Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Basic defending principles U8's

1v1's (20 mins)

Set up & organization

Set up same as warm up

Instructions

1, Leg Goals: In pairs, one player with ball. 1 has ball and must dribble ball around grid trying to kick it into the legs of 2. 2 must avoid by using quick feet. 3 attempts each then rotate blue players round.

2, Keep Ball: 1 dribbles the ball and tries to shield the ball from 2 who must either put the ball out of play or regain possession for a point. 3 attempts each then again rotate the blue players. Coaching Points: Shield the ball, body position, strength.

3, Goal Lines: X1 Passes ball to X2 who must then try to beat X1 and score a point by stopping the ball on the opposite line 3 attempts each then rotate blue players. Extra points for ‘nutmegs’ / reward skill & creativity. Also start to look at the defending side. Speed of approch, Body Shape, Timing, wait for a chance to win the ball.

4, 3 way Goals: 1 passes to 2 who then has to beat 1 to either of the 3 corners.1 point to corner goals 3 points for the goal behind the defenders starting position. 3 attempts each then rotate blue players.

4v4 SSG (20 mins)

Set up & organization

Area 35x15yds, divided into 3 zones (15x15, 15x15 & 5x15yds),

1 appropriate size goal at one end & 2 small goals to serve as targets in

Instructions

8 players arranged 4 Attackers v 2 Defenders plus a sweeper & GK

Practice starts with: coach feeds pass into A’s, who attack the far goal.

2D’s are confined to middle zone & sweeper covers behind, remaining in end zone.

4A’s are able to operate in first 2 zones, but only 2 are allowed to move into end zone (versus sweeper & GK) to attack goal.

If D’s gain possession: they play ball through either of 2 small goals/ pairs of cones in opposite corner.

Practice restarts with original set-up arrangements & ball fed-in by coach.

Coaching points

A’s combining & working as a team to evade D’s initial defending line.

Passing, movement & combination play to create space & release free receivers.

Quality of passing & pass selection.

Individual dribbling & shielding skills to evade D’s & create time & space to pass.

Looking for penetrating pass to enter end zone without being intercepted by sweeper.

Passing angles & distances.

Composure in tight-marked situation & awareness of need for patient build-up/possession play.

Seeking opportunities & selecting appropriate methods to shoot & score.

D’s looking to play as a unit.

Remaining compact & channeling play across the area.

Trapping players on side line.