Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Change of Direction

Main Theme (10 mins)

Organization:

1. 10x10 area set up as shown

2. Five to Six players per area

3. Multiple Balls

Instructions:

1. Player 1 passes the ball to Player 2.

2. Player 2 receives the ball with the instep of their right foot, pushing the ball across the front of their body to their left side. Player 2 dribbles the ball through the gate and to the end of the Passing line.

3. Player 1 runs through the opposite gate to the end of the receiving line.

4. Players will continue rotation for allotted time.

Coaching Points:

Receiving - Into Space, Positive First Touch

1. Creating space – movement away from the ball

2. Checking to the ball (2 moves, 1 for defender, 1 for ball)

3. Checking shoulder as the ball is passed

4. Distance / direction of the touch based on the next action (this is based around where the defender is)

Receiving - On Ground (Inside)

1. Receive with furthest foot from the ball

2. Slight hop onto standing foot on contact to prepare for next action

3. Receive with the toe pointed up and ankle locked

Progressions:

1. Players will receive with their left foot

Main Theme 3 (10 mins)

Organization:

1. 10x10 area set up as shown

2. Five to Six players per area

3. Multiple Balls

Instructions:

1. Player 1 passes the ball to Player 2.

2. Player 2 receives the ball, using one of the two new receiving techniques and dribbles through one of the two gates. Player 1 tries to beat Player 2 through the opposite gate. First player through the gate wins the point.

4. Players switch roles after every turn. First player to 10 points wins the game.

Coaching Points:

Receiving - Into Space, Positive First Touch

1. Creating space – movement away from the ball

2. Checking to the ball (2 moves, 1 for defender, 1 for ball)

3. Checking shoulder as the ball is passed

4. Distance / direction of the touch based on the next action (this is based around where the defender is)

Receiving - On Ground (Inside)

1. Receive with furthest foot from the ball

2. Slight hop onto standing foot on contact to prepare for next action

3. Receive with the toe pointed up and ankle locked

Progressions:

1. Add touch limitation