Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Finishing #2 (Camp 4)

Rondo Warmup (15 mins)

Warmup Activity & Introduction of session topic: Finishing (20 Minutes)

• Multiple repetitions for each action
• Short interventions to maximize time on task and physical demands
• Focus on technical skills
• High-energy & fast-paced with little downtime

Instructions:

• Two even teams begin in two zones with an empty middle zone (10X20).  
• Coach serves the ball into the red team and two blue defenders can join to defender (running through the middle zone and completing an assigned SAQ exercise).
• Once the red team gets 6 passes, they can shoot on their goal. Make it take it. 
• If defenders win it, they can play back to the blue side for a point and start their attack (two reds join to defend).
• Points are earned for a goal or for defensively returning the ball to the other side.

Coaching Points:

• Incorporate themes from previous sessions: scanning and passing/receiving 
• Tempo of passing especially during transitions (defenders must complete exercise through middle zone so the attacking team has time to build tempo - take advantage!)
• Awareness of where space and defenders are
• Prep touch for shot
• Body-shape open to the net
• Decision-making = when to shoot and why?
• Placement vs. power when finishing 

Finishing Under Pressure (20 mins)

Introduction of session topic: Finishing Opposed (1v0, 1v1, 2v1 Progression) - 20 Minutes

Instructions:

• Two teams - Blue attacks first, red defends 
• Coach serves a ball into player A who plays back to the coach and then receives a pass to finish
• Immediately, line B dribbles at the cone and serves a diagonal ball to blue - player A and the new blue player play in a 2v1 vs. the player who served the ball in.
• Immediately after that ball is dead, line C will dribble toward their cone and serve a diagonal ball to a new blue player. All players remain on the field for a 3v2
• If the defenders win it, they can pass to the coach for a point.
• After a 6-minute round, switch roles 
• Rotation of attacking players is from left to right.

Coaching Points:

Recognizing time and space (the defender is at a big disadvantage - capitalize!)

Prep touch and getting a shot off quickly 

Quality service from defensive players

Advantage of the overload in the final third