Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Dribbling and protecting the ball

Warm Up (15 mins)

Tag

All the players will be against each other in a game of tag. If they tag someone on the front of the body that's 2 points and if they tag them on the back they will get 1 point. They can't go out of the box.

Progressions

• Introduce a ball- They hold the ball with two hands. 1 point for tagging the back. 2 points for tagging the ball.
  
• Hold the ball with one hand. 
• Ball at feet- 1 point for tagging back. 2 points for tagging front. 5 points for tackling player and then they can take the ball.
• Add safe zones to corners. Players will decide time limit they stay in for.

Coaching points

• Body positioning- You would rather let the opponent get 1 point than 2 points. Introduces shielding.
• Agility- Can you make quick movements to get away from you opponent.
• Acceleration- After tricking player can you get away quickly.

Skill Practice (20 mins)

1v1

Same set up as the ball mastery. Players will dribble with the ball, whilst the partner tries to take the ball off them. They can score whenever they want. However, if they dribble through the cones and score they get more points. E.g. if they dribble through 3 cones then score they get 4 points. If the partner tackles them then they can go and score points. 

Progressions

• Score in opposite nets
• Everyone without a ball can tackle someone with a ball.
• Add keepers.

Coaching Points

• Body positioning
• Decision making
• Agility
• Acceleration
• Types of touches