Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Ball Mastery (SSG)

Skill Practice (3v3+1) (30 mins)

Organization:

1. 24 x 24 yard area set up as shown

2. 4 x 12 x 12 areas (Zones: A,B,C,D)

3. 14 players (3 attackers, 3 defenders & 1 neutral x 2)

4. 2 ball - 1 per group (additional around outside)

Instructions:

1. Split team into two groups who begin possession games in Zones A & C.

2. Attacking team aims to keep possession & knock ball off the cone placed in middle of Zones A & C

3. Team in possession can use Neutral player

4. Once ball has been knocked off cone both teams & neutral transfer into next zone (A to B & C to D) 1 defender must place ball back on cone before joining team mates!

5. ZONE B: Attacking team aims to keep possession & pass ball through triangle to a team mate to score

6. ZONE D: Attacking team aims to pass to a team mate inside central box to score - must make a run in!

7. Defending teams in Zones B & D aim to win ball back & dribble back to Zones A & C - if this happens game resets.

8. First team to knock ball off cone & to score in Zone B & C wins!

9. After each set rotate teams around area.

Coaching Points:

1. Angle of support. Can you be availble for a combination/pass option

2. Possession. Circulation of the ball to un balance the defenders

3. Change of speed/direction of play

4. Awareness of space & surroundings. check shoulder

Progressions:

P - Give players touch limit

P - Competition between teams - first team from both groups to knock ball off cone & score in transition zone wins!

Skill Practice (5v5-7v5 Transition) (45 mins)

Organization:

1. 30 x 40 area set up as shown

2. 2 yard gates across middle of area set up as shown

3. 14 players (5 attackers, 5 defenders, 2 neutrals & 2 goalkeepers)

4. 1 ball (additional on outside)

Instructions:

1. Teams play 5v5 possession inside playing area & aim to pass ball through gate to team mate to score (A)

2. Attackers can now score in either goal past goalkeeper (B)

3. If goal is scored transition is triggered. Neutrals enter from sideline & receive from opposite goalkeeper (C)

4. Defending team now becomes attacking team in a 6v4 & aims to score in the same goal (directional)

5. Previous attackers must turn & defend - if they win ball they can score in opposite end (directional)

6. If goal is scored or ball leaves play neutrals return to sides & game resets.

7. Team must pass through gates before scoring in either goal.

Coaching Points:

1. Angle of support. Can you be availble for a combination/pass option

2. Speed of play. Attackatspeed & be direct!

3. Timing & decision of combination: wallpass, over/underlap, cross over or decoy?

4. End product!

5. Reaction on transition - can your team re group quickly?

Progressions:

P - Team must pass through two gates before breaking to goals

P - Attackers on 6v4 transition have limit to score (20 seconds?)