Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Academy 10U - Utilizing Width to Attack

Technical warm up - Receiving Across Body (15 mins)

Set up: 

Create a triangle (a square is also acceptable) 10-15 yards on each side (create multiple if needed). Place a cone approximately 5 yards behind each point in the triangle so that there is a window for the player to receive the ball when passing around the grid. All the balls will begin on one corner of the triangle. Players will complete a sequence of passes around the grid to receive the ball across their body. 

Each player will follow their pass within the sequence. Switch the direction the players progress around the area so players have to receive the ball across their body using their opposite foot.

 

Coaching Points:

• Passing technique - heel down, toe up, inside of foot, hips pointing in direction you want to pass
• Receiving technique - inside of foot gently guiding the ball in the direction you want to go next 
• Receive ball across your body - with the foot that is furthest away from the ball 
• Be actively ready to receive - on the balls of your feet so that you can move if the pass is slightly inaccurate 

6v6 (4 Gate Game) (25 mins)

Set up:

Using the Academy 7v7 field markings play a game of 6v6 from box to box utilizing the full width of the field as shown in the diagram. There should be a gate approximately 8 yards wide (from sideline to a couple yards inside the box). Teams score by dribbling through either of the two gates. 

Players are now asked to play specific positions; center back (4/5), right/left(7/11 or 2/3), center mid (6/8), forward (9). Coaches should use the descriptive names of the positions and nut just the numbers as players will need some time to learn that. 

• Progression - As players start to have more success switching the ball from one side of the field away from defenders remove the gates and add goalkeepers to play a regular 7v7 game. 

Coaching Points/Guided Questions

How can you find a teammate? Look up while dribbling

When might it be a good time to pass? When a teammate is open; when more than one defender goes to the person with the ball 

When is it a good time to dribble? Whenever you have space, or when there is a 1v1 situation in a favorable part of the field 

How do you get open for a teammate? Move to a spot where there is no defender between you and the ball 

How do you want to receive the ball? Across your body if possible so that you can see more of the field