Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Session 1: 1v1

Ball tag (15 mins)

Organization:

-Make a 10 yd x 10 yd grid with 4 cones

-6 players

Equipment:

-4 cones

-1 bib

-1 ball

Activity:

One player is given the bib and designated to be "it" while the rest of the players run freely in the grid. The player who is "it' will try and tag one of the other players, while the other players try to avoid being tagged. Players must stay inside the grid. If a player is tagged or steps out of the grid, then that player will become "it".

Progression 2 - Tags must be made below the knee.

Progression 3 - A ball is added to "it" and tags must be made with the ball, while the ball remains in hand. (not throwing the ball)

Progression 4 - If you are tagged with the ball, you will join hands forming a link with "it". Every time a player is tagged, they will join the link, last player standing wins.

Progressions are 3 mins each, players stretch for 1 minute between progressions.

Coaching points:

-Encourage players to have fun, use imagination and be creative.

-Use body feints and changes of speed/direction to avoid being tagged.

-Communication and teamwork (last progression).

1v1 continuous duels (10 mins)

Organization:

-Make a grid with 4 cones 8 yds x 15 yds.

-Split grid into 3 by placing 2 more cones on each sideline 5 yds apart.

-Place 2 nets on eacxh end line.

-Place 1 gate on each side of the goal.

-Place 4 balls beside each gate.

-6 players

Equipment:

-8 cones

-8 low cones or flat markers

-2 nets

-3 bibs

-16 balls

Activity:

Divide players into 2 teams of 3. Players line up in the gates, 2 players in 1 gate, and 1 player in the other. The opposing team will do the same ensuring that the opposite corners match their opponents. The gates with 2 players will start. The activity begins with one blue player from the 2 player gate passing diagonaly to their opponent in the opposite 2 player gate, who becomes the attacker. Once the player makes the pass, they will then immediately put pressure on the attacker. Once the attacker recieves the ball, they will try and beat the defender in the shaded middle part of the field. Beating a defender is 1 point, scoring a goal is 1 point. If the defender wins the ball, they can try and score on the attackers net. Same point system applies. Play ends if there is a goal scored, or the ball goes out of play. Once the duel ends, another play begins with a pass being made from the red team, from the opposite corner that started. The players who just finished take their places. Keep track of points to keep intensity high.

Coaching points:

-Attack with speed

-Mack move or feint at the appropriate distance

-Accelerate once defender is beat

-If you see the net, shoot

-Be creative