Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Recreation - running with ball (Start Time: 2016-03-30 15:30:00)

WARM UP (15 mins)

Organization:

1.30 x 30 yard area set up as shown

2.12 players set up as shown

3.1 ball per player

4.Assign each side a number as shown

Instructions:

1.Coach calls number one or two

2.Players on the corresponding sides to the number called run with the ball to the opposite sides

3.Players race each other to stop ball on opposing line

Coaching Points:

1.Positive first touch out of the feet

2.Head up after every touch

3.Play with the laces of the foot closest to the ball

4.Fewest number of touches to cover the distance quickly

5.Smaller touches as the space becomes less

6.Observation of when space starts to run out, start to take smaller touches

Developments:

Progression – Call both numbers at the same time to make players make a decision on when to run with the ball and when to dribble

Regression – Each side is given its own number (1 - 4), and numbers are called out one at a time

Conditioned Game (20 mins)

Organization:

1.30 x 30 yard area set up as shown

2.12 players (3 teams of 4, 1 team resting) set up as shown

3.2 yard deep target area, at each end of field

4.Supply of balls by coach at side of area

Instructions:

1.Teams play 4 v 4, to target zones

2.If player can dribble into target zone, they win the game, and must leave the ball in the zone

3.Losing team immediately comes off, with resting team allowed to start instantly with ball that has been left in target area

4.Team who previously won must all retreat and touch cone in own target area before attempting to defend

5.Teams do not need to wait for other team to be ready, and can attack on transition immediately

6.If ball goes out, coach restarts by serving to player with most space in front of them

Coaching Points:

1.Positive first touch out of the feet

2.Select the appropriate controlling surface

3.Head up and observe situation

4.Head down when playing the ball to ensure good contact

5.Play with the laces of the foot closet to the ball

6.Fewest number of touches to cover the distance quickly

Progressions:

P – Corner markers can be moved to near end of safe zone, thus reducing the distance players must retreat on transition

R – Team must score three points to win, thus allowing conceding team to remain on field, and transition quicker