Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Dribbling/Fitness

Dribbling/Technique (20 mins)

Organisation (Layout)

Practice is set for 12 players, set up a pitch 60 x 40 with a goal at either end and cone mark 6 areas of 30 x 20 within, bib up 12 players on arrival for small sided game at the end, divide players into 6 pairs with 1 ball between 2 and spread the pairs down one side of the pitch, areas and durations can be made smaller/shorter to suit age.

Adaptations to the practice (Progressions/Regressions/Challenges

1. Before starting explain that its not a race but more about Technique, with players up on their toes ready to play the first players in their pairs will dribble keeping the ball close and their head up out to the centre line using any method of dribbling they choose stop the ball on the centre line and continue running to the furthest touchline and back to the central line and from there dribble the ball back into their partner where they will continue with their turn, this continues for 6 minutes or 3 turns each.

2. After a short demonstration next the players would continue as before but this time only using the outside of the foot but still encouraged to take plenty of touches keeping the ball under close control, again this continues for 6 minutes or 3 turns each making sure they use their time in between dribbles to get their breathers in.

3. After another short demonstration this time the players would continue in the same way but the condition this time would be using both feet alternately while trying to use a change of pace again encouraging players to keep their head up and keeping close control of the ball, after 6 minutes or 3 turns each take a short drinks break before continuing into a skill progression. 



Small Sided Game (30 mins)

For the first 15 minutes of the game I would set the challenge that players receiving the ball would have to dribble into a different zone before being able to pass and 3 passes would need to be completed before a shot at goal was allowed, if this was to easy I would progress it by requesting dribbling through 4 zones too difficult I would regress to dribbling through 2 zones, the players should use all mechanics used throughout the earlier practices, final 15 minutes of the small sided game would be free play.

Outcomes

Players would learn the mechanics of dribbling

Players would practice dribbling using different parts of the foot

Players would be more confident receiving the ball and moving with it at their feet

Players would be encouraged to be brave and carry these techniques into game day.