Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Session 1/ Week 1/ Cycle 1: G16/18 Elite A: Turning (Start Time: 2025-07-07 17:00:00)

Animation 1 (10 mins)

Session Set-up:

Coaching Points:

Progression:

Game Form Practice Activtiy– 1v1 “Turn & Finish” (15–18 min) (25 mins)

Set-Up:

• 20 × 15 yd grid

• Place two mini-goals back-to-back in the center of the grid, facing east and west

• Set up three player stations:

  • 1 central queue (north or south side) – pass initiator

  • 2 side players – one on east sideline, one further right of that player (staggered, 5–7 yds apart)

• Coach plays ball to cue player → cue player passes to 1st side player → who passes to the 2nd side player

• The original passer immediately closes down to defend

• The final receiver becomes the attacker and tries to turn and score on either mini-goal and players move to the next line.

Objective:

Develop turning under pressure with realistic timing, angle, and recovery defending.

Coaching Points:

• Body shape while receiving – be open to turn

• Timing of touch – first touch should allow for a quick decision

• Use disguise and feints – trick the defender into committing

• Change of pace after turn – escape pressure and finish

• Transition mindset – attacker becomes defender instantly in next round

Progressions:

• Add goalkeeper (or coach) to one goal to make finishing harder

• Restrict to two-touch finish after turn

• Score extra point for turning with weak foot

• If attacker keeps possession for 5+ seconds, they can pass to a neutral wall player for a bonus option

Coaching Cues:

• “Pass and close fast! Don’t give them time!”

• “Open your body, can you turn one touch?”

• “Explode out of the turn!”

• “Use their speed against them—turn as they close in!”

• “What’s the quickest way to goal?”