Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Academy 10U - Utilizing Width to Attack

2v2/3v3 to corners (15 mins)

Set up:

30*20 grid with a 5*5 section in each corer as shown in the diagram above. Two teams of 4/5 players each with 2v2/3v3 in the middle and 2 players from each team in a 5*5 corner section diagonally across from teammate (see diagram). Some groups have the ability to start with 3v3, this should be determined by the developmental level of each group by the coach. 

Players in the corner cannot be tackled but should not be in possession of the ball any longer than 3-5 seconds. Team is allowed to play ball back to the person in the corner that originally started with the ball to help keep possession.

Team in possession tries to keep possession to play from one corner the next, team receives a point each time this is done successfully.

Progression: Play 3v3 in the middle. Some groups may be able to start with 3v3 depending on ability

Coaching Points:

• Make field as big as possible
• Receive ball across body to see more of the field
• Try to receive ball across body to facilitate playing quickly
• Players should always look to pass and move quickly but have good enough recognition of when to dribble

Guided Questions:

•  How can you see who you are getting the ball FROM and who you are giving it TO at the SAME TIME? Receive ball across your body (with foot furthest away), with back to the sideline
• What should you do when your teammate has the ball? Get open where there are no defenders between me and the ball
• How do you know where to find open space? By looking around (both when you have the ball and when your teammate has the ball)
  
• What could you do if you have open space when in possession of the ball? Dribble with head up so you can make the best choice next
  

6v6 (4 Gate Game) (20 mins)

Set up:

Using the Academy 7v7 field markings play a game of 6v6 from box to box utilizing the full width of the field as shown in the diagram. There should be a gate approximately 8 yards wide (from sideline to a couple yards inside the box). Teams score by dribbling through either of the two gates. 

Players are now asked to play specific positions; center back (4/5), right/left(7/11 or 2/3), center mid (6/8/10), forward (9). Coaches should use the descriptive names of the positions and nut just the numbers as players will need some time to learn that. 

• Progression - As players start to have more success switching the ball from one side of the field away from defenders remove the gates and add goalkeepers to play a regular 7v7 game.