Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Dribbling Forward at Speed (Start Time: 2022-03-08 17:30:00)

Warm Up Cognition (10 mins)

Set Up:

• Players: 10
• Grid size: 20m x 15m (2m end zone)

Instructions:

• Players are dribbling in the central zone
• When the coach calls a colour all players must dribble into that colour end zone
• Last person to reach the end zone must complete 5 push ups

Variation/Progression:

• Weak foot only

Key Coaching Points:

• Can you change speed and direction
• Can you keep your head up
• Can you keep control of the ball

Main Part- Skill Training (25 mins)

Set Up:

• Players: 10
• Grid Size: 20m x 30m (5m scoring zone)

Explanation:

• Two teams of 5 players
• The yellow players will pass the ball to the blue players, as soon as the blue player takes a touch the yellow player can start chasing him
• The blue player must run through the either of the gates, enter the scoring zone and shoot in the opposite side goal.
• Switch defenders and attackers every 2-3 minutes

Progression:

• Change the angle of approach of the defender (From the opposite side, from behind 6-8m away)

Team task: To dribble the ball through the gates

Player Actions:

• Can you take your first touch in the direction you want to run with the ball

• When you see the space, can you accelerate and attack it at speed
• Can you get in a position where you can receive the ball and carry it forward

Player Cues:

• As the defender is applying pressure on you, can you place the ball between your body and them
• As soon as the pass is played, can you start moving towards the ball in order to meet it and have the momentum to go forward

Step up:  

• Reduce grid size
• Add a time limit (7 seconds)
• Coach can stand in front of one of the gates to close off access