Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): RMSC Div3 - Receiving and Controlling with Intent

Controlling the Ball with Intent

RECAP Passing Technique

Just pass back and forward for a few minutes and Focus on Passing Technique (Not in animation)

We use the inside of the Instep (see attached image = Inside Foot Area) - Why? It is big surface area, allows us to have more control.

We place balancing leg next to the ball and point toe to where we want ball to go - Why? It directs our movements in the direction we want the ball to go, and allows us to make contact with the middle of the ball consistently

We attempt to kick the ball in the middle (see attached image = Kick Straight) - Why? It is a big surface area, allowing us more control and it directs all the momentum and power directly into the ball sending it forward with more accurately and with pace.

We follow through with straight forward - Why? It lets the ball go in a straight line, if it starts coming across the body, you will pull the ball.

We step into the ball to get more power, rather than swinging our leg faster - Why? Stepping into the ball quicker, generates more momentum and thus we have more power. If you swing your leg quicker, technique may be sacrificed and accuracy impacted as a result.

FOCUS Controlling the ball with Intent

When receiving the ball, we do not always want to stop the ball dead at our feet, pressure will be coming to the player receiving the ball, so their first touch should be of such a nature that it actually relieves some pressure. This is achieved by touching the ball into space when receiving it = Controlling the ball with Intent

In this activity we simplify things, and just challenge players to touch the ball around a pair of cones, getting them used to the fact that we don't just want to trap the ball, but that we want to keep momentum and be progressive and intentional with our touches on the ball (See animation).

Use the Inside of the Instep and attempt to make contact with the middle of the ball. Receiving the Ball is almost passing in reverse. Attempt to meet the ball with foot hovering just above the ground with the Inside of the Instep directed to the oncoming ball, so that you can cushion the ball on impact.

Why? Big surface area on Big surface area allows the most control. 

Keep Away - Intentional Actions

FOCUS - Have Intentional Touches into spaces (Blue dashes), to help you with your following Actions (Black dashes) - See Animation

Form 2 groups (numbers up for attackers, no less than 2 defenders. adjust based on player ability)

1 group will work to keep the ball, while the 2rd group will attempt to win it, on winning it they should try to dribble out of the playing field to get a point.

Attacking teams get a point after connecting a certain amount of passes (adjust based on player ability, no less than 4).

Defenders should be in for a duration of around 2min, and then switched with attackers.

Performance Teams: Set-up can be 3 groups of equal size (uneven numbers add a neutral for attackers). 2 groups work together to keep possession, and 3rd group as defenders. Use same rules as above, or as a further progression it can be made so that if the defenders wins it from one colour, they can start playing keep away with the 3rd colour, and the group that lost it transitions into defending.