Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Day 1: Ga Rush Academy Team Camp 7-25-16

1. Passing & Receiving: Two Player Combination and Peeling Off (15 mins)

Warm-up: Two Player Combination and Peeling Off

Organization: 4 players in 20x15 yard grid

A. In the left grid, we use two balls, one at each end line. Inside players starting positions in the middle and at the same time they both peel off to the side and receive a pass, control it with first touch and play it to the opposite end line with second touch and return to the middle of the gird facing a new end line.

B. In the middle grid, use two balls, one at each end line. Again, the two inside players start in the middle and peel off and play an ‘in-back-through’ passing combination with the end line players and play it to the other end line and return to the middle to start again facing the new end line.

C. Progress to playing 2v1 to target in the grid, as shown in diagram below. It’s actually 1v1 inside the grid plus using the end line player as support to make it 2v1. The end line player cannot enter grid and is used for possession support and for playing through balls. Each inside player defends one end line and attacks the other end line and scores by passing the ball to the end line target. Only inside player can score.

All the passing combination and peeling off movement practiced in the warm up variations above should now come in handy to beat the defender in the grid.

In the diagram above, the attacker combines with his end line player to get behind defender and score by playing to the target at the other end. Now the roles are reversed and the red player defends and the white player is attacking towards the other target. Give the inside players 3-5 seconds to catch their breath and get into new positions to transition going the other way.

3. 2v2 Flying Changes (15 mins)

2v2 Flying changes.

Grid size. 20x30 yards

-Teams play 2v2 flying changes.

-Switch neutrals every 3 minutes.

Scoring: score in small goal or switching the field from one neutral to another.

Can progress to adding a neutral in the middle and limited number of touches.

Coaching Points: Players need to attack space if they have it by dribbling with speed. Transition quickly. two in the middle, be patient if it's not on. Peel off your defenders and make bending runs.

Competition: Loser has ten squat jumps, burpees or push-ups.

3 min games!

7v7 Game (25 mins)

Roles of Each Player in 7v7: 1-2-3-1

#1: Role of the Goal Keeper: keepers should learn how to support the back line in possession, how to distribute and be the first line of attack instead of just punt the ball long. Keepers need to learn to pass the ball on goal kicks rather than just kick it long.

#4&5: Role of the Center Backs: The back line plays a vital role in possession. The defenders need to learn how to support the midfield in possession, how to make the field big and how to help relieve pressure. The defense also plays a crucial role in switching the point of attack.

#6 Role of the Defensive Midfield: the number 6 player dictates the rhythm of possession. He needs to learn how to support the attack from behind the ball.

#2&3 Role of the Wide Players: Players 2 and 3 provide width and penetration. They need to learn to stay wide and open body to the field and provide support to the midfielders.

#9 Role of the Center Forward: Player 9 provides depth and an outlet from high pressing opponents. She needs to learn to stretch the field and stay high and central and be available for the long pass option from the back.