Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Passing & Combination Play

Juggling Warm-Up (10 mins)

Organization:

In a 30x40 yard grid, each Player with a ball.

Instructions:

"The One Bounce Juggling Challenge". Player starts the juggle with 1 bounce, then take 1 touch; then lets it bounce again, then take 2 touches; then lets it bounce once again, then takes 3 touches, etc. If the player messes up the sequence, then they starts again at 1. Challenge players to set their own new record.

Coaching Points:

Players try to improve their touches (suppleness, control and foot-eye coordination) by juggling with different surfaces of their feet & body.

Passing & Combinations I (15 mins)

Organization:

- 20 x 20 diamond setup as shown

- 12 Players (10 attackers & 2 defenders)

- 2 balls (additional on outside)

Instructions:

- Players are looking to take two touches to move the ball around the diamond.

- Attackers aim to make combination moves on double cones: Double/Wall Passes, Overlaps & Set Backs

- Combinations only occur on the side of diamond (double cones)

- Two defenders apply pressure from the inside. Can they intercept? (rotate)

- Players receiving at the top/bottom must take 1 touch before passing. This triggers player movements.

Coaching Points:

- Move away as ball travels

- Check on eye contact, connection & 1st touch

- Can you receive on back foot?

- Observe position/pressure of defender

- Execution of combination; timing & speed. Whats the defenders position?

- Quality of pass (make sure of weight and accuracy)

Progressions:

P - Defender apply high pressure. Intercept pass into attacker on the side.

P - Defenders can win the ball once attacker on double cone take 1st touch

Receiving & Combination: 1v1-3v3 (20 mins)

Organization:

- 12 players (12 attackers split into two teams of 6)

- 1 server (coach)

- 1 ball (additional with coach)

Instructions:

- Players assing themselves a number from 1 to 6

- Players spread around the outside of area, must stand next to opposite color

- Coach triggers the game by calling out random numbers betwen 1 & 6 (see diagram "1&3")

- Team that wins the ball aim to score in either pug goal.

- Before scoring team/player must combine with team mate on inside or outside

- Outside support players can move around area to create angles of support. Play two touch maximum

- Play until goal is scored or ball goes out of the area

Coaching Points:

- Move away as ball travels

- Check on eye contact

- Receive on back foot

- Head up after 1st touch (make connection with next player)

- Head up whilst dribbling: observe the picture

- Quality & Weight of Pass

- Timing of Movement: How? Where? When?

- Execution of Combination: Wall Pass, Overlap etc

Progressions:

P - Call up to 3 numbers

P - Outside support players have 1 touch maximum

P - 1 touch finish into mini goals