Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Running with the ball (Start Time: 2016-03-11 18:00:00)

Warm up (15 mins)

Organization

Groups of four. Two balls per group.  Cones setup as illustrated.

Detail

Players in each group stand 20 to 25 metres apart (see Step 1). 

Step 1: Players A and B dribble (eventually run as the warm up proceeds) in unison with the ball from cone 1 to cone 2.

Step 2: At cone 2  players A and B quickly  turn and pass to players C and D. C and D repeat. Keeper receives and distributes all passes with hands.

Progression:

1. Players A and B dribble directly towards each other, execute a move,  and dribble to cone 2. A and B then turn with the ball and pass to C and D (i.e. same as Step 2)

Analytical-Technical (25 mins)

Organization

12 players divided into two equal groups. Setup as illustrated, however players A and B only assume the positions illustrated for the first and second progression. Distance between cones 1 and  2  is 20 to 25 metres.   Defending area (shaded) approximately 5 x 10 metres.   A ball for every player and two small goals.

Detail

Players start at cone 1, run with the ball to the cone 2, and then turn and run with the ball to cone 3. At cone 3 players execute a move, go past the cone and then shoot. Players retrieve their ball after shooting and re-join  the starting line. When a player reaches cone 2 the next player in line starts. After a few minutes make a relay race to add excitement. Note: This drill can be very tiring, so you may need to delay the timing of players running, particularly if you have less than 12 players.

Progression

1. Position players A and B  as illustrated. Players on cone 1 pass to players A and B. Players A and B return the pass (with two touches), and the receiving player uses their first touch to start their run with the ball. Note: keeper receives and passes with hands.

2. Add a defender in the shaded areas. Attacker must be past the defending area before they shoot, and the attacker cannot turn their back to goal in the defending area. When keeper acts as a defender they can use their hands. Next player starts when the player ahead of them reaches the defending zone.  Challenge teams to see how many times they can beat the defender and score in two minutes.

Coaching Points:

1. Strong/ explosive first touch out of feet so you don't have to break running stride.

2. Use of laces to push ball forward. 

3. Keep head up and use peripheral vision. 

4. Don't touch ball too many times or will break rhythm.

5. Run at defenders and execute moves at pace.