Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Ball mastery set up variations

Diamond

Large diamond with smaller diamond set up in center

Players start on outside of large diamond (each with a ball)

* All 4 lines play at the same time

* First player in each line dribbles toward center cone (8-12 yards away) before performing a move and then accelerating 90 degrees to the right to join back of line

* Work for 45 seconds then change direction (counter clockwise)

* Set works great when talking about dribbling to escape pressure and keep possession

With passing

With passing

Groups of 3 in a line, 8 to 12 yards away from each other

2 players on the outside start with a ball

* Player on the outside passes the ball to central player then runs forward to become a passive defender

* Central player now in possession does a move around passive defender before accelerating to the outside

* Play continues in the opposite direction

* This set up works well after players are familiar and comfortable with basic moves

* Can also be used before a defending session by talking about closing space quickly and angle of approach / body shape of passive defender after each pass