Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Southside minis dribbling/RWB awareness session 2

Treasure Island (arrival activity)

Space

Create a box 20m x 20m for approx 10 players with 5 triangles (islands) with cones approx 3m each side. 1 trianlge central and 1 towards each corner (as shown). If you need to scale up for more players, increase the overal area and increase the number of triangles (islands).

Task

On arrival players have a ball and dribble around the area. Outside the overal area is shark infested water and not to go outside! the trianlges are islands. The  coaches are the "bad pirates" trying to steel your treasure (the ball). They will try to tag your ball with their ball in hand. The islands are safe zones the players can dribble to and not be caught. Players are only allowed on an island for 5 seconds and must then dribble to another island or inside the dribbling area. 

Equipment

Cones/poles/discs, 1 ball per player. You could increase to size or number of the trianlges (islands).

Players

Coaches can gauge the ability of the players and chase harder the more skilled dribblers and let off the less skilled allowing everyone to succeed and adapt is they improve.

Dinosaurs V Cavemen

Space

Create a box 20m x 20m for approx 10 players with 5 triangles with cones approx 3m each side. 1 trianlge central and 1 towards each corner (as shown). If you need to scale up for more players, increase the overal area and increase the number of triangles 

Task

Each triangle has a player from each team who has a ball each. 1 player is the dinosaur (predator) and the other is the caveman  (prey). The objective is for the predator to dribble and chase the prey around the trianlge and tag them when they get close enough. They can change direction and go either way round the trianlge. The prey needs to keep their head up and be aware of the changes in direction. Once tagged the roles change but you have to let the other person get to the other side before restarting. If a player doesn't get caught the coach can intervine and tell players to change roles.



Equipment

Cones/poles/discs, 1 ball per player. You could increase/decrease to size or number of the trianlges 

Players

Coaches can match up players of similar ability and then move players up or down to stream abilty and play againt different players.

Key points

Encourage players to dribble with their head up so they can see where the opponent is and be able to react if they change direction. Encourage  lots of small touches aeound corners and increase speed on longer sides.

2v2 game

Space

Create small pitches 10m x 8 m approx with 2 x 1m gates on either end in the corners. Size of the pitch could be adjusted for ability and size of gates.

Task

Each pitch has 2 players from each team. The objective is a 2v2 match where you score by dribbling through one of you opponents gates. Players have to retreat back to their side if the ball goes out or a goal is scored. 

Equipment

Cones/flats/poles, balls

Players

Stream players of similar ability and move up and down games depending on win or loss to produce even match ups. 

Key points

Attacker: Encourage dribbling with head high, change of speed and direction. Be direct and go for it! Try out any skill moves.

Defender: Encourage players to press and not back off then being low, side on and not square, light on toes.