Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): End Zone Attack

End Zone Attack

Organisation

• Set up a square grid they should be about 15 x 20 or less/more depending on age. Organise the team into 3 groups. Place 1 of the teams opposite end of the area defending the end zone.
• 2/3 sets of bibs 
• balls in the goal
• cones

Instructions: 

The teams will have 10+ balls to dribble the balls in the goal towards the red dribble zone, if the defending team win the ball back they can score between the 2 red cones to earn a points. They earn 3 points for scoring in the 2 mini goals but lose a point if the opposition can dribble into the red end zone. The 3 teams will all switch round, 

Coaching Points for Defending team 

Pressure - The closest player to the ball to put pressure on the attacking player in hopes to dispossess the attacker or make them make a mistake.

Cover - Defensive positioning that gives immediate support to the pressuring players by positioning themselves near the pressure.

Balance - Can the team can position themselves in a defensive shape that does not allow the switching of the ball to off-balance the defence but also not allowing opposition through.

Progressions / Regressions:

• If too hard can we limit amount of passes needed to be made or go to handball, we could also limit amount of balls that 
• if too easy then can add a time limit

Teacher Task(s)

• Watch one of the teams and help count the amount of balls/lives left, communicating when and how attackers can work as a team.

SSG

Organisation:

This is a small-sided game played on a playing area of approximately 30m x 30m (depending on numbers) that is split into two zones. 

2 teams and must have 1 player minimum in each zone of the to encourage spreading out. 

• 2 sets of bibs
• balls on the side
• flat markers
• cones

Instructions:
Teams will be now playing a small sided game, however they will be having to pick from a deck of matchplay cards, these cards will have a condition on a game where the players will discuss in teams to see how they play, they will switch cards every 2 minutes. 

Coaching Points:
Reiterate the proper technique to receive the ball (Receiving the ball on the back foot and pushing it across their body to make the next pass with their other foot). Stress keeping the ball close (Good 1st touch) .Stress making good passes to the player with pace and to their feet. Also talk about if in possession then spread out and use the full box to make it harder for defending player.

Progressions/Regressions

• If too easy add touch limit or add single Matchplay cards to any individuals who stand out

Teacher Task(s):
Help facilitate in the choosing of cards and discussing them with the teams to help them understand the rules of these cards.