Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Final third - UEFA C License FAW

Screen 1

Primary Focus: 

• general session where each team will have the opportunity to have possession and attack in an overload.
• Attacking players must decide to dribble, pass, or shoot.  Technique of each.
• 1v1,1v2,2v2,3v2,3v3,4v3,4v4. 

Progression Flow (Wave Style):

1: free in on goal 1v1 (Red vs GK)

• Red player dribbles into the zone and attempts to beat the goalkeeper 1v1.
• After shot, recovers to defend

2: 1v1 (Blue vs Red)

• Blue player immediately dribbles into play.
• Now a 1v1  (Blue attacker vs Red recovering defender)

3: 2v1

• Another Red player joins to create overload — now 2v1.
• Red in attack, Blue defends.

4: 2v2 

• Blue player joins — now a 2v2.

5: 3v2 (red advantage)

• Red player joins — now a 3v2.

Continue progression until : 4v4 

After full cycle, reset with blue players starting the sequence having the advantage. 

• Each wave starts immediately after the previous shot to simulate transitions.
• Players must shoot within 6–8 seconds of entering the zone (promotes quick decision-making and composure).
• No goals allowed inside the 6-yard box  (encourages shot selection and timing).
• Attack ends if ball goes out or the keeper collects it cleanly (realism and sharpness).
• If the defending team wins the ball, they must try to score in the opposite goal quickly (transition moment).

Targets:

• to goal

Progressions 

• Require a shot within 5 seconds in overloads.

• Max 2 or 3 touches before a shot in 2v2 and up.

• Conditioned Roles: Assign one attacker as must shoot, another as must assist to promote varied movement and thinking.

• Encourage attacking wide (especially in 3v3/4v4).

Regressions

• No Time Limit for Shots: 

• Keep 3v2 or 4v3 setups longer to give attackers more success.

• Add a floating player (e.g., a magic man) to always give the attacking team an advantage.

• Let players repeat a wave if decision-making was poor, and coach through it live.

• Passive Defenders at First: Let defenders shadow before applying full pressure to build understand

Key Techniques:

• Ball out of feet to drive at pace.

• Use of inside/outside of the foot to change direction.

• Body feints, step-overs, scissors.

• Acceleration after the move – "beat the man and go."

Coaching Points:

• Head up before and during dribble.
• Use both feet to stay unpredictable.
• Shift weight to sell a move – deception is key.
• Take advantage of 1v1 moments – attack space quickly.

Passing:

• Firm, accurate pass to feet or space.

• Timing of release – early vs. delayed pass.

• Combination play: wall pass, give-and-go, 3rd man run.

• Through balls to exploit runs in behind.

Coaching Points:

• Scan before receiving to know your options.

• Play with intent – pass to break lines or move defenders.

• Support angles — always be an option for the player on the ball.

• Communication — verbal or non-verbal (eye contact, body shape).