Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Principle Based - Build Up Through Midfield

Dribbling/Decision Making Ball Activation (10 mins)

Method:

Players dribble to center square (yellow) and chose an area of the square to exit and pass to the corresponding group. Players can move left, right, forward, or back where they came from. 

Players focus on control in tight areas, as well as being aware of the space they have, and making the right decision with their pass - not passing to the same player as a teammate.

Progressions - Increase amount of footballs - 4/5 active at one time.

Instead of dribbling, players can pass to their opposite group, as long as it is communicated with receiver, and doesn't disrupt players in center.

Coaching Points:

• Quality dribble into center, focus on touches with both feet, as well as having head up to see surroundings and available passes.
• Quick decision making - players should be aware that if the center is crowded decision making will need to be quick, and players may need to change the player they want to pass to at a moments notice.
• Variation of passing - players are encouraged to vary passing options, such as 1-2's to receive, or "switching" play to other side of grid  - where appropriate.

3 Zone Build-Up Game (20 mins)

Method:

2 Teams set up on pitch as shown, with 2 CB's, 2 CM's and 1 ST. Both teams also have 2 floaters, which can enter build up grid.

Ball starts from one buildup zone, where 2 CB's and floater must get 3/4 passes before progressing play into midfield. Once play enters midfield, objective is to reach striker and combine for a 1 touch finish. Striker can drop into midfield zone.

If the defending team recovers the ball, they reset to the CB's to begin sequence again.

Coaching Points:

• In build-up zone, CB off the ball should look to support underneath - be option to retain possession/play into less crowded area of pitch.
• Floater dropping in should act as a DM in build up - if possible turn and play into midfield, if under pressure should look to bounce play to opposite CB, where play can be progressed from here.
• Midfielders should look to start high inside their grid to allow them space to drop in to receive, as well as give space to establish possession in midfield areas.
• Midfielders look to maintain positional principles to have most success playing forwards - not playing on same lines, stretching play where possible, using variation of passes to get away from pressure e.g., set passes, 1-2's around opponents, moving ball in 2-3 touches in tight area.