Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Directional Possession

Magic Square Warm-up

Warm-Up (20 mins)

Organization:

-20 x 20 yard area

-Each player has a ball

Instructions:

Part 1

Each player has a ball and is introduced to a few different types of dribbling techniques:

Messi, Ronaldo, Xavi and Ineiesta

Players will be asked how they might use each type, after they have been introduced:

-If you have a lot of space which technique might be the best?

-If you are in a very tight space how could you dribble?

Part 2

-Space is the same, now all but two players have a ball.

-The players with out the ball are defenders and hold a pinnie in their hand.

-Defenders are trying to simply touch another players ball with their foot (They are not trying to tackle)

-When a Defender touches a ball they take that ball and give their pinnie to the attacker.

-That attacker then becomes the tagger/defender

-The goal is to get tagged the fewest times and to not be it when time runs out.

Coaching Points:

-Using the proper dribbling technique/surface of the foot

-Looking for/identifiying where the open space.

-Aware of the defenders and other attackers

Progressions:

Three Team Overload with Goals (15 mins)

Organisation

Split players into 3 x 4 players.

Create a two grids 30x25 yards and one 3 yard channel down the middle.

Create 3 mini goals in the middle channel.

Instructions

team in the middle channel stays for 3 mins playing defensive.

Middle team sends two players for a 4v2, 2 touch, possession game.

No pass limit.

Team in possession work the ball until a clear shot at goal on the ground presents itself.

If the defensive team win the ball, the ball is sent to the opposite grid.

Switch the defensive team every 3 mins.

Progressions

1. If the defensive team win possession, they immediately switch with the team that has just lost possession - transition from defense to attack.

2. Remove goals - allow lofted pass from grid to grid

3. Allow one player from the defensive team to move from the 2 man middle channel into the grixd about to receive the ball - coaching points - decision making - how much pressure is being applied to the ball in the grid where the ball is located? If the pressure is good, is one of the remaining channel players able to drop off into the other grid? Trigger? As player in possession prepares for a lofted pass.

Numbers up Possession (15 mins)

Organisation

Two teams with two goalkeepers.

One team must have one more player than the opposing team (5v4 above).

Instructions

The team with 5 players - the red team - uses both GK's in order to retain possession in a 7v4 and play 2 touch only.

Once the yellow team gain possession, they can score in either goal - no restriction on number of touches.

Coaching Points

Red team in possession - movement; control; weight/accuracy of pass.

Red team out of possession - quick transition to defensive duties - pressing; support; regain possession as soon as possible.

Progressions

1. Add another red player to make it 8v4 and make it one touch.