Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): U8-U11 Aerial Control
Coaches' Voice
Tony Hodson
Description
This is a session designed to improve players' aerial control.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
15 mins
Topic
- Direct play
PRINCIPLE
- Pass: Hit through the lower part of the ball to generate height
- Run: Diagonal on to the pass
TIME
- 4 x 3-minute blocks
PLAYERs
- Minimum of 2 players
space/equipment
- 25 x 25-metre playing area/Balls, 3 mannequins, flat markers, 2 mini-goals
DESCRIPTION
This is an unopposed practice.
The server (a coach or another player) starts 25m away from a player who starts in an 8m x 14m box. The box is split into two halves, as shown in the animation.
- Mannequins are placed 5m away from the box. Target goals are placed 8m away from the box to either side.
The practice starts with the server clipping a ball into the box. The player in the box attempts to control the ball and keep it in the same half of the box that they received in.
- Once the player has controlled the ball, they then try to play a pass into the nearer of the two mini-goals.
- The player can be awarded one point for keeping the ball in the same half when controlling, and awarded another point if they are then able to pass the ball into the mini-goal.
PROGRESSIONs
The coach can alter the size of the playing area.
Change the angle of the server.
Alter the distance from which the server passes.
Challenge the player to move the ball into the opposite half of the box when they control the ball.
Coaching Points
- Getting in line with the ball: Players should be encouraged to get in line with the ball as it is travelling. It is important that players read the flight of the ball early and then move their feet quickly to get in line with the ball. Players should aim to get their body directly behind the ball when they are controlling, so they are not forced to stretch their legs to bring the ball under control.
- Decision-making: Once the player has got in line with the ball, they must make a decision as to what part of their body to use to control the ball. Players should be encouraged to use all parts of their body, so they are able to deal with balls played into them at varying heights.
- First touch: Players should focus on using their first touch to bring the ball down to the ground and under control. Players can use different surfaces to control the ball in this practice – for example: chest, thigh, foot. Players can use different surfaces to control the ball in this practice – for example: chest, thigh, foot.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
20 mins
Topic
- Direct play
PRINCIPLE
- Pass: Hit through the lower part of the ball to generate height
- Run: Diagonal on to the pass
TIME
- 2 x 10-minute blocks
PLAYERs
- 12 including 2 goalkeepers
space/equipment
- 30 x 55-metre playing area/Balls, 6 mannequins, flat markers, 2 full-size goals
DESCRIPTION
This is a 4v4 +2 small-sided game.
The pitch is split into three zones. The pitch is 30m wide and 55m long. The end zones are 20m long, the middle zone is 15m long. Mannequins are placed in the middle zone to prevent the ball being played on the floor through the middle zone.
- There is a 2v2 +1 in each end zone. Players remain in their zones for the whole game. The neutral player in each end zone (blue in the animation) plays for whichever team has the ball.
The game starts with one of the goalkeepers. The team in possession attempts to pass the ball to their teammates in the final third of the pitch. That pass is not allowed to be played on the floor.
- Once the player receives the pass in the final third, they attempt to score a goal.
- If the defending team wins the ball at any point, they then attempt to score.
PROGRESSIONs
The coach can decrease the size of the playing area, to make it more difficult to receive balls in space. This means there is more pressure on players when controlling the ball.
Coaching Points
- Getting in line with the ball: Players should be encouraged to get in line with the ball as it is travelling. It is important that players read the flight of the ball early and then move their feet quickly to get in line with the ball. Players should aim to get their body directly behind the ball when they are controlling, so they are not forced to stretch their legs to bring the ball under control.
- Decision-making: Once the player has got in line with the ball, they must make a decision as to what part of their body to use to control the ball. Players should be encouraged to use all parts of their body, so they are able to deal with balls played into them at varying heights.
- First touch: Players should focus on using their first touch to bring the ball down to the ground and under control. Players can use different surfaces to control the ball in this practice – for example: chest, thigh, foot. Players can use different surfaces to control the ball in this practice – for example: chest, thigh, foot.
Play animation
Play step-by-step
Repeat (toggle)
Full Screen
Pause
Stop
10 mins
Topic
PRINCIPLE
TIME
PLAYERs
space/equipment
DESCRIPTION
This is an unopposed technical practice to develop the ability to receive and control aerial passes.
The playing area is 8m wide by 20m long and split into two halves. Mannequins are placed on the halfway line, and a rope is attached to both mannequins to create a line off the ground. The height of this rope can be altered depending on the ability of the players.
The players pass the ball between one another over the rope. Each player is limited to three touches.
PROGRESSIONs
The coach can alter the height of the rope or the size of the playing area.
Additionally, they can award bonus points if the player is able to control and return the ball without it bouncing.
Coaching Points