time shot.
  • Focus on body positioning for shooting (foot placement, hips aligned, follow-through).
  • Remind players to focus on the technique of setting the ball for a clean shot.

• Progression Phase (10 minutes):

  • Focus: Increase intensity by encouraging players to shoot first time if possible, or take a touch to set themselves up for a more powerful shot.
  • Set a target for accuracy—aim for the corners of the goal. Encourage players to adjust their shooting technique depending on whether they take a first-time shot or a controlled shot after a touch.
  • Progress to having players alternate between first-time shots and touch-and-shoot options to increase adaptability.

• Final Phase (5 minutes):

  • Focus: Challenge players to improve their decision-making. After passing, the player receiving the ball can choose whether to take a first-time shot or a controlled shot based on the situation.
  • Incorporate a competition element: Each player gets 5 shots, and the player who scores the most goals wins.

•  Identify target 
• Body position in relation to ball 
• Arms out for balance
• Non-kicking foot beside the ball 
• Head over the ball 
• Select surface & strike: e.g., laces. 
• Follow through towards target

Progression and Regression:

Progression:

• First-Time Shots: Players are encouraged to take first-time shots whenever possible, working on timing and precision.
• Increased Shooting Power: Challenge players to generate more power in their shots while maintaining accuracy.
• Defenders: Introduce a passive defender or a goalkeeper to make the shooting more realistic.

Regression:

• Allow Extra Touches: If players are struggling, allow them to take an extra touch to set themselves up for a shot.
• Close-Range Shots: Start by shooting from closer distances to help build confidence in technique.
• Slow the Tempo: Reduce the speed of play to focus on proper form and accuracy.

• initial phase 5 min , mid session feedback 10 minutes , final phase 5 min

MISC. Information

Concurrent: Provide real-time feedback on shooting technique and decision-making during practice without halting the flow of the session.

Freeze: Pause the session to emphasize key moments such as foot placement, body posture, and follow-through when shooting.

Team Meeting: Discuss group strategies for attacking and positioning, ensuring that players understand when to shoot and when to pass.

Bullseye: Set individual and team challenges to improve shooting accuracy, such as aiming for specific target areas in the goal.

Session Timeline

• Technical Session: 20 minutes
• Skill Session: 20 minutes
• Small-Sided Game (SSG): 20 minutes

Corner Tools

Physical Corner Tools

• Agility: Focus on quick changes of direction and fast decision-making before shooting.
• Balance: Ensure players maintain proper balance when shooting under pressure.
• Endurance: Maintain energy and composure for sustained shooting efforts throughout the session.

Social Corner Tools

• Team Meetings: Reinforce communication and collaboration between players for better decision-making in shooting situations.
• Challenges: Encourage players to create space for shooting and work on individual shooting challenges.
• Problem-Solving: Ask players to adjust their approach based on defenders' positioning and shot angles.
• Communication Challenge: Ensure players communicate effectively when setting up for a shot or when supporting teammates in attack.
• Targets and Conditions: Provide specific conditions, such as limiting the number of touches before shooting or requiring a first-time shot.

Technical Corner Tools

• The Mechanics of Shooting: Focus on foot placement, follow-through, and timing for accurate shots.
• Finishing Techniques: Teach players how to strike the ball with power and precision, targeting corners of the goal.
• Decision-Making: Encourage players to decide quickly whether to take a first-time shot or control the ball for a better angle.

Tactical Corner Tools

• Positioning: Players should position themselves in the best areas to receive the ball and create shooting opportunities.
• Decision-Making: Teach players when to shoot, pass, or dribble, depending on the situation.
• Using Space: Encourage players to create space for themselves to shoot, either by evading defenders or receiving the ball in open areas.

Psychological Corner Tools

• Challenges: Emphasize the mental aspect of shooting, encouraging players to stay composed and focused when finishing.
• Point System: Reward players for successful shots, accurate placement, and quick decision-making.
• Individual Challenges: Set specific shooting goals for each player, such as shooting with both feet or hitting a particular target area in the goal.

Reference List

• Hargreaves, A. and Bate, E. (2010): The Coaching Process: Principles and Practice for Sport. 1st edition. London: Routledge.
• McKeag, D.C. (2005): Coaching Soccer Like a Pro. Human Kinetics, Champaign, Illinois, USA.
• Olcott, J. (1968): Organizational Keys and Checklists for Successful Football Coaching. West Nyack, NY: Parker Publishing Co.