Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): UKFT Example session plan

Warm up and footwork (10 mins)

Practice 1

Organisation

Cones set at 2-3 yard diagonally.

5-6 cones in total.

All gks working the same time, slamom through cones and jog to edge of box.

Varying movments on way back to the start.

Sets and Reps

3 Sets 4 Reps

Progressions

First set facing forward.

Second set side ways left shoulder facing forward. (Introduce a volley or throw to catch at the end )

Third set side ways right shoulder facing forward.

This practice is more of a warm up for the goalkeepers.

Practice 2

Organisation

Cones 2 yards in each direction as shown above.

3 or 4 grids set up dependant on numbers.

Coach calls number. Movement to number then return back to middle

Work/rest ratio

Work 6-8 calls then rotate. Work 1/Rest 1

Progressions.

Second set make a competition on first gk to return to the middle

Third, call 2 numbers then return to the middle

Coaching Points

Body shape/weight and hand position.

Balance and coordination.

Headup facing ball and on balls of feet.

Dealing with high balls and crosses (15 mins)

Practice 1

Organisation

2 Lines working.

Server throws ball in ball with hieght for Gk to come forward and catch.

Gives ball back to server and returns to back of the line.

Sets and Repetitions

3 Sets of 4-6 repetitions.

Progressions

First set come and catch

Second set, jump off left foot.

Thrid set jump off right foot.

Coaching points.

Jump off one leg bringing the other knee up infront for power.

Catch at the highest comfortable point, keeping eyes on the ball.

Small steps to adjust to the flight of the ball.

Practice 2

Use both goals, or cones on floor if not got a second goal

Gk throws the ball to server and comes to touch near post.

Serve is under arm, with hieght to land in the middle of goal on the six yard line.

Trying to replicate an outswinging cross going away from the goalkeeper.

Sets and repetitions 6 repitions both sides of the goal.

Coaching points

Cross feet whilst keeping eye on the ball.

Take off correct leg and recognise where attackers could come from.

Practice 3

Gk in goal, servers throw overarm from edge of box for gk to come and catch.

Half gks working (using both goals) Other half serve.

For the younger ones underarm serve from closer in

Sets and Repititions

6-8 catches each side

Coachingpoints

Starting position in relation to the ball.

Decison to come and catch or away.

Take off correct leg.

Technique of diving and scoop (10 mins)

Practice 1

Work on a scooping technique. Gk stand is and deal with a side foot serve aiming between the gks legs.

Repetitions

6-8 x2 sets

Coaching Points.

Technique of how to scoop. Bend from knees, not waist

Body weight going forwards.

Little fingers close together

Watch ball into gloves placing chin on chest.

Soft hands to control and cushion ball.

Practice 2

Server throws across gk for a mid hieght diving save.

No tempo to the session, just focus on technique.

Repetitions

6-8 Both sides.

Coaching points.

Step off foot on side of dive.

Hands and head towards ball.

Land on side with head being closest part of body to server.

Practice 3

As 2, But higher saves, focus more on power.