Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): SM #101 - Shooting: First to the Ball

First to the Ball

Session Organization

• Field: Use a half-pitch with 1 goal and 1 equally wide gate ~20 yards in front of the goal. 
• Players:  Divide and number each team equally, positioning them on opposite sides of the goal line.
• The coach plays the ball towards the central gate.
• Coach calls different numbers who race toward the gate. 
• As the ball travels, one player from each team runs towards the ball, going around and through the central gate.
• The first player to reach the ball becomes the attacker, and the 2nd becomes the defender.
• The attacker aims to score past the goalkeeper.
• The game duration is determined by the coach, either by goal or a time limit (e.g., 1 minute)

Coaching Points:Watch the ball and keep your center of gravity low when defending. Fast paced game. If attackers are too slow to attack, rotate new pair in quickly. Progression:

• 1v2 Scenario: Introduce a second defender to create a 1v2 situation, increasing the challenge for the attacker.
• Limited Touches: Restrict the attacker to a certain number of touches (e.g., 3 touches) before they must shoot.
• Points System: Introduce a points system where attackers earn points for creativity and technique in their attempts to score.
• Defender Advantage: Start the defender closer to the ball, forcing the attacker to think and act quickly to gain an advantage.