Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): MSC Week 6 Spark

Warm-up: Rondo (10 mins)

Organization:

10 x 10 or 15 x 15 depending on numbers

Player 1 (defender) : 2 (attackers) ratio

Max amount of player in a grid = 5 attackers

Instructions:

1. Possession game where there is 1 defender every 2 players. Defender tries to steal the ball. "Attackers" try to possess. (Much like keep away)

2. Defender tries to touch the ball. If he/she does they switch with the player who lost possession.

3. If the ball goes out the defender stays the same (defenders must touch or steal the ball away to become an attacker)

4. Progress to Rondo transfer box (P3)

Progressions:

(P1) - 5 passes equals a life against the current defender. Must stay in for a second round after touching the ball

(P2) - A nutmeg or a through ball (if there are two defenders) counts away a life against the defenders.

(P3) - Rondo transfer: two grids are combined and the teams work against each other

2v1 Semi / Opposed pressure (15 mins)

Organization:

20 x 15

Minimum of 4 players per grid

Maximum of 6 players per grid

1 Ball; Extras on the side

Instructions:

1. Player A passes the ball into Player B. Player B passes the ball back to Player A, after the pass Player B moves to either side,  and then Player (A) makes a long pass into Player C.

2. After the pass Player A, the defender, closes down the space between him/her and the ball.

3. Player C looks to combine with Player B, either a Give and Go or an overlapping run. If Player C and B cross the yellow cones they each get a point.

4. If Player A steals the ball and dribbles it over the blue cone line he/she gets a point.

Coaching Points:

1. Awareness: Observation of defenders position to help decide best course of action; Player in possession recognizing that space is ahead and they are able to drive in field to create 2v1; Timing of run of supporting player; Recognition of overlapping player to help unbalance defense.

2. Surface technique: Attacking 1st touch (Ronaldo) into space; Messi touches dribbling toward the defender; Inside/Outside surface to pass the ball.

3. Verbal + Physical Cues:

1st Attacker

a. Recognizes space ahead / behind the defender and attacks the        space with his/her first touch, engaging the defender 1v1.

b. 1st Attacker engages 2nd Attacker by using verbal cues/commands to help combine and get around the defender by creating a favorable 2v1 situation.

2nd Attacker

a. Recognizes 1st Attackers approach (physical cue) towards the defender in a 1v1 situation. 2nd Attacker decides to combine with the 1st Attacker by indicating a Give and Go combo, with his/her body movement, or an overlapping run by verbal commands to hold and pass the ball.

4v4 Game (30 mins)