Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Maitland 9's & 10's SAP Week 1. Striking the ball - short passing

Warm up (15 mins)

Warm up - during set up (in grid)

Ball manipulation - toe taps, sole rolls, triangles, etc.

Short passing - 10 mins

Set up

Split into groups of 3. One player at each end a player in the middle. Player A starts with a pass into Player B, Player B controls and passes back to Player A, Player B turns and repeats with Player C.

Progression 1.

A passes to B who turns and passes to C, C returns pass to B who turns and plays back to A.

Rotate every 1-2 mins.

Coaching Tips use both feet. (weight of pass, head/eyes up), pass to back foot of Player B

Skill Intro (15 mins)

Short Passing - 15 mins

Set up 3 x grids 5-6m square as shown. (setup more if reqd.) and (if available) 2 passing arcs and small pop up goal (as many sets as required)

Drill 1.

Setup Player on each corner, on out side of the grid.

Start with player 1, who plays pass to player 2, player 2 receives the ball and plays pass to player 3, player 3 recieves the ball and plays pass to player 4. Player 4 recieves ball and plays back to player 3 and so on back to player 1.

Coaching tips (pass played to far foot, weight of pass, head/eyes up before passing) step off cone (defender) to receive pass

Technical points non striking foot beside ball, follow through pass, lock ankle, strike middle of the ball

Repeat process.

Progression let ball come across body, drag back and pass on the inside of cone with opposite foot

Drill 2.

Setup

Players line up behind cone at A, 3 passes each they start by playing pass through (closest) passing arc 1, then through passing arc 2 and finish with a pass/shot into furthest arc or pop up goal 3. Record sores. Use weaker foot first, then stronger foot on second go through.

Coaching tips Focus on body position when striking ball, head/eyes up see target before striking ball.

Technique non kicking foot beside ball, ankle locked, strike middle of the ball, follow through the action

Rotate between drills as required.