Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Academy W3 - Passing/Receiving w/Basic Movement to Get Open

Paint the Field (15 mins)

Set Up: Using a 30*25 grid (make bigger if needed), create groups of 3 players with 1 ball per group. As a group of 3 players pretend that the field is a piece of paper and they must pass the ball (their paint brush) to cover the entire page. Have players do 3-4 rounds and prompt them with different objectives each round; each round can be approximately 1 minute long. 

Round 1: Practice round for players 

Round 2: Cover more space than you did in round 1 

Round 3: Pass and receive while moving instead of standing still

Round 4: Can you play a slightly longer pass splitting players from other groups without losing the ball

Coaching Points:

• Passing Technique - locked ankle, heel down, toe up, standing leg and hips facing partner 
• Receiving Technique - receive with inside of foot, foot slightly off the ground, try to touch/cushion ball in the direction you want to go next
• How can you cover the entire field? By dribbling, passing and moving after we pass the ball
• What can you do to help while your teammate has the ball? Move to space where nobody else blocks you from getting the ball
• How far/close should you be to your teammate to receive a pass? Not too close, spread out so each player has their own space (approximately 10-15 yards for the age group, coaches may need to provide a visual of good spacing for players rather than just telling them)
• How can you make sure you avoid losing the ball when you are passing? Looking up while I am dribbling to find a good space to play to my teammate

3v2 Outta Here (20 mins)

30x20 grid play 3v2 Outta Here. Team of 3 scores in a big goal with a goalkeeper while the team of 2 scores in either of the the two counter gates, either pass or dribble through the gate to score. Once a goal is scored or the ball goes out of bounds players that are on leave the field immediately and two new teams play.

Progression: Play 3v3 to make the game more difficult. This forces the players without the ball to get open quicker. You can even replace the counter goals on the opposite end line with a big goal if you like.

Regression: If there is a group that is not capable of working in a group of 3 then play 2v1 and adjust the size of the field as needed. 

Main Points:

• How do you want to turn if possible? with body between defender and ball (review hiding the ball from last week if necessary)
• When is a good time to dribble? When you have space. Encourage players to quickly exploit space when it is there.
• When is a good time to pass? When the defender is close to me and my teammate is open
• What should you do while your teammate has the ball? Get open 
• What does it mean to get open? Move to a space where there is no defender between you and the ball