Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Zone 2 Curriculum - Creation

Warm-Up - Continuous 4v1 Rondo (20 mins)

Objective: Mentally and physically prepare for the training session and prime habits for session (scanning, body-shape, playing the front foot)

Organization: 2 25X10 grids split into three zones (2 10X10 squares with 5X10 middle zone) 

7 players = possession team 

2 players = defenders

4 X 3 min rounds with 90 second break to include ball collection and dynamic stretching/movements 

Structure:

4v1 play begins in 10x10 grid, establish tempo and possession

At any point in time, blues try to find the blue player in the middle grid (1v1 in the middle), blues join and support entry pass to then connect to far grid and reestablish a 4v1 in new grid and continue play.

If defenders win the ball, they look to dribble out of the grid or connect one pass 

All blues can collapse in transition moment to win ball back, regardless of starting grid. 

Defenders rotate each round. 

Coaching Points:

Establish tempo and rhythm in possession

Play front foot to maximize opportunities to play forward 

Recognize moment to play forward - maximize no pass restriction and massive numerical advantage 

Consistently scan for opportunities to play forward and break lines

Body Shape open to field 

Support player after entry pass forward 

Quickly get numbers and support around the ball and establish shape/supporting angles 

Encourage movement to separate from defender in middle channel 

Proper pace and weight on entry passes

Encourage communication

How do we react when we lose the ball? Individually? Collectively?

Activity 1 - Modified Game Form (20 mins)

10 v 7 Directional possession activity  

Organization 

28 X 12 Grid with flags at 14 and  2 11v11 goals 15 yard behind each target 

2/3 and 7/11 positioned outside of grid

4 X 4 Mins (Each team does each progression once) 

Instructions: 

Play begins with 4/5 every time (when ball goes out, and between goals) blue team advances the ball from 4/5 to 9, and back, as many times as possible 

Team receives 1 point for every time the team can successfully possess the ball from end to end (1 to 9) while utilizing at least one midfield player (6, 8, or 10) in the build 

In loss of possession, red can attack their goal immediately - there are no space restrictions in this transition moment and all players can defend - if blue re-establishes possession, can they regain attacking shape immediately?

Progression 1: How many points can you achieve in 4 mins?

Progression 2: 3 Points unlocks free play and opportunity to attack opponent's goal 

Restrictions: 

3 cannot play 11 (vice versa) 

2 cannot play 7 (and vice versa)

Why?: Midfield 3 must get on the ball 

For a point, team must play through 6/8/10 at least once.

Coaching Points: 

• Triangulation and effective spacing/balance of midfield 3 - purposeful movement to either get on the ball or create passing lines for another midfielder
• Maintain appropriate distance in build-up play - can we break lines with entry pass 
• Body shape forward (toward target player), scan and continue to find target player
• High tempo possession - take advantage of the overload (should always have an option) 
• Confident communication when open especially in midfield - demand the ball when available
• Breaking lines when the moment presents itself - when can our 2 and 3 get find moments to break the line of 7/11?