Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Direct Play Into Final Third

Passing To Penetrate (20 mins)

Organisation

Place cone A near midfield. Place cone B 15 yds in front and cone C 10-15 yds out to the side. Station players at each cone. Repeatt on opposite side with D, E & F.

How to Play

Player A plays to B and follows pass. B takes a touch outside away from pressure. When B takes their touch, C checks back away from pressure and starts a run. B plays the ball through to C on the run who finishes with a shot, collects ball and returns to line A, B takes C's spot and rotate through. (set up on both sides and alternate back and forth)

Progression 1: Add a defender on B

Progression 2: Add a second defender one on B and one on C

Possible Coaching Points

Midfielder good first touch away from pressure

Forward check off pressure, timing and angle of run

Pace and accuracy of pass in

Strong drive on the ball and finish

4v3 to goal (30 mins)

Organization:

Split groups into 4 attackers and 3 defenders with a keeper. Play 4v3 to goal as per diagram. 4 attacking players can receive the ball from the 3 defenders. Blues provide interference but don't try to win the ball initially. Reds try to thread passes for a run from the shaded area and then join in to attack the 3 defenders.

Possible Coaching Points:

Encourage players to look for splits

Movement to find gaps

Patience

Visual cues

Timing of runs

Accuracy and pace of passes