Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Shielding, Screening & Combination Play U11s

3v2 Repetition Circuit (15 mins)

Practice Organisation:

-2 Practice areas: 30x10yds & 30x20yds, including end grid within each practice area 18yds deep with one goal at alternate ends, set-out as illustrated.

-14 players (incl. 2GK’s), working in pairs, with 2 pairs operating as Defenders & 1 pair working as support players in side of each practice.

-Practice starts with: A’s at end of grid who are free to play unopposed in 1st third.

-D’s are restricted to mid & defensive thirds.

-A’s work up & down each area to complete circuit.

-Off-side applies in final third.

-A’s can shoot from any position.

-Pairs move around circuit & after per-determined number of attempts, changes roles with D’s & S’s.

Progression:

-D’s defend early in 1st third on 1st touch of A receiver.

-Award points for hitting the target & deduct points for failure to do so.

-Support players moves into mid third to create 3v2.

Learning Objectives:

-Initial receiving touch.

-Assessing positions of D’s.

-Movement by A’s to disorganise D’s.

-Pass quality when supplying team-mates with scoring opportunities.

-Assessing GK’s position before striking at goal.

-Decision on how to beat GK.

Technical/Tactical:

-Body position/shape

-Movement

-Control

-Cover

-Balance/Cover/Support

-Starting positions

Physical:

-Speed

-Agility

-Stamina

-Strength

Psychological/Social:

-Concentration

-Confidence

-Control

-Dealing with success/failure

-Commitment

Shielding, Screening & Combination Play (30 mins)

Practice Organisation:

*15 x 10 Yard area. Half way line marked, and goals at each end.

*Practice starts with coach feeding ball into Attacker. Each team attempts to score in opponent's goal in 1 v 1 situation. Player in possession is able to use support from team-mates on outside to retain possession and create new angles of attack.

*Continue playing from GKs save.

Progessions:

*If player with ball is pressured by D he can pass to outside team mate who can dribble inside and attack goal.

*Player on outside can work inside if given ball to create 2 v 1

*If 2 v 1 is created, another D may enter to make 2 v 2

*When 2 v 2 is created, 3rd A enters to join in and make 3 v 2

*If Ds gain possession in 2 v 3, 3rd D may enter to make 3 v 3

Learning Objectives:

1. Screening, shielding and turning techniques

2. Use of body feints and changes of speed

3. Creating space to exploit.

4. Use of peripheral vision to indetify passing outlets

5. Balance and Concentration in defensive role.

6. Blocking shots and recovery of rebounds.