Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Coney Hall U8s (Start Time: 2024-10-12 08:45:00)

FAW Coach Ed

Craig Nelson

Profile Summary

Name:	Craig Nelson
City:	Kent
Country:	United Kingdom
Membership:	Adult Member
Sport:	Football/Soccer

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Description

Overview

The session aims to ensure players become better at passingtechniques. By using unopposed patterns which progresses into opposed skillpractice and a small sided game. The focus remains on technical accuracy andbuilding confidence with both feet. Transition between technical patterns,skill based and small sided game flows smoothly and only requires the removalof equipment during water breaks and timings keeps the session dynamic.

The session also focuses on Phase 1 in possession, specificallyplaying out from the back. Players must learn to read how their opponent ispressing and applying pressure and use the spare man to relive pressure andcreate an overlook. This will test the players timing of pass, awareness andexecution. Playing under pressure and not passing unopposed.

Key focuses:

3 passing techniques: inside of the foot, driven and clipped passes
Learning the key foundations of the techniques and receiving the ball
Becoming comfortable using both feet
Receiving on your back foot
Awareness (special and player)
Playing under pressure

Mechanics

Look at target
Eye on Ball
Angle of approach
Non-Kicking foot alongside ball in a comfortable position facing your target
Strike centre of ball with inside/ in-step or top of foot (Identified area of ball)
Firm ankle (drilled)
Follow through towards target
Body Position and Scanning (Receiving)
Foot Position and Cushioning the Ball (1st touch receiving)
Balance and Movement (ball direction)
Head up

Timings

8:30am - Arrival
8:35am - 8:45am - Tactical Analysis
08:45am - 9am - Arrival Activity
Break
09:05am - 09:15am - Passing
Break
09:20am - 09:40am - Phase 1 (In Possession)
Break
09:45am - 09:55am - Mini Game (Shooting)
Break
10:00am - 10:15am - Game (3 touch + 5 passes)

Equipment

20x Flat Markers
14x Balls
15x Bibs 5 of each colour)
5x Poles
2x Mannequins
2x mini goals

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Arrival & Passing Activity

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Arrival & Passing Activity (30 mins)

SessionStructure

5 Players
Time: 30 mins
Playing area of 30m x 20m

How itWorks - Arrival Activity

Each player has a ball to work on ball manipulation and mastery. Flat markers will be placed within a grid and the players shall practice different skills unopposed against the flat markers. They shall work on both feet to help develop their developing foot.

How it Works - Passing Session

An unopposed practice consisting of three patterns that help players learn passing techniques without opposition.
Each practice can incorporate up to seven players, and can be replicated a number of times.
Players will work in blocks of two minutes, in which they will use their right foot and left foot.

Pattern 1(seeBox 1) Inside of Foot

This pattern is focused on developing passing techniques with the inside of the foot.
The ball is played into a central player, who makes an angle to receive the ball.
This player then passes the ball to the opposite corner, to a player who sprints with the ball through the flat markers before joining the back of the line.
As soon as the ball is with the final player, the next player in the line will go. This time, the ball goes to the other side and ends with the player in the other corner.
When players go left, they should use their left foot.

Pattern 2 Drilled

This pattern the ball is again played forward and set back.
The first player will this time drill the ball with their laces to the end player.
The central player will now follow the ball and play a one-two with the end player, before the end player then dribbles back again.
As with the previous patterns, direction of travelshould determine which foot players use.

Progression

Can the players use the mannequins as a guide to pull away and receive (come away to create space)
Change direction on coaches command
How quickly can the team pass the ball around the box
Play a 1-2 meaning a set back to play forward

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Phase 1 - In Possession

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Phase 1 - In Possession (20 mins)

Session Structure:

Players: 5 players (4 outfield + 1 goalkeeper) vs. 2 pressing players
Time Duration: 20 minutes total
Playing Area Size: 40x30 meters (small-sided pitch)

How It Works:

Objective: The team with 5 players must build play from the back, working the ball through the press to reach a designated target (the coach) or score in the mini goal
Setup:
- The defending team (5 players) starts with the goalkeeper and 4 outfield players.
- The pressing team (2 players) applies pressure immediately once the goal kick is taken.
- The objective for the team in possession is to maintain possession and find ways to break the press by passing, moving, and creating angles to progress up the pitch.
Rules:

Play starts from the goalkeeper or from a goal kick.
The pressing team can score a point if they win the ball and another point if they score.
The team playing out can score a point by progressing the ball to a designated target player (the coach) or into the mini goal.
If the team playing out of the back lose the ball they must REACT to get the ball back as quickly as possible.

Progressions:

Make it Easier:
- Add a neutral player (support player) in the midfield area to help the team playing out.
- Allow the pressing team only 1 player to press at a time, with the other pressing player restricted to the middle third.
Make it Harder:
- Increase the number of pressing players to 3.
- Reduce the number of touches allowed for the team playing out (e.g., maximum of 2 touches).
- Increase the size of the pressing area, forcing the team playing out to work in a tighter space before breaking forward.

Coaching Observations:

Body Shape: Ensure players are receiving the ball with an open body position to allow quick decision-making.
Movement off the Ball: Look for players creating angles of support, providing multiple passing options for the player in possession.
Decision-Making: Observe players’ decisions under pressure, ensuring they are using the correct pass based on the situation (e.g., switching play, playing through lines, etc.).
Composure: Encourage players to stay calm and patient when playing out, rather than forcing a rushed pass.
Communication: Watch for effective communication between players, including instructions for movement and passing.

This setup challenges the team to play under pressure and builds their confidence in playing out from the back in tight spaces.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Mini Game - Shooting

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Mini Game - Shooting (15 mins)

Session Structure:

Players: 12 players (4 teams of 3 players)
Time Duration: 15 minutes total
Playing Area Size: 20x30 meters, with 2 goals at each end.

How It Works:

Objective: Teams take turns to attack and shoot, focusing on quick transitions from defense to attack, with emphasis on finishing.
Setup:
- 4 teams of 3 players each
- 2 teams are on the field at a time, while the other 2 teams are supporting the game around the perimeter of the pitch.
- One team starts as the attacking team, while the other team defends. The attacking team must work the ball into shooting positions and attempt to score.
- If the defending team wins the ball, they immediately transition to attack and the roles reverse.
Rules:
- The drill starts with the coach passing the ball to an attacking player.
- Attacking teams have a maximum of 10 seconds to attempt a shot.
- After a goal or if the ball goes out, the next waiting team rotates in to become the attacking team, while the previous attacking team moves to the sidelines.
- Defenders cannot simply clear the ball; they must try to win it and build an attack themselves.

Progressions:

Make it Easier:
- Increase the number of touches allowed for the attacking team to control the pace of the game.
- Remove the time limit to encourage more patience in creating shooting opportunities.
Make it Harder:
- Reduce the time limit for the attacking team to take a shot (e.g., 5 seconds).
- Add a neutral player (extra defender) to make it more difficult for the attacking team.
- Limit the number of touches for the attacking team (e.g., 2-touch maximum).

Coaching Observations:

Finishing Technique: Watch for correct striking techniques (e.g., instep for power, inside of the foot for accuracy).
Movement: Look for off-the-ball movement from attacking players, creating space for passes or shots.
Quick Transitions: Observe how quickly players switch from defense to attack and vice versa, reinforcing the importance of reacting immediately.
Decision-Making: Focus on when players decide to shoot vs. pass, encouraging smart decisions in front of goal.
Defensive Recovery: Ensure defending players are working hard to recover quickly and deny shooting opportunities.

This drill promotes quick shooting, fast transitions, and decision-making in front of goal while allowing multiple players to stay engaged.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Game

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Game (20 mins)

Session Structure:

Players: 10 players (5v5)
Time Duration: 15 minutes total
Playing Area Size: 40x30 meters (adjust based on player age/level)

How It Works:

Objective: Encourage quick passing and movement, with a focus on possession and teamwork.
Setup:
- Standard 5v5 setup, with two teams playing against each other.
- Players are limited to a maximum of 3 touches each time they receive the ball.
- Teams score by completing 5 consecutive passes, not just by scoring in a traditional goal.
- The 5 passes can be made anywhere on the field, but they must be consecutive without the opposing team gaining possession.
Rules:
- Players can only take 3 touches before they must pass the ball.
- If the team completes 5 consecutive passes, they are awarded 1 goal.
- If the opposing team intercepts or wins the ball, the pass count resets.
- Regular fouls and kick-ins apply, but no corner kicks or set pieces.

Progressions:

Make it Easier:
- Increase the touch limit to 4 or 5 touches per player.
- Reduce the number of consecutive passes needed for a goal (e.g., 3 passes instead of 5).
Make it Harder:
- Reduce the touch limit to 2 touches per player.
- Increase the number of passes required for a goal (e.g., 7 or 8 consecutive passes).
- Introduce a neutral player or “joker” who plays for the team in possession to add an extra passing option.

Coaching Observations:

Passing Quality: Watch for crisp, accurate passes using the correct technique, ensuring players can maintain possession under the 3-touch limit.
Off-the-Ball Movement: Look for players constantly moving into space to provide passing options, creating triangles and support angles.
Decision-Making: Focus on players’ decision-making, ensuring they are passing quickly and intelligently under pressure.
First Touch: Observe how players use their first touch to set up their next action, especially under the 3-touch rule.
Team Shape: Ensure that players maintain good spacing to facilitate passing options, avoiding bunching and allowing for continuous ball movement.

This game promotes quick passing, intelligent movement, and teamwork, while reinforcing the importance of maintaining possession. The restrictions encourage players to think and act quickly in tight spaces.

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