Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Transitional Moments

Warm Up (10 mins)

Organization:

Two teams

Two lines of cones (set as shown)

Three set up areas

One ball per player

Extra soccer ball per player

Instructions:

Pt.1

1. Without the ball - First player must run to the line  infront of them and back  before the other team in order to get a point.

2. Have the players compete 2-3 rounds for 1 minute each. Each round the players switch opponents.

3. With the ball - Players must now dribble to the line ahead of them and back before the other team in order to get a point. 

4. Players compete 2 rounds for 2 minutes each. Each round the players switch opponents.

5. With the ball; incorporating body mechanics to get mentality - Players dribble ahead, must stop the ball one the line, and run back before the other team does.

6. 2 rounds of competition, for 2 minutes each. Switch opponents each round.

Pt. 2

1. First two players from each line dribble to the center line ahead of them.

2. First player to reach the cone line continues to dribble.

3. Players look to dribble over the endline (purple/blue) to earn a point.

4. If player is beat to the they must race back to the endline to earn a point.

5. First to the endline wins.

6. Progression - player who gets beat to the cone line may look to steal rather than retreat. If they steal they may earn a point by dribbling across the opposite endline.

Pt. 3

1. Once players cross the Purple/Blue on the dribble they can score on goal.

2. Team with the least amount of goals scored against them wins.

3. Players must look to cross the restriction line before their opponent to score, but also realize when they've been beaten to that line and defend.

Coaching Points:

1. Mentality

2. Quick reactions

3. Sprint in straight line

4. Take shortest possible distance

5. Apply pressure

6. Challenge to win by recognizing the bad touch

Progressions:

(1) Increase distance of pole

2v2 (15 mins)

Organization:

Two teams

Two goals

One end zone

Supply of balls at halfway line

Instructions:

1. Player dribbles to end zone and stops the ball.

2. Upon conceding possession the player sprints around goal before transitioning to defense by supporting 1st defender who has joined the play to protect the goal.

3. The two attackers attempt to to score in opposition goal in a 2v1 scenario before the retreating defender can create a potential 2v2.

4. One point for a goal scored as the attacking team and two points for the team with the retreating defender (i.e. transition to defend, win ball and score in counter goal).

5. All goals must be scored in opposition half.

Coaching Points:

Retreating Defender:

1. Mentality

2. Quick reactions

3. Cut off direct route to goal / shooting lane

4. Take shortest possible distance

5. Sprint in straight line

6. Apply immediate pressure

1st Defender:

1. Delay opposition attack - until 2v2

2. Cut off direct route to goal / shooting lane

Progressions:

(1) Adjust position of end zone