Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): 12th Directional Control
Description
Oriented control transforms receiving the ball into an active step within the play, not just an act of stopping it. This makes the game smoother, faster, and safer.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
10 mins
Activity Description:Orientation-Based Control
Equipment: Cones, and balls
Setup:
To perform the 7 different activities, set up a cross-shaped grid with all four arms the same length, placing one cone in the center and one cone at each end of the cross.
Drill 1
Same number of players at each point of the cross. Balls start on two opposite lines.
Players dribble toward the center cone and then pass straight across to the player in front of them.
After passing, the player moves to the line where they played the ball.
Drills 2 & 3
Same number of players at each point of the cross.
Players dribble toward the center cone and then turn right or left (depending on the drill direction).
They pass to the end point on the right or left side (the one indicated for that drill).
After passing, the player moves to the line where they passed the ball.
Drills 4 & 5
Same number of players in each line.
Balls start on one of the horizontal lines.
Players pass to the line on their right, performing control + pass every time.
The player receiving the ball on the right advances toward the cone, controls, and passes to their right.
The next player repeats the same sequence.
This continues in a chain reaction around the cross.
Remember: rotation always goes to the line where the pass was played.
Then repeat the drill going to the left.
Drills 6 & 7
On one of the confronting lines, place several players.
Place one player in the center cone, and one player at each of the two remaining end points of the cross.
The player with the ball passes to the center player.
The center player controls and passes to the player on their right.
The right-side player controls, runs behind the cone, and plays to the line on the right.
That player controls and passes back to the center.
The sequence continues in the same pattern.
Remember: rotation always goes to the line where the ball was passed.
Then repeat the drill going to the left.
Objective
Develop passing accuracy, first touch quality, and decision-making under movement.
Improve orientation of the body when receiving and playing the ball in different directions.
Reinforce constant rotation, mobility, and awareness of teammates’ positions.
Enhance coordination of timing between dribble, control, and pass.
Encourage players to scan and react to directional cues (right/left variations).
Rules
Players must follow the rotation pattern: always move to the line where they passed the ball.
Dribbling routes and passing directions must follow the indicated drill structure (straight, right, or left depending on the activity).
Each action must include proper control + pass before moving.
Players must keep the tempo high and avoid stopping the flow of the sequence.
Communication and visual scanning are required before receiving the ball.
In drills 6 & 7, the central player must always redirect the play to the correct side as indicated (right or left).
Cones represent positional references and must be respected (no cutting or shortcutting the path).
Progressions
Reduce touches (from free touches → 2-touch → 1-touch).
Increase pace by adding time constraints for each sequence.
Add more balls to increase rhythm and difficulty.
Increase distance between cones to challenge passing power and control.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
10 mins
Activity Description:
Pass, control, cross, and finish on goal
Equipment:
Balls, cones, and one goal with a goalkeeper
The team is divided into four groups, each assigned to a station labeledA, B, C, . A goalkeeper is positioned in the goal.
The activity starts on one side of the field. Using Station A as an example:
Player A plays a pass to the teammate positioned directly across from him.
That teammate returns the ball one-two (wall pass).
Player A receives the return ball with an oriented control, moving past the mannequin/cone or passive defender.
Player A then delivers a cross into the box.
At the same time, the player at Stations B runs toward the penalty area.
Whichever player receives the cross attempts a first-time finish on goal.
Once they finish:
The two players who attacked rotate to the end of their line.
The player who delivered the cross stays at that station.
The player who made the wall pass moves to the back of the line.
The action continues from both sides until all balls from both sides have been used, completing one full series.
Rotation
After each series (4 balls per side → 8 crosses in total), groups rotate following the sequence:
A → B
B → C
C → A
This ensures all players experience passing, receiving, crossing, and finishing roles.
Activity Objectives
Improve oriented control to escape pressure or beat markers.
Develop timing and quality of crossing from wide areas.
Improve attacking runs (angles and timing) from central positions.
Enhance finishing abilities (first-time shots, headers, volleys).
Reinforce passing combinations, especially wall passes (one-two).
Build aerobic power through repeated high-intensity attacking actions with incomplete recovery.
Rules
Cross must be delivered first time or after one touch.
Attackers must time their run—no early entry into the box.
Finish must be first time unless the coach specifies otherwise.
Once the ball is dead, players rotate quickly—no delays.
All balls must be used before switching sides or roles.
Progression
Limit touches for the crosser (max 1–2 touches).
Add a passive defender in the box.
Add pressure on the crosser from behind.
Require different types of crosses each round:
low-driven
lofted
cut-back
early cross
Add competition scoring:
1 point = on-target shot
2 points = goal
3 points = first-time volley or header
Increase intensity: shorten reset time between balls.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
10 mins
Activity Description:Small-Sided Game 3v2 (6players) 3´gamesSmall-Sided Game: 3v3 (3v2) Transition (4 Players)
Duration: 3-minute games
Equipment: Cones, 2 small goals, bibs, balls
Setup:
Set up two small goals opposite each other.
Organize 6 players: 3 attackers (Team Purple) and 23defenders (Team White).
Only 5 players are on the field at a time — 3 attackers vs 2 defender.
The 6 player waits outside the field, ready to rotate in.
How to Play:
The game starts with two Purple players attacking against one White defender.
The attacking team (Purple) tries to score on either goal.
If the attackers score or lose possession/make a mistake, the player who scored or made the mistake rotates out.
The waiting player from the other team (White) enters the field, switching the play — now it’s 3 White attackers vs 2 Purple defender.
Objective:
Improve attacking decision-making in overload situations (3v2).
Develop quick transition from attack to defense.
Encourage teamwork and communication.
Rules:
Play continuously for 3 minutes.
Teams keep track of goals scored.
Progressions:
Limit the number of touches (e.g., 3-touch maximum).
Increase to 3v2 with GK or 3v3 transition game as players improve.
Play animation
Play step-by-step
Repeat (toggle)
Full Screen
Pause
Stop
5 mins
Activity Description: 2 o 3 rondos
Equipment: Cones, balls and penis.
The rondos start as usual, with one player defending in the middle. When the defender wins the ball, they immediately join the rondo as an attacker. The player who lost possession must move to a different rondo to defend and attempt to win the ball back. They are not allowed to defend in the same rondo where they lost the ball.
Activity Objectives
Improve pressing and immediate reaction after loss of possession.
Develop quick transitions from defense to attack and vice versa.
Encourage awareness of space and the ability to scan multiple rondos.
Promote constant movement, support, and communication.
Rules
Each rondo begins with one defender in the middle.
When the defender wins the ball, they become an attacker in that rondo.
The player who lost the ball must immediately move to a different rondo to defend.
Players cannot defend again in the same rondo where they lost possession.
Play continues without stopping; transitions must be immediate.
Progression
Limit touches for attackers (e.g., 2-touch, 1-touch).
Increase the number of rondos to create more transitions.
Add time pressure: the new defender must arrive within a set number of seconds.
Add directional rondos where attackers must play to a target player.
Introduce scoring points for successful ball recovery or number of passes completed.