Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Ball Control

Technical Practice (20 mins)

Focus

• Player Ball Control

Organisation

• Area split in to 8 grids, of which 4 in use.
• 4 players per grid.
• Spare footballs positioned in empty grids

Area Size

• 40 x 25

Player No's

• 16

Timings

• 4 x 3 Minutes - 90 Seconds Rest

Explanation

• Bib up players on arrival 8 red and 8 blue. 
• One pair works in the middle of each grid.
• Each pair number themselves 1 and 2.
• Player 1 and 2 receive the pass from the their outside player and focus on controlling the ball then pass back to where it came from. 
• Both players then turn to the other outside player to receive the next pass.
•  After 90 seconds, Player 1 and Player 2 swap roles with the outside players.
• Coaches positions as shown edges of the practice. 

Progressions (Harder)

• Different types of pass from outside, so players have to use different surfaces to control.

Regressions (Easier)

• Area size slightly smaller, reducing distance of pass from outside pass.

Interventions

• Pull player to one side of the practice an speak at their height.
• Speak to player during breaks.

Mechanics

•  On toes
•  Eye on the ball
•  Get in line with ball
•  Decide and present surface towards ball
•  Relax on impact

SSG (20 mins)

Primary Focus

• Small side game focusing on control

Organisation

• End zones added.
• 1 target player for each team in end zone.

Area Size

• 35 x 25 with 5 yard end zones added

Player No's

• 10 (5 v 5)

Timings

• 4 x 4 Minutes replace 3 reds and 3 blues every time after 4 minutes. 
• Coaches positions as shown. 
• Spare balls at side of practice with the coach. 

Explanation

• Teams look to score by playing into their target player end zone.
• Rotate target player each block. 
• Spare players 3 red and 3 blue while waiting for their turn in the SSG to utilise the space behind the pitch, they are to form two rows of three and to pass to the central player who turns and passes to the other player in the row, middle player to swap with end player, each player to take turns in the middle.

Conditions

• Target player must bring the ball under control with their first touch to secure the goal for their team.

Target

• Ball must be passed to the player in the end zone to have a chance of scoring. 

Challenge 

• Can you get the ball to the player in the end zone within 3 passes.  

Progressions (Harder)

• Limit touches of central players.
• A time limit added to get the ball in the end zone. 

Regressions (Easier)

• Goals are then scored by a player running on to a pass by a teammate and controlling it in the end zone.

Interventions

• Pull player to one side of the practice an speak at their height. 
• Speak to player during breaks. 

Mechanics

•  On toes
•  Eye on the ball
•  Get in line with ball
•  Decide and present surface towards ball
•  Relax on impact