Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Shooting & Defending

Shooting & Defending

Practice Organisation:

*Area 25x15yds, with 5yd channel across full width marked with cones & goals at each end, set-out as illustrated.

*14 players (incl. 2GK's), with outfield players arranged in 2 teams of 6.

*Each team has 2 Attackers & 4 Defenders.

*10 balls (5 balls for each team).

*Practice starts with: 2A's (one from each team) move to collect a ball from central area.

*On collection: D moves from edge of area to defend (making 2v1).

*Once attack has concluded: 2A's collect 2nd ball & new D enters area to combat.

*A's have 5 attacks, with different D's against each attack.

*Practice is mirrored in other half of practice area.

*Players rotate roles & repeat practice.

Progressions:

1. Coach may vary overload (A/D ratio) depending on level of ability of individual players.

2. Allow 2nd D to enter.

3. Bring 3D's into area (1 from front, 2 from side) to increase intensity.

Learning Objectives:

1. A's scan to assess position & movements of D.

2. Quickly move into goal-scoring range.

3. Evaluate which A is in best position to score & either take shot, or pass.

4. Look to eliminate D with individual skill move or clever movement of ball.

5. Assess position of GK.