Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 3/12 Task 3 SSG Create Goals & Shooting

SSG with progressions/conditions/challenges and targets (30 mins)

SSG (Which would follow a shooting practice session)

• Pitch size is 20x40m with a goal at each end
• 6 v 6 match +1 magic man to play for team in possession
• Red V Blue (yellow magic man)
• Pitch is separated into 3rds
• Balls located behind both goals and with Coach who moves around both touchlines

Play commences after coach highlights the focus of shooting as per technical and skill practice that would have presided. Game flows with either GK restarting or via coach to allow observation.

I normally have 13 players hence the magic man.  However this should aid chance creation for team in possession due to overload. Be sure to rotate this position.  Same applies to GKs if no recognised GK present.

Progressions/Interventions/Challenges/Targets/Conditions

• I will be looking if the players are taking there opportunity to shoot when presented?
  
• Are they using all the space provided or attracted to the ball? 
• Can they find a team mate in a better position?
• Can they use the magic man to help create a shooting opportunity?
• Are the number of touches/time taken too long/short?
• Type of shot selection? 
• As well as individual player technical performance

• Add extra goal for 1 touch finish's to encourage quick shooting
• Only 2 players can be in the defensive 3rd for the defending team. This allows an overload and increased chances to shoot.
• Blue team must only score from a crossed pass. To encourage spacial awareness and usage if they are only bunching in the middle.
• Use coaching process to highlight and question 'other' options available by recreating situations e.g. ball was in this position, players were here 'What options have i got?' 'How can we help player x here?' challenge thinking.
• I normally use rest periods to address the group as a whole intervention to add the above.
• Since the game is based on overloads to enhance shooting opportunities.  This allows me to ask a player to step out of playing area and have a quick 1-2-1 intervention to support. But does not stop the ball rolling for remaining players.  Generally i find this useful as i can use my knowledge of that player to support with the communication method that works best for there character and it doesn't feel rushed.
• All verbal and non-verbal communication is intended to be positive using words such as 'good try' 'nice idea' 'i like that' 'i can see what you were trying' even if the outcome was not as desired. Whilst trying to keep my arms open and looking relaxed and enjoying delivering the session.  If the topic is not quite landing or the repetition is not as desired.  I will consider regressing and reminding the players as a group.  Alternatively, i may elect to increase the overloads by adapting some conditions or increasing the reward- 5 goals for a 1 touch finish, only 1 defender in defensive 3rd for defending team.

All of the above should be fluid moving back or forth, adding or removing all based on what i observe.  I always like my players to play with intensity by keeping balls in play and encouraging quick thinking.