Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Shooting & Finishing Camp - Day 3 - Younger

Cat & Mouse (15 mins)

Activity Name:Cat & Mouse

Activity Description: Arrange players in pairs. One player has a ball the other doesn't. The player without the ball (mouse), is chased by the player with the ball (cat). The cat tries to keep up with the mouse and the mouse tries to lose the cat. When the coach shouts FREEZE, both players stop, the mouse turns to face the cat and stands with their legs shoulder width apart. The cat passes the ball trying to get it through the mouse's legs, if they do it is a point. Roles reverse and we go again.

Encourage mouse to change direction often and tell cats they must use the turn they have been working on to change direction.

Play a couple of times and introduce different rules, right foot pass only, left foot pass only, dribble left foot only, dribble right foot only.

Coaching points:

- Dribble with head up to stay with the mouse.

- Keep ball under control.

- Pass with the inside of the foot (NO TOES).

Breakaway Transition (15 mins)

Activity Name: Breakaway Transition

Activity Description: First player in group #1 has a breakaway on goal (5 second time limit). After getting their shot off they quickly transition to be a defender and go against the first player in group #2. This player tries to beat the player from group #1 and then score in either of the two wide cone goals opposite their side of the area. If the player from group #1 wins the ball they get to try and score a second goal on the regular goal. After each gone switch groups. 

IMPORTANT 

- if you have large numbers, 12 or more, setup a second area.

- Once player #1 has shot and is defending, get the next #1 going. This will keep all players moving and avoid players standing around.

Variation 1: Have the player from group #1 already on the court. The player from group #2 starts. They go 1v1 with the player from group #2 bringing the ball in and trying to score on either of the wide cone goals. When the ball is out, all players stay on the court and the next player from group #1 comes in with a ball and works with the original player from group #1. They go 2v1 against the player from group #2, going towards the bigger goal. When the ball goes out the next player from group #2 comes in with the ball and now it is a 2v2 going to the wide goals...repeat until all players are in play.

Variation 2: Add a second goal with a GK and remove the wide cone goals. Now the activity starts with a breakaway to goal and then a 1v1 to the other goal.

Coaching Points:

Breakaway...

- Attack the first goal at pace.

- Mix up finishing technique - laces and inside foot.

1v1...

- Defender must transition quickly to defender.

- Defender needs to be side on, low down, and try to force the player one way.

- Attacker must attack at pace, use different moves, change speed and direction.

- Try to draw keeper in before finishing.

Reaction Finishing 1v1 (15 mins)

Activity Name: Pairs Finishing

Activity Description: Arrange players in pairs. One partner in front without a ball, sitting cross-legged and facing the goal (#1). One partner behind, stood up with a ball ready to go (#2). Give each pair a number/team name. Coach will shout out different pairs. When a pair is called the player without the ball must quickly jump up and get ready to defend. The player with the ball must dribble quickly and try to beat the player without the ball before they react. Play until the ball goes out or until a set time (5-10 seconds). For larger groups you can have multiple pairs going at the same time to limit standing around.

Variations:

When a pairs number/team name is called...

...player 1 must now sprint and touch the goal post then defend. Player 2 tries to dribble in and score before player 1 recovers.

...player 1 leaves the ball and runs through one of the side gates (big cones) and then defends. player 2 runs and collects the ball, then goes to goal.

Coaching Points:

- Pay attention and react quickly.

- Dribble at speed and try to catch defender out.

- When in range take the shot.

- Aim for the corners.

- Correct finishing technique.