Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Physical Considerations Task (Start Time: 2025-07-03 11:45:00)

Description

Coach Task 1: Outline the key components of fitness that need developing pre adolescents (puberty) between the ages of 5- 14 years?

Pre-adolescents require more anaerobic training, using shorter intervals and bursts of activity in smaller areas. Development of their coordination, motor skills, speed and agility in a fun, competitive and dynamic environment should be prioritised, with a focus on correct technique.

Coach Task 2: Outline the key components of fitness that needs developing post adolescents (puberty) ages 14+?

Post-adolescent players can focus more on aerobic training, with increased specificity (football and position-specific physical development) and in larger areas for longer periods. Off the pitch, they can also use resistance bands and weight training to improve muscle strength and endurance.

Coach Task 3: Using one of the above components of fitness, please design a session that focuses on developing this component specifically

This is a session focused on developing aerobic fitness and endurance in post-adolescent (U17) players, with the tactical focus on defending in the final third and counter attacking from deep.

Managed team: Red
Coached team: Blue

Duration: 3 x 4 minute blocks of work. 1 minute rest. Coaching to be done during intervals to allow physical objectives to be achieved.

When the red team are in possession (1-2-5-1), the blues set up in a mid block (1-4-1-2-1). All players must be beyond the red line when the red team are in possession (exception of the red goalkeeper).

If the blue team win the ball, the red line acts as the offside line, with the blue striker and central midfielders encouraged to make runs in behind. The reds are also encouraged to make recovery runs to defend in transition.

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