Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Throw in Session

Screen 1

Organisation

• Technique drill for throw ins
• Players split into 4 groups and lines of 3, player A throws the ball into player B to begin
• The coach instructs the aim of the situation - This could be player A to throw the ball to player B who will control and pass back to player A, It could be Player B must flick the ball onto player C, player B to control the ball, turn and pass to player C.
• The coach is to give a variety of instructions for the players to follow and each one could last a set amount of time or repetitions such as for 5 throws play the ball back to player A, the next 5 throws play up to player C or a set time
• Players will then rotate so each player has a turn in each position.

Key Factors

• Correct technique used throughout by throw in taker
• Variety added to drill with set targets such as return to throw in taker, flick on to player C, control ball and pass to player C
• Move the ball quickly
• Mechanics of control and passing and covered

Control - 

1. On toes
2. Eye on the ball
3. Get in line with ball
4. Decide and present
surface towards ball
5. Relax on impact

Passing -

1. Look at target
2. Eye on ball
3. Angle of approach
4. Non-kicking foot alongside ball in a
comfortable position
5. Strike Centre of ball with inside /
outside of foot (Identified area of the ball)
6. Firm ankle
7. Follow through towards target

• These can include moving closer to the thrower and taking extra touches if required.

Screen 3

Organisation

• Small sided game of 6 a side
• Small pitch length as only 6 a side, width reduced as this will facilitate the ball going out more often which will lead to more throw ins which follows the topic of the session
• If a goal is scored from a throw in situation then 2 goals are awarded to encourage attacking play from a throw in

Key Factors

• Correct technique from throw ins
• Take into the game what has been learnt in the previous drills

Progressions, Regressions and Adaptations

• Pitch width can be altered if too many throw ins are happening
• Conditions can be added such as giving a player space if in a throw in situation

Learning outcomes

• Players to understand the the importance of throw in situations

• Players to have performed throw ins and the mechanics of control and passing during the session

• Players to have a better understand of what to do in throw in situations in real games

• Players to have been challenged to a level of their ability