Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Summer Rec Week 4

Partner Passing & Races (10 mins)

Partner Passing

Separate players into groups of two, with partners across the field from each other. If players are too close, you can set out an extra two lines of cones that players must strike behind. Teach the following techniques and then have the groups race to get a specified number of passes.

• Indside of the foot (cup of the foot)
• Outside of the foot (three outside toes)
• Knuckle of the foot (top/hardest part of the feet)

Emphasize receiving and controlling the ball before passing rather than doing one-touch passes. You could add a restriction to the races that requires two touches for the pass to count for a point. For advanced players, challenge them to take their first touch to the left or right away from an imaginary defender.

Coaching Points:

• If your ball stops, take a small touch forward rather than backing up and striking
• Move the ball on your first touch
• Step into the strike rather than doing a standing strike
• Use the correct surface of the foot
• Keep the ankle locked, whichever technique is used
• Put your plant foot (non-kicking foot) directly next to the ball before kicking
• Follow through with your leg pointed toward your target for accuracy

Add Challenge: Once certain players are comfortable using two touches to control and strike the ball, can they and their partner keep the ball going with only one touch at a time, using the right surface?

Quadrants

Quadrants

Split the field into fourths. Split the group into two teams. Each team has their own ball. For one minute, teams score points by passing from one quadrant to a teammate in another quadrant. After passing, players must make a quick sprint to a new quadrant. Whichever team with the most long passes at the end wins.

• Move immediately after passing
• Call for the ball if you are in a position to receive a pass
• Use proper passing technique
• Receive the ball before passing
• Advanced: Pass with different parts of the feet
• Advanced: Take your first touch toward your next passing target

Progression: Designate one player from each team as a disruptor. Play the same game as before, but if the disruptor gets the opponent's ball, they may keep possession to keep the opponents from passing. Can the players move the ball quickly, call for the ball, and look around to be aware of the defender's position?

Possess & Score

Possess & Score

Identify one defender, with all other players being attackers. Attackers start with the ball and attempt to complete 5 passes in a row to score a point. If the defender wins the ball, they may score on the goal to score a point. Play for one minute and see who wins, then elect a new defender for the next round.

Coaching Points:

• Use proper spacing between attackers
• Look up and plan the next pass when on and off the ball
• If you are open for a pass, call for the ball
• If you are blocked by the defender or are not open, move into space where you can receive the ball
• Transition quickly when the ball is won or lost
• Ball lost: Protect the goal or win the ball back immediately
• Ball won: Expand team shape and call for a pass (spread out)

Progression: Attackers may only score points by getting 5 or more passes and then also scoring on the goal.