Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Control - Technical & Small Sided Game

FAW Coach Ed

Nicholas Madronero Gonzalez

Profile Summary

Name:	Nicholas Madronero Gonzalez
City:	New Malden
Country:	United Kingdom
Membership:	Adult Member
Sport:	Football/Soccer

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Description

Learning Objectives:

Develop close control and confidence when dribbling in tight spaces.
Improve ability to manipulate the ball with different parts of the foot.
Develop players' scanning ability and movement in crowded situations under defensive pressure.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Technical - Dribbling Circuit

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Learning Objectives

	Technical Emphasise keeping the ball close, using small touches, and controlling the ball with all surfaces of both feet.
	Tactical Identify awareness of space and when to accelerate / decelerate simulating a 1v1.
	Physical Focus on agility, quick footwork, and body orientation when dribbling.
	Psychological Build confidence through repetition and mastery challenges.
	Social Encourage players to motivate each other and give peers feedback at the stations.

Technical - Dribbling Circuit

Organisation: Set up as the diagram shows: 15x20m area with four mini goals (one in each corner) and four cones forming a small rectangle in the centre. Two players are stationed at each mini goal (total 8 players). Each pair dribbles from their goal to the cone directly in front, circles around it, and returns. Players will use different variations of ball control in this circuit as stated in progressions down below.

Aims:

Develop tight control, rhythm, and the ability to change direction while maintaining ball control under minimal pressure.

Progressions/Challenges:

Round 1 – Both feet

Round 2 – Use weaker foot only

Round 3 – Sole rolls

Round 4 – Introduce a skill challenge

Coach Intervention:

- Use guided discovery to promote self-correction and decision-making.

- Drive-by coaching to keep session flowing.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): SSG - Possession Practice

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Learning Objectives

	Technical Emphasise first touch, passing accuracy, and body orientation to receive and release the ball efficiently in tight spaces. Encourage the use of both feet for control and quick combinations.
	Tactical Focus on creating passing triangles, keeping the ball in your inner circle and positioning body in between ball and defender.
	Physical Focus on agility and anaerobic endurance, as players perform repeated short sprints and quick changes of direction in a small area.
	Psychological Challenge players to stay composed and patient in possession. Reinforce confidence when attempting tight space passes or dribbling.
	Social Promote teamwork and communication by encouraging players to constantly support and talk to each other, especially when under pressure.

SSG - Possession Practice

Organisation: Use the same 15x20m area. Set up 3v3 in the middle with 2 neutral players floating to always support the team in possession creating a 5v3 situation. Teams must make at least 4 passes before they can score in one of the mini goals. Rotate neutrals.

Aims: To encourage composure and control in crowded spaces, emphasising quick passing, movement and escaping tight situations.

Progressions/Challenges:

- Restrict neutrals to one touch

- Challenge players to play two touch to test ball control

- Bonus points for goals scored after a first time pass combination.

Coaching Intervention:

Use freeze coaching at key moments to highlight effective body positioning, spacing, and movement off the ball that helps maintain possession.