Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Sthe Ball

Protect the Ball at All Costs!

Organization: Create multiple mini 5x5 boxes. Players find a partner with a ball and cone between them. Ball is placed on the cone within a box.

How to play: Play 60 second rounds. One player tries to protect their ball, while their partner is trying to knock the ball off the cone. If the ball is knocked off, the defender gets 1 point, the ball is placed back on the cone, and the round continues. After 60 seconds, the round is over. The attacker who gave the defender the least amount of point wins! Have players switch roles and begin another round.

CP's:

• When shielding the ball, use your arms to keep the attacker farther away from the ball
  
• Keep your body in between the ball and the defender at all times
  

Progression: Play 1v1 in the small grids. One teammate tries to prevent their partner from stealing the ball. If the ball is kicked out by the defender, the ball is returned to the player who didn't kick it out. The defender is working to win the ball, while the attacker is working to keep the ball. Play 60 second rounds. The player with the ball at the end, wins the round.

CP's:

• When shielding the ball, use your arms to keep the attacker farther away from the ball
  
• Try to hold a sideways stance and have the ball under the foot farthest away from the defender for quick manipulation of the ball
  
• Keep your body in between the ball and the defender at all times

1v1's - Break The Box

Organization: Withing a 20x30 playing field, set up various 5x5-6x6y boxes. Begin with no players in the boxes and each player with a ball. 

How to Play: Players dribble into the square through one side and must dribble out a different side. Each time they successfully make it in and out, they get a point. Have the players work on their change of speed and direction when entering and exiting the box. Player 60 second rounds. The player who gets the most points, wins.

Progression 1: Have players perform a skill move BEFORE entering the box (ie. scissors, stopover, sole role, Maradona, V-Pull, etc). If they do not perform a move before entering, they do not get a point.

Progression 2: Add defenders to the box. Players need to successfully make it in and out of a box to get a point. If the defender kicks their ball away, they defender stays in the box. HOWEVER, if the defender wins the ball and successful dribbles out, they are now an attacker and the person who lost the ball is the new defender. Player 90 second rounds. The player who gets the most points, wins.

CP's:

• Try to be quick with your movements; change of speed and direction to beat the defender
  
• As you approach the defender, try to keep your touches small and controlled in order to keep the ball safe
• Can you find a moment when the defender is distracted to attack and get a point?