Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Change of Direction & Ball Control

Change of Direction & Ball Control (15 mins)

Organization:

-see diagram for set-up and equipment

-8 to 12 players

-area approx. 10x10 yards (adapt for age/ability/numbers)

Instructions:

-2 players face-off at centre marker performing a movement determined by the coach (shuffling, quick feet, etc)

-on coaches call (red or yellow), the players must be the first to react to touch the ball of the cone

Progression/Variations:

-change the movements in centre

-players must move to opposite coloured marker than is called

-players start lying on the ground

-players dribble a ball to knock the target off with a pass

Coaching Points:

-quick reaction time

-lower body and push off outside foot

-speed to the ball

-use body movement to confuse opponent

-close ball control

-accuracy with pass

3v3/4v4 to gates (20 mins)

Organization:

-create a grid 25x25 yards (adapt for age/ability/numbers)

-2 teams, 4 gates (2 gates per team, set diagonally)

-10 to 12 players, balls, pinnies, cones

Instructions:

Each team has 2 gates to defend and 2 gates to score in. 2 players of each team are located at gates. Play a 4 v 4 game in the middle. Each team scores a goal, by passing the ball to one of the teammates, located in opposite gates and after pass is made they switch places (passer goes in gate, player in gate , joins his team in middle).

Continuous game.

When ball is kicked out of bounds game restarts as per FIFA rules.

Coaching Points:

-good first touch,ball control

-adjust body to receive, open up

-scan for space and opponent and attack the space

-decision making ( when to dribble or pass)

-communication, demand for ball