Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): CTA: Moving the Ball with Intention. Through, Around or Over

Fun Game: Four Corners (20 mins)

Instructions:

• Set up a rectangular playing area with 4 grey scoring zones in each corner and a red pivot box in the centre.

• Split players into two teams, evenly matched.

• One team starts with possession and attempts to score by throwing or passing the ball to a teammate inside any grey scoring zone.

• A point is scored only when a teammate receives the ball cleanly inside a scoring zone — players cannot dribble or run into the zone, they must receive the ball inside it.

• The defending team cannot enter the grey scoring zones and must defend by intercepting, pressing, or forcing mistakes.

• Once possession changes, the new team becomes the attackers and the cycle continues.

Timing:

2 minutes on, 1 minute off x 4 games

Play 1- rounds of each variation.

Rounds & Progressions:

• Round 1: Ball in Hand (Netball Style)

  • Players have 3 seconds max with the ball.

  • No running with the ball—pass or turnover.

• Round 2: Ball at Feet (Dribbling Allowed)

  • Players can move freely and pass/shoot.

  • No time restriction on possession.

• Round 3: Find the Pivot

  • One player must enter the central red box when their team is in possession.

  • 3 points if the team can switch play from one side to the other using the pivot and then score in a grey box.

  • Teams can rotate the pivot player each possession.

Coaching Points:

• Switch of Play: “Look to move the ball across zones to shift defenders.”

• Use the Pivot: “Find the pivot early—can they open up the game?”

• Defensive Awareness: “Protect space and communicate—don’t get caught watching.”

Coaching Considerations:

• The field size should allow enough space for switching play and player movement (approx. 30m x 25m, adjustable based on age/ability).

• Encourage creative play, constant scanning, and communication.

• This game can be physically and cognitively challenging—rotate players regularly and keep energy high.

ATT Pass & Move Conditioned Game: Playing Through Thirds (20 mins)

Instructions:

• Set up a field divided into three horizontal zones: Back Third, Middle Third, and Final Third.

• Play a 4v4 to 6v6 game depending on numbers.

• When defending, players are locked into their assigned third.

• When attacking, players can move forward or backward one zone to support play

• Once the ball enters the final third, the team has 7 seconds to shoot.

• The game always starts with the ball in the back third(ideally from a goalkeeper or coach).

• Encourage teams to combine and play through each third, looking for the right moment to break lines and score.

Timing:

4 x 3 minutes on, 1 minute off — Total: 16 minutes

Progressions & Variations:

• Live After Line Break: Game becomes fully live after the ball is played past the middle third or “safe zone.”

• Touch Limit Option: 3 touches in the back, 2 touches in the middle, unlimited in the final third.

Coaching Points:

• Find the Free Player: “Who’s available to progress the play forward?”

• Get Free to Play Forward: “Create space to receive facing forward.”

• Help Your Teammates: “Come short when they’re under pressure, stretch away when they’re not.”

• Travel Through Lines: “Support the attack?”

• Timing of Movement: “Work together with teammates to find space, support at angles.”