Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): U14 Session 13 : Drill & SSG - Switch of Play (Start Time: 2016-04-11 20:40:00)

Drill 1 - Switching Play 3v3 (+3) (20 mins)

Organisation

Create an area 15x25yds.

3v3 within the area, together with 3 neutral players (1 at the top and 2 at the sides).

Instructions

The aim of the teams within the area is to reatin possession and switch play from one neutral side player to the other.

The top neutral player helps the teams to achieve their aims. No neutral player is allowed to pass to the other neutral players.

The players in possession have to complete at least one pass between themselves before they can switch play.

The Players inside the area are limited to 2 touches. Neutral players are limited to passing within 3 secs.

Progressions

1. Introduce scoring - 1 point each time a switch of play occurs

2. Neutral players restricted to one touch only.

3. No more than 4 passes in total by the team in possession before the ball must be switched to the other side.

Coaching Points

1. The Players should be constantly moving and have good quality in their passing;

2. Correct body shape (open up on the half turn) and positioning is important to view where the next pass goes.

3. Quick decision making - before the ball is received, can a decision be made where to play the next pass?

SSG - Switching Play with Divided Pitch and Side Zones (30 mins)

Organisation

Use a full sized pitch or otherwise adapt to a third pitch.

Create 2 zones near the sidelines exclusivley for the use of the Red Full Backs.

11 v 11 (or if on a third pitch 8 v 8 or 9 v 9). Pitch divided in two as illustrated.

Red team to be coached.

Instructions

Players must remain within their half of the pitch.

Full backs must remain within zoned area and can only use two touches. No Blue Players are allowed within the zoned areas.

Red team must switch play from one side to the other in order to have the opportunity to shoot on goal.

If the Blue team gain possession, there are no restrictions in regards to the zone.

Progressions

1. Permit Red 9 & 10 to be able to join in play on either side.

2. Allow Red 6 & 8 to be able to join play on either side.

3. Allow Full Backs to move out of the zoned area - although retain condition that they can still enter the zoned area unopposed.

4. Remove Central dividing line so players are free to move anywhere on the pitch - although remind them of the need for balance.

5. Remove requirement for a switch of play before a shot can be taken BUT award 5 points for any goal which follows a switch of play by either the red or blue team.

6. Remove all conditions regarding the zoned area.

Coaching Points

1. The players need constant mobility and quality passing (well timed and weighted)

2. Correct body shape (open up on the half turn) and positioning is importnant to view where the next pass goes.

3. The players should always be aware to retain the team's balance and shape.

4. Long pass on occasion to free up Full back?