Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): U13 - Playing Through the Midfield

Warm Up - Unopposed Play Length (15 mins)

Organisation:

• 9 players each team
• 2 balls, one with each team
• 2 players from each team stand on outside of pitch (opposite pitch)
• Pitch size 70x50(yards)
• 15 minutes

• Each player must touch the ball.
• Teams aim to reach target labelled A and B. 
• Players rotate areas in pitch.
• Player who makes pass for A/B switches and becomes A/B.
• Unopposed
• Quick movement of the ball, finding space 
• Too easy? Time limits A to B.

Coaching Points:

- Create the habit to check the shoulder before receiving.

- First touch in receiving.

- Quality of pass.

Progression:

Reduce time limit and touches.

Main Activity - Play Through Midfield (30 mins)

Organisation

• 8v8 including goalkeepers
• 3/3/2 - defensive third, middle (shaded), attacking for both teams
• 1 ball
• shaded area- 10 yards (length of pitch) , separated by cones
• pitch 70x50 yards
• 30 minutes

Instructions:

• Defense cannot pass directly to attacking third 
• Must go through midfield, once team passes from midfield to attack, 1 player from the midfield can join the attack creating a 3v3 with aim to score. 
• If ball is regained , play switches.
• Opposition- press, look to regain possession
• Challenge- time limit once in attacking third