Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Attack - Passing

Heading warm up (10 mins)

Organisation:

5v5 + 2 Target players in end zones opposit to each other.

Area is 25x30M for 12 players. For 10 could do 23x27M, 4v4 +2 Target players. If odd numbers use a 'Joker' who plays for the team with the ball. For 8 could do 20x25, use a 4v4 and use goals instead of target players and if a team score the ball goes to the other team.

Netball rules, players can only pivot, non contact, only able to intercept. Only way to pass is to throw the ball up and head it to a teammate. The reciever doesn't have to catch it, they can head it first time.

Players in the end zone must stay in the zone but are free to move up and down.

Could play for 1 minute of high intensity followed by 30 seconds rest.

 Aim:

Aim is to head the ball to a target player in the end zone.

If a team successfully heads it to a target player their team keeps possession and tries to get it to the target player on the oppostie side.

1 Goal for reaching one tagret player by throwing it up and heading it to them, 2 goals for heading it directly from a pass without needing to catch it.

Coaching points:

Mechanics of heading: Eyes open, Use forehead, Neck and back muscles for power, Arms out for balance, on toes.

Communication, movement, interceptions, intensity.

 Progressions/ Regressions:

Progressions: Time limits on the ball for each player. Time limits for a team to score. 3 goals for more than 2 consecutive headers resulting in a goal. Time limit to score following an interception. Make the playing area bigger to increase the distance of headers, smaller to encourage more movements and interceptions.

Regressions: 2 target players in end zones giving more space for players. Don't have to head it, can throw it directly to a target player to focus on communication, movement and interceptions.

Playing out from the back (20 mins)

Organisation:

Collect the cones making the end zone, using the 2 cones in the corners closes to the halfway line form two gates with a 5M gap between them.

7+Goalkeeper v 5. For 10, have a back 3 with 2 midfielders against 5. If odd numbers always ensure the team has an overload so they're able to play out from the back and you still get success.

When the goalkeeper puts the ball down that's the trigger for the rest of the team to move into position to play out from the back.

 Aim:

Aim is for the reds to successfully play out from the back and have a player dribble the ball through a gate. If blues win it they can attack and try to score themselves.

Coaching Points:

Mechanics: ID target, Eye on the ball, Standing foot comfortable, Angle of approach, Strike centre of ball, Firm ankle, follow through.

Communication, Creating passing options, man in possession should always have 2 options for a pass, creating triangles. One central midfielder should drop in to support the defenders and the other should use third man runs to create the opportunity to pass forwards.

Progressions/ Regressions:

Progressions: Scenarios where the blue's need a goal so they're pressing really high. Challenge the reds to make 'x' amount of passes under pressure and keep focused on going forward.

Regressions: Add another gate in the centre between the other two. Blues aren't allowed the press into the penalty area.