Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Transitions

Awareness (10 mins)

• 15 mins
• 8 players
• 4 balls
• 4 bibs
• 8 cones
• 20x15 area

Set up the area as seen above. Each team has a target player at each end and 4v4 in the middle area.

Teams attempt to pass and combine from one end player to the other end player, playing through spaces and opposition teams. If the opposition wins the ball they play from their target players. Rotate roles of players.

Functional (20 mins)

A= Blue

B=Yellow

This directional game sees two team of six working in a large area just greater than half of a full-sized pitch. There is also a top channel in which a target payer (T) and the two coaches (C) will be located. The goalkeeper for the possession team – here, Team A – will always begin the practice. Team A attempts to build up from the back and score by running the ball past the endline. Team A can use the target player to combine with to create goalscoring chances. An example of this is shown in the diagram. The pressing Team B, which is the main focus for the coach, will be looking to steal possession of the ball and counter-attack quickly to finish in the big goal. If Team A is successful in running the ball past the endline to score a goal, a ball will be immediately fed into Team B by one of the two coaches, thus creating an attacking transition. An example of this can also be seen in the diagram. As a progression, another goal can be placed behind the target player at the far end of the practice. This target player can then become a goalkeeper, past whom Team A can now aim to score at the end of their build-up.

Cool Down (10 mins)

Cool Down Phase:

Players will finish the training session with a cool down, by jogging the full width of the field 2 times while performing some dynamic movements.

-50% jog

-Skipping

After they finish, players will then perform static stretching, working from the top of the body and down. Players will hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds.

-Quad stretches

-Hamstring stretches

-Groin/Adductor stretches

-Lower&Upper back stretches

-Calf stretches