Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Monday 9th

Core Skills (30 mins)

Session Detail

Players are arranged in a 2 v 1 with a 5 x 5m target area placed centrally in the playing area. The objective of the pair of players is to either a) dribble into the target area b) receive the ball in the target area, or c) the player to take their first touch into the area. Encourage the one defending player to press and block for the duration, incetivising that if they win possession they win five points. Play each round for 60 seconds and change the defending player.

Coaching Points

- How to press and block

- Defender remodelling the situation to a 1 v 1

- Spare player always creating a +1 sitatuation; creating a passing line

Progression(s)

- Players are unable to stand and receive the ball in the target area, now only able to dribble into the area (encouraging 1 v 1 attacking) or receiving the ball on the move and taking their first touch into the zone (creating a delayed run scenario).

- Progress to 3 v 2, 4 v 3; any overloaded situation in the attackers favour.

- Replace the edges of the area with small goals so players must finish finish.

Theme Focus 2 (20 mins)

Session Detail

Players are set up in an attack v defence with three target lines organised at the start of the third (best to use flat discs to create these to avoid any injuries), in order to gain a chance to score the attacking team must break the lines by dribbling across or receiving a ball passed across the line. The defending team must be instructed to block these lines while trying to win possession, should they do so, they can score a point by breaking the red line (see picture). It is important to set the tone for players to try and create a +1 situation, this is done from theming the drill and emphasising scanning.

Coaching Points

- Recognising overload opportunity (BP)

- Combinations (BP)

- Switching play (BP)

- Pressing and blocking (BPO)

-Spatial awareness; positioning in relation to lines and team mates (BPO)

Progression(s)

- Add starting position to add realism (see under red line)

- Add/reduce players from the defending team to make the practice more difficult/easier to create overloads.