Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Combining to play through the midfield

Warm Up

Rondo - Positional

Set up:

12x16 yard area (adjust for level). 9 players set up as shown.

Instructions:

Perimeter team maintains possession versus the inside team with the help of the #6/8. If the 3 inside players win the ball they keep away from the 1. Assign number of passes for points.

Progressions:

To score play must get from end to end. Can require the use of #6 or #8 or not.

Coaching Points:

Awareness, anticipate direction of pass and be early to support. Quality of pass, 1st touch and off ball movements. Vision and decision making with and without the ball.

SSG

SSG - Combination in the midfield (3 zones)

Set up:

Create a 30 x 45 grid broken into 3 horizontal zones. End zones are 20 yds and middle zone is 5-10 yards. Split the players into two teams. Play a 4v2 in each end zone and place two center mids in the middle third. Add two pugg goals or one large goal on each end.

Instructions:

Play starts with a pass from the coach into the defense of one team.

Team in possession must make a set number of passes before they can play into the midfield.

Defenders may not enter the midfield.

Midfielders look to pass into the attackers and must stay in there zone.

Two defensive players may join the attack

Progressions:

Attacker may move back into the middle third to defend or add a defender.

Allow midfielders to play back to maintain possession.

Coaching Points:

Quality of pass and first touch, Open side on stance and receiving on the back foot where possible, Use of combinations from ignition activity, Anticipate the movement of the ball to be in support early,

Chicanery

Chicanery

Set up: Two goals, one on end line and the other on the penalty arc. Bring in to the 18 if too far. Line of conces across box at center point.

Procedure:

1. Start with two teams of 3 on each side of the cones.

2. Coach begins the game by serving a ball in to either side.

3. Ball must be received out of the air and each side is limited to 3 touches to get a shot. Includes shot. The ball may not stop moving.

4. Make it take it style, scoring team stays and other team leaves while a new team runs on.

5. If the ball is played out, the player responsible runs to get while a new ball is served and the team is down a player. Yell out "Chicanery!"

Progression:

1. Play with two teams and play first to set number.

Scoring:

Coaching points:

Shooting technique

Body shape

Support position