Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Intro to Rondos U10 - U12 -U13 - U15

Animation - 4 v 1 Possession (5 Ball Target Game for Defender) (20 mins)

Instructions:

• Intro to rondo, players get into a 4v1, area size dependent upon ability

• Have one soccer ball, on a cone, in the center of the square that the defender, defends. Have 4 other balls on a cone in each corner of the square.

• If the defender wins the ball they aim to pass it out to hit a ball on a cone on the outside to explode the ball.

• Focus is on the receiving player to take a touch in a direction away from pressure, keeping it away from the lone defender.

• Players aim to maintain possession of the ball together and when possible explode the central ball on the cone.

• Once the players understand the game add points: 3 points for exploding the castle in the middle, 1 point every time they connect 3 successful passes. This will force the defender to come and steal the ball instead of standing and protecting.

Progressions:

• If the players are having success, make the area smaller or add another defender

• If the players are struggling, make the area bigger and add a rule that the defender can only walk like a zombie or can only intercept the ball

Defending Coaching Points:

• Can I win the ball back quickly and can my first touch take me towards a ball I can explode quickly.

Attacking Coaching Points:

• Can I attract the defender away from the target

• Can I change my angle to support the player with the ball

• Can I communicate with my team

• Decision making, when to penetrate, when to keep possession