Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): FAW C Certificate: Ball Control Technical and Skill (Start Time: 2025-04-13 10:30:00)

Technical: Round the clock

Setup

Bibs laid out in position for each grid (5 in 2 boxes, 6 in another)

Coaches positioned centrally so can observe 2 groups at a time and intervene as necessary 

Coaches to have lots of balls next to them to feed back into the group if balls go astray

Demonstration

Coach will step into the stage (red flats) of one of the grids (yellow cones) to simultaneously demonstrate and describe what's required

Support coach will step in as one of the servers and be the first to serve

Instructions

Spotlight player on clock centre stage for 1 min

They receive ball from one of their 4 servers inside their 4x4 stage and pass it back to that same player

They then receive off that player again and play it to another player on the clock face and repeat

Spotlight player has to communicate to the server where they want the ball - left foot, right foot (progression: thigh, chest, head)

Server has to be on toes, control the ball and serve as directed (initially with feet)

Servers count the players accurate controls (controls that don't leave the 4x4 stage)

Rotate player on stage every minute 

After first 2, challenge strong groups to ask for the ball on weak foot/thigh/chest/head or reduce stage size



Adaptations (Progressions & Regressions):

Progressions: Force thigh, head, chest or weak foot control, reduce the 4x4 stage, encourage stronger passes from servers

Regressions: Increase the size of the 4x4 stage, encourage softer passes from servers

Challenges

"Can you think about where you want to go next with your touch?"

"Can you challenge yourself to not keep using your strongest foot?"

"Can you vary the angle of turn each time i.e. not going to the next player clockwise/anticlockwise all the time?"

"Servers, can you help your team by controlling accurately and serving quality at speed?"

Targets

"Can you perform 10 successful controls and passes in 1 minute?"

"Can you control the ball successfully with 5 different body parts, and turn or pass, in 1 minute? Left foot, Right foot, Thigh, Chest and Head

"Which group can complete the most passes in each minute?"

Coaching Points

1. On toes

- Stay light on your feet and ready to move in any direction.
- Use small, quick steps to adjust your position as the ball approaches.

2. Eye on the ball

- Keep your focus on the ball until the moment of contact.

- Observe the ball’s speed, spin, and trajectory to anticipate how it will arrive.

3. Get in line with the ball

- Move your body to align directly with the ball’s path.

- Take quick, small steps to adjust positioning rather than lunging or overreaching.

- Always aim to meet the ball in a balanced, controlled posture.

4. Decide and Present Surface Towards the Ball

- Inside of foot for soft controlled touches

- Angle the chosen surface to guide the ball where you want it to go (next part of the clock face) - back foot, front foot, turn, outside/inside foot

5. Relax on impact

- Slightly relax the receiving surface to “cushion” the ball and reduce its speed

- Avoid stiffening up, as this can cause the ball to bounce away uncontrollably

Interventions

Consider individually after player's 1 min block so they can use the advice for the rest of the drill as a server

Consider sub group intervention if there are any consistent observations (e.g.not presenting back foot)

SSG

SETUP

Pick up yellow central cones from coaches apron (red zone on previous drill)

2 teams of 4 in central area. 8 players on the outside cannot enter the area. 

Teams will rotate every break.

Now we use the 2 goals at either end. Balls in middle of area with coaches (in black) as shown
The game is multi directional and teams can score in either goal. The team on the outside are neutral (play with the team in possession).

3 sets of 3 mins (30 seconds minute between sets)

Mechanics of control focused on in the SSG
- Get in line with the ball
- Decide and present surface towards ball
- Relax on impact

Coaching Points
What is the best body positioning to receive in line with the ball? (Side on)
What is the best foot to receive the ball with to ensure the best control?
Use the inside of your foot and relax it on impact to protect the ball from defenders.

Expected Observations/Interventions

I expect players to converge around the ball and not use the space available. This could lead to poor mechanics in control.
I will attempt to use breaks in between sets to intervene and focus on whole group interventions.

Adaptations (Progressions & Regressions):

Regression: making the area bigger if the players are unable to control the ball in such a small zone   

Progression: limit touches to 3 touches 

Challenges, Conditions or Targets:

Can't pass back to same player

Minimum 2 touch (to ensure a control is needed)

5 passes with good control pre goal is 3 points