Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Futsal Free Clinic 3/6 (OLDERS) (Start Time: 2022-06-03 19:00:00)

Magic Square Passing (10 mins)

Organization:

The area is an 8 x 8 yards square formed by cones/flat markers. Two teams form 4 lines with 3-4 players in each line. Two balls are each starts with a ball and a straight pass is made followed by a diagonal run to the back of the other line. The receiver must fake/ bump to create some separation (from a defender in a game situation) and push the ball forwards with the sole of the foot before passing straight. Continue the pass, run and receive sequence and as players become proficient demand an increase in speed of all movements. The coach should aim for a continuous and synchronized movement pattern of the balls and players.

Consequently, the two balls should not be with the two lines on the same side at the same time!

Coaching Objective:

The pass should be firm and to the feet of the receiving player. The receiver must control and push the ball forward with the sole of the foot in one fluid motion. A continuous ball movement creates space, time and separation from a defender.  

Coaching Tip: Make sure players are relaxed with their heads up and aware of timing and space. Practice as if the cone is a defender, checking away and cutting back to the ball to receive the pass. 

Less Challenging:

Close the square to 4x4 yards to reduce the length of the pass and movements. The coach can also start with the ball in the players hands.

More Challenging: Insist on players alternating feet (e.g.,Right foot to receive and left foot to pass). The player should drag the ball with the sole. 

2v1 Plus GK (5 mins)

Organization: 

The first player dribbles to the mannequins, fakes and moves to the outside. A player in the line opposite approaches the other mannequins, fakes and cuts to the inside. A pass is made in the path of the cutting player, who in turn combines with the target player for a shot.

Coaching Objectives:

Players should be lively and ready to perform this simple and explosive activity. Time and space is of paramount importance

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Coaching Tips: The target player should receive the ball using the sole of his foot, opening his/her arms and keeping the defender away - protection and balance. The passer should check to receive before passing to the target. The defender should arrive as the ball is received by the target.

Less Challenging:

Do not introduce the defender to provide the target player more time to perfect the correct body position and use of the sole to manipulate the ball.  

More Challenging: The target player should vary movement, either passing or turning and shooting. The defender should try to step in front to intercept the ball and coach the target player to wait until the last second to lay the ball in the path of the original passer.