Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): skills camp dribbling

Warm Up

Organization:

1.30 x 30 yard area with 8 cones scattered set up as shown

2.12 players (10 attackers, 2 defenders) set up as shown

3.10 balls

Instructions:

1.The defenders have to tag the attackers

2.The attackers are safe as long as they are on a cone

3.If another attacker moves to the cone, the attacker already there has to leave

4.Attackers can only be caught when in open area

5.If a defender tags the attacker, they switch roles

Coaching Points:

1.Head up and observe surroundings

2.Close control of the ball

3.Awareness of other players moving into your space

Progressions:

P – Remove 1 cone to give less hiding spaces

R – Play without the ball

Main Theme

Organization:

1.20 x 10 yard area set up as shown

2.4 players set up as shown

3.1 ball

Instructions:

1.The activity starts with first attacker dribbling at the defender who is passive

2.The attacker then plays to the player opposite and closes them down

3.The defender once beat joins the opposite line

4.The process is repeated

Coaching Points:

1.Controlled approach

2.Move technique being used

3.Transition to defending

Progressions:

P – Defender becomes active

Conditioned Games

Organization:

1.40 x 30 yard area set up as shown

2.12 players (2 teams of 5, 2 Goalkeepers) set up as shown

3.6 balls

Instructions:

1.Players are divided into 2 teams 5 v 5 + GK’s and combine to score goals

2.Players are not allowed to pass the ball forward

3.They are allowed to pass sideways and backward. They are also are permitted to shoot forward

4.First team to 10 goals win

Coaching Points:

1.Recognize 1 v 1 situations and take on opponent

2.When your team loses possession, try to get ‘touch tight’ to partner

3.Observe unopposed teammates and pass to them

4.Observe open space and dribble to score

5.Positive first touch where possible

6.If the route to goal is blocked, switch the point of attack

7.Improvisation/Creativity

Progressions:

P – Open play

P – 3 touch minimum, forces players to dribble

R – Introduce neutral players, who play with the attacking team

R – Opponents can only challenge after player has had two touches