Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Edgemont Galactico Overlap Session

Gates of Champions Warmup (15 mins)

Organization:

Two 2 yard gates in center of two grids, with a blue cone 7 yards away from the gate on each side. Split players in half with half at each gird (A and B). One soccer ball per group.

Instructions:

Players attempt to pass through the gate for a point. The coach changes how the pass must be played. First team to get winning number of passes in a row is winner of that round.

Coaching Points:

* Qaulity of first touch to set up pass

* Quality of pass though gate

* Technical points of passing and reciving the ball

* How to have good techique under pressure (of the game)

* Correct weight/good pass for teammate to pass first time

Progressions:

1) Two touch through gate (either foot)

2) Two touch though the gate (must use both feet in order right, left, right, left, etc)

3) One touch strong foot only (move cones into 6 yrds out)

4) One touch weak foot only (move cones into 6 yrds out)

5) Add another ball to each group

3v2 with overlap (25 mins)

Organization:

As above. Field is 45x35. Two pugg goals on each end (can substitue for larger goals with goalkeepers if availible). Balls with attackers in a corner, with three lines of attackers (yellow players) and two lines of defenders (gray players). Two pugg goals on the sides in the middle of the grid (if using big goals and goalkeepers).

Instructions:

Attacker with the ball raises his hand to start activity. Defenders can take five big steps forward towards attackers and then raise their hands to begin attacking sequece. Player with the ball drives to the middle just like in the 2v1, with the middle player running a overlapping run. The outside player stays in his lane to help the attackers. The two defenders step up to defend. Defenders are allowed one transition to score if they win the ball. Play 3 minute rounds, two rounds per game. First team to win best of three games wins. If the goalkeeper(s) make a save, they can score a addtional point for their team by distributing the ball into either middle pugg goal for a point after making a save.

Coaching Points:

* If defenders are flat (level) through ball in on.

* If defenders commit and stay narrow, pass to wide area is on

* Using overlapping runs to pull defenders apart (when/why)

* Staying in all three lanes during attacking phase (form a triangle)

* Delaying attackers first, then winning the ball second (defending)

* Quick counter attack after winning the ball back

Progressions:

P1: Only the attacker who lost the ball can transition to defend after losing the ball on attack (1v2 for defending team)

P2: Game starts with a long ball out to the attackers from defending line.

P3: Game starts with a goal kick long ball from the keeper(s)