Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): The Set Pass

Set to penetrate (20 mins)

Setup: Use cones to make three lines, 8-10 yds apart. One player on each line, extra players with balls at first line.

Instructions: Player B picks a cone (either L or R) on the second line to run around and check back in. A plays to B, who sets back to A, who plays through to C (who has opened up to the opposite side from B). C takes a touch wide around the cone then dribbles back. Rotation: A-B-C. A should alternate side (L/R) to check out to each time to become B. B should backpedal to become C.

Coaching Points:

- Movement: B needs to check out then check in.

- Timing of the check from B

- Quality of the set from B so A can penetrate

- Penetrating pass: put your foot through the ball

- Can we play everything one-touch?

Progression: Add a 3yd target gate in the middle. Can the setter play a pass that allows A to penetrate his pass through the gate to C? Make it a competition. 2 teams, 2 minute game. Each time C dribbles back to the first line = 1 pt. If the penetrating pass went through the gate = 2 pts.

Conditioned game (35 mins)

Setup: 30 x 44 field. Large goals. Even teams, GKs optional. Halfway line is marked.

Instructions: One player starts in the attacking half, all others in the defensive half. If attacker makes a successful set pass back to a teammate, another player can join the attack. Only once you have 3 players in the attack are you allowed to shoot. After a goal, both teams reset to just one attacker.

Coaching points:

- Movement from the attacker to create space from the defender

- Timing

R: Start with two attackers if teams are having trouble finding their lone attacker.

P: Remove restrictions to finish with open play.