Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Edgemont SC - Age Group Clinics (U10/11) - S13

Warmup (10 mins)

Organization:

15 x 20 grids

3 yards gates 

Groups of 3-4 setup as shown

Each player has a pinnie tucked to the side

Instructions:

1. Player A tossing the ball to  B1 or B2.

2. Player B1 or B2 "passes" the ball by throwing it Player C. Once there, Player B1/B2 take player Cs spot.

3. Once player C receives the ball from Player B, Player A, the defender, looks to immediately presses the attacking player and pull his/her pinnie. 

4. Player C attacks the space in front of them after receiving the ball in the air and tries to score a point in one of the two gates without their pinnie getting stolen.

5. The opposite Player B (player who did not throw it) checks into the closest gate on the endline as Player C commits Player A.

6. Immediately Player C will look to run through the open gate or throw it the ball to Player B occupying one of the two gates.

Rotation:

Player B > C > A > B

Coaching Points:

1. Go directly at the defender

2. Smaller steps once accelerating into space larger strides

3. Head up to see what gate we must attack in

4. Change in levels: Body shape taller to lower on the feint to provide

Semi-Opposed / Fully (15 mins)

Organization: 

20 x 25 grids

3 yards gates 

Groups of 3-4 setup as shown

1 Ball per grid; Extras to the side

Instructions:

1. Similar to the technical portion, Player A will start off with the ball and pass it to Player B (B1 or B2).

2. Player B will then pass the ball to Player C, and follow their pass immediately (to show the open space that was left).

3. Player C receives the ball and drives at the defender (Player A - allowed to apply passive pressure after first touch) in front of him/her looking to perform the stepover.

4. Player B, who did not pass the ball will look to get forward into space by entering the nearest gate on the endline.

4. Once Player C gets around the obstacle and to the opposite endline, he/she passes the ball to the opposite Player B. 

5. Player A doesn't look to win the ball, they act as obstacles, afterwards they take Player B's spot.

6. Progression 1: Player A is allowed to steal and counter by going the opposite direction for a point. (Fully opposed)

7. Progression 2: Add goals > 2v2 with the condition that the player who scores must run around the goal they scored on.

Rotation:

Player B > C > A > B

Coaching Points:

1. Connect with teammate - eye contact.

2. When approaching the use of Messi Touches

3. Upon executing the move Ronaldo Touches into space

4. Execution of moves:

Stepover - 

 > Positive 1st touch to drive at the defenders front foot (which makes it easier to unbalance the defender).

> Unbalance the defender with ball and body movement.

> Angle body prior to move slightly off center so that the execution of the stepover appears as if the player is going to make a driven pass to a forward teammate.

>Timing of execution of move based on space between you and the defender.

> Use of arms and legs to exaggerate the movement.

> Protect the ball by putting your body between the defender and the ball after your exit touch.

> Non-kicking foot steps parallel to the ball. "Kicking foot" starts from the outside of the ball and moves around the face. Plant "kicking foot" forward on inside of the ball. Step back with non-kicking foot. Outside touch back with "kicking foot".

> Accelerate away with your final touch to get your head up and create distance between the defender and yourself.

Progressions:

1. Player A is allowed to steal and counter by going the opposite direction for a point. (Fully opposed)

2.Add goals > 2v2 with the condition that the player who scores must run around the goal they scored on.