Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Possession with a purpose

Activity 1 (30 mins)

Organizaton:

Set up a 50x50 area with a 15x15 smaller box in the middle. Split the players into 2 teams plus goalkeepers. The goalkeepers go in the middle box.

Instructions:

Split the players into 2 teams and have them spread out around the area. Each team has a goalkeeper that is in the smaller box in the middle. To start with each team has a ball and mixes up the range of pass (short, medium, long) either on the ground or in the air. Each team should look to link with their goalkeeper when they can. All the players should be on the move to act as passive pressure. Play for 3-5 minutes.

The goalkeeper can distribute the ball with his feet from the ground or out of his hands.

Progressions:

1- Play with 1 ball, making each team have to think aboout keeping possession from the other team. They should look to link with their goalkeeper as they can't be tackled so it takes pressure off them. It will also allow them to play out of tight spaces to an open side of the field if the goalkeeper uses their head.

2- After every 5 passes the team in possession gets 1 point, if they link to the goalkeeper they get 2 points. The goalkeeper still can't be challenged.

3- After every 5 passes (more if its going well) the team in possession gets 1 points, if they link to the goalkeeper they get 2 points. This time the goalkeepers can challenge each other by usin gtheir hands only and diving at each others feet or if the ball is in the air, challenging in the air.

Coaching Points:

Keep the ball moving quickly.

Play the ball from high pressure to low pressure.

Find open space after passing the ball so that you are an option to receive the ball.

Flying Changes 4v4+GKs (30 mins)

This is the 4v4 version of the flying changes transition game. We use full-sized goals and keepers.

Set-Up:

2 full-sized goals

Space 40-50 yards Wide + 50-60 yards Long

18+ players, including 2 GKs

Set up field as shown

Make sure to mark midfield as a reference point

How to Play:

4v4 +GKs

If Blue team scores or if the ball goes out of play in the half defended by the Reds, 4 new Reds come on with a ball IMMEDIATELY (and Vice Versa)

We play this game three ways: (1) The player on the right post of each team always plays the ball in, (2) the keeper players the ball in, and (3) we have a supply of balls at every line and it is up to the players to decide who plays the ball in (this promotes communication and decision-making, but they must lose a turn if more than one ball is played in at the same time).

Coaching Points:

Rapid Transitions

Maintaining Balance to Prevent Counters

Situational Awareness