Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Control and first touch

Technical (15 mins)

Technical 15 mins

Passing through the gate with a focus on controlling the ball with different surface of your foot

12 players divided into 3 groups of 4 and 3 soccer balls

player are organized as shown on the picture 3 grids each grid has a level of progression depending on the necessity  

4 player divided 2 on two gates that are 8 yards apart 

A- gates are two yards wide and players pass the ball the follow their pass to get behind on the other side

B- passing combo

C- different variation of runs 

Players are working for 45 seconds each round

1st round is controlling the ball with inside foot (2 touches - control and then pass)

2nd round is controlling the ball with outside foot (2 touches - control and then pass)

3rd round allow players to get creative and give them freedom to choose what is best for them

Mechanics

• Position yourself early to intercept the ball.
• Lock your ankle for control.
• Choose your controlling surface early and place it in the ball’s path.
• Use your arms to stay balanced.
• Focus on the ball to judge its direction and speed.
• Keep your head steady.
• Stay relaxed.

Adaptations (Progressions & Regressions):

Progressions: 

Introduce passing combo such as wall pass, double pass

only weaker foot 

Regressions:

use the carousal practice idea to create different grids with skill level

Challenges, Conditions or Targets:

how many times were you able to scan over your shoulder before receiving the ball 

Small sided game (25 mins)

25 mins

5v5 + 2 gks (players rotates every 2 minutes)

24x18 grid

Make sure to mark half field 

Players gets 3 points if they pass the ball through the gates and their teammates control the ball on the opposite side of the gate

Players get 1 point if they score on the big goal

Mechanic

• Move into position to intercept the ball early.
• Ankle locked
• Select the controlling surface early and place it in the ball’s path.
• Stay balanced using the arms.
• Watch the ball carefully to judge its direction and speed.
• Keep the head steady
• Be relaxed.

Adaptations (Progressions & Regressions):

Progressions:

Add a couple gates and make them 1 yard wide. 

Regressions:

Make the field bigger and add more gates

Challenges, Conditions or Targets:

Conditions:

Score on 2 gates unless you win the ball back in attacking half