Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Attacking: Two Player Combination Play

Passing and Moving into 1 vs. 1

Organization:

Each player needs a partner with one ball per group.

Activity:

Players pass and move within their groups of two. Upon the coach's command, the players go from passing and moving into 1 vs. 1 where they fight for posession of the ball. Players's are encouraged to utlize their dribbling moves worked on in during the warmup to get around the defender. When the coach calls "freeze" whoever has the possession of the ball scores a point.

Variations:

Players pass and move within their groups of two. As they pass and move, the coach calls out a two-player combination command-eg. take over, wall pass, overlap, etc. Players are instructed that when they hear the combination they should attempt to perform it.

Coaching Points:

-In the modern game, players need to play effective short passes with both feet with the following surfaces-inside, outside, toe, heel, lace. Encourage players to cycle through all of the surfaces to gain experience with each.

-Proper pace on the passes

-Disguising of passes

-Encourage the players to recognize that the game has a rhythm and that part of learning to read the game involves not forcing combinations when they are not available. This exercise can be a good starting point to get players to be patient and too keep the ball moving until the moment arises.

2 vs 2

Organization:

Arrange the players into two teams of two. Each team will attack and defend one goal.

Activity:

The teams play 2 vs 2 trying to score by dribbling through their goal. First team to three wins.

Variations:

-The teams score by passing through the goal.

-A goal is worth two if it includes a two player combination.

Progression:

Remove the center line and play 4 vs 4. to four goals.

Coaching Points:

-Proper weight of pass

-Proper support angles

-Proper decision making when looking to combine

-Using teammate as decoy