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Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Move the Ball Around (INTERVENTIONS)

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FAW Coach Ed

Luca Sciuto

Profile Summary

Luca Sciuto
Name: Luca Sciuto
City: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Membership: Adult Member
Sport: Football/Soccer
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Description

Organisation (Practice Layout & Transition)

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): TECH

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): TECH
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TECH (10 mins)

Practice Layout & Organization:

This practice focuses on ball circulation, reactivity, and quick decision-making. It involves two teams moving the ball freely, encouraging players to call for the ball, adjust their positioning, and react swiftly to a coach's signal.

The setup includes:

  • 6 to 8 players

  • 2 wingbacks positioned 15m apart

  • 1 or 2 center-backs (CB) placed between the wingbacks to form a defensive line

  • 4 mini-goals diagonally facing the wingbacks

Rules, Progressions/Regressions:

The goal of this exercise is to develop quick ball movement, player awareness, and reaction speed. The flow works as follows:

  • Both teams move the ball around freely.

  • Players can move in any direction but must call for the ball by saying their name.

  • When the coach gives a signal:

    • The player with the ball must score faster than the opposing player holding the ball.

    • If a player doesn’t have the ball, they must quickly adjust their position to support their teammate.

Variations:

To increase difficulty and engagement:

  • Add a CB — to challenge players’ positioning and decision-making under pressure.

  • Long pass drill — On the coach’s signal, the wingback with the ball delivers a long pass to the opposite wingback.

  • Scanning drill — Players must constantly scan and shout “yes” or “no” to indicate whether the opposing wingback has possession.

Challenges:

  • Can players call for the ball clearly by using their name?

  • Are players adjusting their body position efficiently when receiving a pass?

  • How reactive are the wingbacks to the coach's signal?

  • Do players effectively cover space and support their teammates' movements?

Mechanics of Technique:

  • Receive on the half turn — to maintain momentum and open up passing options

  • Firm pass — ensuring speed and accuracy

  • Scan — both before receiving and after passing the ball

  • Precise passing — aiming for consistent delivery

The focus is on keeping the practice dynamic and realistic, emphasizing fast-paced decision-making and fluid ball movement.

Interventions and positioning:

- Interventions for technical demands and high intensity.

- In-game interventions, no pause for explanation.

- Coach positioning: outside the area, moving around.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): SKILL

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): SKILL
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SKILL (15 mins)

Practice Layout & Organization:

This exercise is designed for 12 players in a 6v6 possession game. The playing area is a 20m x 15m octagon or hexagon, with four mini-goals placed on the diagonal sides. The area is divided into three zones using flat cones: two defensive/offensive zones and a central zone.

  • 3v1 in each defensive/offensive zone

  • 2v2 in the central zone

Rules, Progressions/Regressions:

The objective is to create space in the middle and use channel passes by circulating the ball to set up a through ball.

  • The offensive team must complete 6 passes before attempting to score in any of the four mini-goals.

  • The striker can drop deep into the middle zone only after the fifth pass.

  • If a defender makes a through pass, they can step out of their zone and progress into the midfield.

  • The defensive team can score in any mini-goal without needing a set number of passes when they recover the ball.

  • Free touches.

Variations:

To adjust difficulty and keep players engaged:

  • Add 3 jokers:

    • 2 wide jokers (fullbacks/wingers) outside the area to create width.

    • 1 central joker to support ball circulation.

  • 2-touch limit for faster decision-making.

  • Through pass + goal counts double.

  • Change the trigger for scoring: instead of 6 passes, scoring can be allowed only if the ball moves from one wide joker to the other.

  • Allow only one CM from the defensive team to step into the attacking zone for added pressure.

Challenges:

  • Can the offensive team be patient and move the ball until the right opportunity arises?

  • Are the CMs manipulating the defense to open channels or find passing lanes?

  • How quickly can the team counter-press after losing the ball?

  • Can the defensive team anticipate passes and recover possession efficiently?

Mechanics of Technique.

  • 2-touch passing, to speed up play

  • Patience, waiting for the right moment to attack

  • Scanning, identifying open channels and teammates' movements

  • Attracting pressure, to create space for a through ball

The focus is on moving the ball around, through balls and smart positioning to develop both offensive creativity and defensive organization.

Interventions & Positioning:

  • Do not count the passes, give players the responsibility to track them.

  • Leg 1: In-game interventions to adjust positioning, ensure rules are followed, and maintain session intensity.

  • Pause: Provide detailed feedback on scanning, attracting pressure, and patience, explain the why, how, and when.

  • Leg 2: Minimize interventions, use positive and descriptive encouragement.

  • Coach positioning: Stand on the longer sides of the pitch to get a full view and favor better communication.

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