Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 3/2 Fitness

Step 1 Dynamic Stretching20 mins

Warm Up (20 min)

Juggling (5 min)

Dynamic Stretching (15 min)

Split the players into two groups, set up cones 15 yards apart then two further on another 10 yards in a Y shape.

Both groups are working concurrently carrying out the exercise between the first two markers.

When they reach cone B, one goes to the left, the next goes to the right and repeat, then jog back to the start.

- knees up

- heels up

- sideways

- etc

Then stop and carry out a series of static stretches in a circle. First player goes in and demo's a stretch, they then think of someone to come in next and shout out their name.

The player called out needs to sprint into the centre of the circle and demo a new stretch.

Do it quickly and for around 6 stretches.

Step 3 Rondos20 mins

Rondos - 7/6v2 (20 min)

Organisation

Set up two boxes of 12x12yards next to one another and ensure there is a supply of balls beside each box.

Make sure there are two bibs in each box.

Two players start in middle, no need to wear bib, simply hold it.

Players around the box start to move the ball, if a player intercepts in the centre, switch over bib.

Play for 2 mins before switching central players.

Aim

Looking for ball to be moved quickly in this exercise and good communication between players on outside.

Coaching Points

Movement of players on the outside to create passing angle.

Progressions

1. Two touches

2. Introduce 3 players in the middle

3. Introduce points scoring for each team - 1 point for 5 passes; 1 point for interception/tackle.

Step 5 Possession Games20 mins

Possession Games 4v4 (20 min)

Organisation

Set up area 30x20 yards.

Split players into 3 teams of 4 Team A, B & C.

To start, Team A v B, with C acting as neutral players along sides. Team C restricted to 2 touches only.

Game lasts 4 mins, then teams rotate.

Aim

Team must pass the ball to neutral player at the end of the area to score. Neutral player must play the ball back to the same team within 2 touches. Multidirectional - Team then tries to score in opposite end.

Coaching Points

Encourage movement of players to create passing options - Show to go; Go to Show; Switch

Can the player receiving the ball look to move the ball quickly - good control, accurate passing - all at tempo;

Can the players without the ball look to press and close down passing options?

Good decision making - long ball/short ball?