Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Academy W8S2 - U10 Overlap & Diagonal Runs

Technical Activity (15 mins)

In a grid split the players into two groups. One group is inside the grid and the other group is spread around the outside of the grid. The players around the outside have a ball at their feet, and the inside players do not. For 60 seconds, the inside group checks to a player on the outside, receives a pass, and passes it back to the same person. Then they’ll find a new person on the outside to repeat the sequence. This continues for one minute. Switch the groups.

Techniques to work on:

•Right foot only two touch

•left foot only two touch

•receive with one foot pass with the other

•Overlaps (switch so the players inside have the ball for this one)

oPass to an outside player then get around them and back into the grid to receive the ball

oApproach from an angle

oAccelerate through overlap

oReturn the pass in front of the runner into space

Coaching Points:

•Movement into space that’s helpful

•Quality passes into space leading a runner that eliminates a defender

•Decision of when and where to make the pass

2v1 Attacking Decisions (25 mins)

Use the 30x25 grid and put gates at each end. Split the kids into two teams and have each team on opposite ends of the field. The game is initiated by one team passing the ball into the second team. The team receiving the ball will send two players and the defending team will only send one player. At this point the three kids on the field will play 2v1. They can pass or dribble through the gate to score. Be sure to switch sides so that both teams get a chance to attack and defend.

•What space can you run into to eliminate the defender if you get the ball?

•When is the overlap beneficial?

•When is a diagonal run beneficial?

•What if the defender cheats too much to cut off the pass?

Coaching Points:

•Movement into space that’s helpful

•Quality passes into space leading a runner that eliminates a defender

•Decision of when and where to make the pass