Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): September 11th: Passing, Receiving, Finishing (Start Time: 2024-09-11 18:00:00)

Technical Activity (15 mins)

In a grid split the players into two groups. One group is inside the grid and the other group is spread around the outside of the grid. The players around the outside have a ball at their feet, and the inside players do not. For 60 seconds, the inside group checks to a player on the outside, receives a pass, and passes it back to the same person. Then they’ll find a new person on the outside to repeat the sequence. This continues for one minute. Switch the groups.

Techniques to work on: 

• Right foot only two touch
• Left foot only two touch
• Receive with one foot pass with the other
• Give & Go (switch so players on the inside have the ball
  • Approach from an angle
  • Accelerate after your pass
  • Return pass in front of runner so they don't have to slow down

• Overlaps (switch so the players inside have the ball for this one)
  • Pass to an outside player then get around them and back into the grid to receive the ball
  • Approach from an angle
  • Accelerate through overlap
  • Return the pass in front of the runner into space

• Switch Ball (switch so the players inside have the ball for this one)
  • Receive the ball from an outside player
  • Take a first touch to change direction, or turn
  • Find another open player on the outside to play a pass to
  • Move to another player to call for a pass

Coaching Points:

• Proper passing/receiving technique 
• Movement into space that’s helpful
• Play the pass in front of your teammate so he/she does not have to stop to receive the ball
• Communication (both verbal and non-verbal) about where you want the pass played 

Game: Target Zones (15 mins)

Set up:

30 by 30 grid with 5x5 squares in each corner. min 8, up to 14. Create 2 grids depending on numbers.

1. 3v3 with different colour pinnies in the middle. 2 outside players on opposite corners for each team

2. Teams score points by completing passes from one corner to the other, or by connecting 5 passes in a row

Can we play and move with intention?

Can we quickly transition from offence to defense and vice versa?

Can we communicate effectively to help out team mates?

Can we have an idea what to do before we receive the ball?

• Can we take our first touch out from our feet to play the ball with our second?
• Can we move into places to support our team?
• Can we make the correct decision with the ball to retain possession (shield, dribble, pass)
• Can we time our runs to receive the through ball in motion?

1. Once play is being mastered, limit to 3-2-1 touch only.

SSG - Marking (20 mins)

Organization

-8-10 players

-25x20 area

-see diagram for equipment and set-up

4v4 SSG with man-to-man marking. Each player pairs up with a player from the opposite team, their responsibility when defending is to know where that player is and prevent them from scoring.

- Can only win the ball off your partner from the opposite team (can intercept passes or loose balls) 

Coaching Points

1. Speed of approach & angle when closing down 

2. Slow down the last yard & be ready for any quick moves or tricks by opponent 

3. Body shape - angled & use of arms for balance/blocking 

4. Jockeying to show defenders one way 

5. Acceleration to close down 

6. Deceleration to slow down when approaching defender 

7. Read the play to be able to defend early 

8. Balance & proprioception to be in a position to challenge for the ball 

9. Feet & hip coordination 

10. Agility