Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): U14-16 Matchday -1 Session (Multiple Themes)

Technical Activation

Set up/Organisation/Description:

• 1 x 11 aside goal
• 3 feeders positioned as shown (1 near side line, 1 near on angle and 1 a few yards inside post)

Instructions/Explanations:

Option 1

• GK starts and receives pass from feeder 1 (FB), returning pass with 1 touch
  
• GK moves to support feeder 2 (CB/ CDM) and receives pass. Return pass with 1 touch
• GK then drops off for volley from feeder 3

Option 2

• Feeder 1 rolls ball out feet acting as trigger for GK to support and received back pass. GK then plays ball to feeder 2 before dropping off for volley from feeder 3. 
  
• On the next rep feeder 2 provides trigger for GK to support and receive back pass before playing to feeder 1
• Feeder 1 and 2 widen and deepen to take up realistic positions where a full back/ centre back/ CDM may receive ball (Playing round and through)
  
  Option 3:
• Start with volley from feeder 3
• Move to near post for cut back from feeder 1
• Recovery strike from floor from feeder 2 (Emulates drop off to create reaction time if decision is made not to attack cross)
  
  Option 4:
• Start with volley from feeder 3
• Highball from feeder 1
• Strike from floor from feeder 2 (Emulates drop off deep to create reaction time if decision is made not to attack cross)
  
  Coaching Points:
  
• Tight ankle, punch through middle of ball at short range/ driven or chipped pass at longer ranges
  
• Playing to back foot so player can transition on half turn if in space. If not then front foot with clear communication of pressure
• Sharp movements with feet light to floor
• Technical information relating to handling/ shotstopping
• Awareness of when to set (Seeing the triggers early)

Game-Related Practice

Set up/Organisation/Description:

• 3V2 Outfield (GK 4th man in possession)
• 2x11 aside goals (pitch length 20-30 yards depending on age and stage/ width in line with 18 yard box)

Instructions/Explanations:

• Ball starts with coach who can feed a cross to either Goalkeeper to start 3V2 game
  
• GK in possession then plays with their team to attack opposite teams goal
• If ball goes out play resets with cross from coach
• Scoring team gain possession to restart play after scoring

Progression(s)

• Coach does not need to cross to start play; they can now pass to any player on the pitch or shoot
  
  Coaching Points:
  
• Early and effective decision making in and out of possession
  
• Communicating with team mates
• Constant small adjustments and being an option to retain possession
• GK technical information if required (coach any relevant points arising from the game)