Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Attacking in the Attacking Half - Creating Chances and Scoring (11v11) (Spring 25')

2v1 to Dribble Goal

Learning Activity: Modified Game Form

Activity Objective: To teach players how to engage an opponent in order to find a player behind the line.

Number of players/opponent: 6 players (set up 2 fields)

Size/Shape of Field: 10x16 yards

Methods of Scoring: Burgundy dribbles through large dribble gate, blue scores on mini goal. Both teams must be across blue line to score.

Total Activity Duration: 17 minutes

Active Duration: Rest Duration - 3 minutes, 1:15 minutes rest

Number of Sets: 4

Activity Rules: Blue defender passes to burgundy attacker and defends. First 2 attackers come on to play 2v1. After ball goes out or someone scores, players rotate lines (6 to 8 to defender).

Additional Restraints/Constraints/Restrictions/Rewards:

Formation & Player Roles: n/a

Rotations (substitutions): rotate lines

COACHING INTERACTIONS:

1. WHAT: How can you engage a defender? (hold the ball or dribble to move the defender towards you). How do you know the defender is engaged? (they move toward you, not all the way to you).

WHEN: In between round 1 and 2.

HOW: Guided questions and show.

2. WHAT: What should your teammate do as you engage the defender? (get in a position that you can receive the pass and break a line). What should the supporting player's body shape look like? (side on, facing forward to be able to play forward).

WHEN: In between rounds 2 and 3.

HOW: Guided questions and show.

3. WHAT: What should the supporting player do if the defender takes away the passing option? (make a diagonal run into another passing option, slip run). What types of combinations can we use to beat the defender? (1-2, give and go, overlap).

WHEN: In between rounds 3 and 4.

HOW: Guided questions and show.

3v3 into 6v8

Learning Activity: Modified Game Form

Activity Objective: To teach players to create a 2v1 in the midfield by engaging a player and finding the free player behind or between lines and then find a player in a position to score or assist.

Number of players/opponent: 14 players

Size/Shape of Field: 70x55 yards, small box 21x33 yards with 2 5-yard gates.

Methods of Scoring: Burgundy scores by 6, 8 or 10 dribbling through either gate in small box and playing a ball to a forward who can score or assist. If blue wins it, they score on either mini goal in half spaces.

Total Activity Duration: 35 minutes

Active Duration: Rest Duration - 5 minutes, 2 minutes rest

Number of Sets: 5

Activity Rules: Each play starts with a 3v3. 6 plays the ball in to burgundy. 6,8 and 10 play 3v3 in order to dribble through either wide gate. Once they dribble through the gate, it becomes a 5v4 going at goal. Two midfielders can join attack. Once ball is out or scores, next ball is played from burgundy 4 at half.

Additional Restraints/Constraints/Restrictions/Rewards:

Formation & Player Roles: 3-3 vs 1-4-3

Rotations (substitutions): Rotate teams every round.

COACHING INTERACTIONS:

1. WHAT: After you create a 2v1, how can you find the free player in the midfield with time and space and break the line? (starting position higher than opponent 6 and in a passing lane to receive the pass)

WHEN: In between rounds 1 and 2.

HOW: Guided questions and show.

2. WHAT: Once you have time and space, how do you know whether to play a forward's feet or a through ball? (based on the defender's positioning. If defender is wide, play through. If defender is tucked in, play feet).

WHEN: In between rounds 2 and 3.

HOW: Guided questions and show.