Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): RHS - Out of possession in middle 1/3 - Defending principles

Pair Tag (10 mins)

Setup:

4 teams of 8-10

25x20 grid

Activity:

Tag - four teams - team who is 'it' work in pairs - one player is the 'Bird Dog', the other player is the 'Hunter'. Pairs work together to chase and try to catch the 'Free Birds'. Only the Hunters may tag a Free Bird. The Bird Dogs may chase, herd, and get in the way of the Free Birds, but may not tag them. Hunters may only tag Free Birds herded by their Bird Dog. Tagged Birds hold their ball above their head and wait for a teammate to free them by playing the ball through their legs. Bird Dogs and Hunters try to capture all the Free Birds. Play 1 minute then change roles for the teams. Play 2 rounds for each team so that every player has been both a Bird Dog and a Hunter.

Coaching Points:

Fun, movement, OBSERVATION of how players solve the problems of the game.

Encourage Hunters (2nd Defenders) to organize and stay connected with their Bird Dog (1st Defender).

Show how simply chasing is not productive - 'Herd' players into corners or into a line and then go for the tag. (Patience, organization first, then pounce!)

4v4+3 with center goal (20 mins)

Intervals:

3 min work + 1 min rest x 5 reps = 20 min

Setup:

25x20 grid (setup enough for 11-15 per group/grid)

Groups of four - 2 teams play each other while the 3rd team acts as neutrals.

Activity:

4v4+3 rondo where the team in possession of the ball scores by getting the ball through the center zone/goal.

Progression:

+ Attacking team scores a goal if they connect 20 passes

Coaching Points:

+ In transition --> IMMEDIATE pressure after loosing the ball ("3 seconds of fury")

+ Once they get organized, we get organized

+ They can play around us, but not through us

8v8 Half field game (20 mins)

Setup:

2 teams of 8

half field

Activity:

Blue team tries to score in big goal.

White team scores in either pugg OR by #2 dribbling through large gate out wide (or receiving pass near gate).

Coaching Points:

+ Coach the white team to defend using the principles