Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Overlap and Cross

Warmup - Overlap and Cross (20 mins)

Organization:

25x35 area, cones set up as shown. One player starts at each of three cones, A, B, and C. Ditto other side. Remaining players line up at the two A cones. Extra balls at A cones.

Instructions:

1. A passes to B then runs an overlap around B.

2. B plays a set pass back to C.

3. C plays to A on the overlap.

4. A plays a cross to A' on the other side.

5. A checks back to receive a pass as the new B player.

Rotation: A-B-C-A

Players stay on their own side of the field (red or yellow cones), same pattern is being run on both sides.

Coaching Points:

B - Check back hard for the ball.

C - Play the overlapping player in stride on his lead foot

A - Look at target then head down to play the cross

Communicate! Call for the ball, point to where you want it.

Progressions:

Switch sides

P - Play two balls simultaneously.

P - All passes are played first time.

Channels (20 mins)

Organization:

Full or half field divided to provide channels for wingers. Lots of balls in either goals. 3v3+1 with wingers in the channels and GKs.

Instructions:

Teams play possession centrally, if you connect 5 passes you can play your winger, who can cross unopposed in 3 seconds.Teams score 3 points if goal is scored directly from a cross, 1 point all others.

Game is restarted from GK every time it goes out.

Coaching Points:

1. Quality and direction of first touch

2. Quality of passes and service

3. Selecting the appropriate surface for finishing based on type of serve

4. Timing of runs from strikers and players movement of the ball

5. Strikers awareness of goalkeepers positioning as well has defensive players when finishing

Progressions:

1. P – Wide player can touch inside and enter the field if a player overlaps into the channel.

2. P -- Remove channels and finish with free play.