Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Valley Stream U-12 Dragons (wk 3) Turning

Warm-up (10 mins)

Organization:

1.20 x 20 yard area set up as shown

2.12 players set up as shown

3.1 ball per player

Instructions:

1.Players score points by dribbling through a gate, turn and coming back through the same gate, without touching the markers

2.Each player attempts to score as many times as they can

3.Play for a set time limit

Coaching Points:

1.Look up to observe space and scoring opportunities

2.Controlled approach

3.Bend the knees to create a platform to accelerate

4.Use all parts of the feet when attempting to turn

5.The hips must work hard to ensure correct contact and turning line

Progressions:

P – Reduce gates

P – Reduce gate size and margin for error

P – Add colored gates for specific turns e.g. Blue gate must be a drag back

R – Add more gates than players

Main Theme (15 mins)

Organization:

1.- 20 x 20 yard area set up as shown

2.- 6 players set up as shown

3.- 2 balls (Additional at starting position)

Instructions:

1.- Two players from opposite sides of the area dribble to the right of the middle marker, turn and then shoot

2.- As soon as the shot is taken players from the other two corners set off for the marker

3.- The players that have taken their shot move to fill the open corner and wait for their next turn

4.- Coach can change the direction of the dribble and turning technique to challenge players further

5.- Play for a set time limit

Coaching Points:

1.- Controlled approach

2.- Quick turning action

3.- Use nearest foot and surface to go into attacking space quickly

4.- Change of speed after turn to get onto the ball quickly

5.- Head up after turn to observe the goal

Progressions:

P – Add goalkeepers

P – Change central marker so that players dribble behind each other and then turn to shoot at goal

P – Central marker is changed for a passive defender

R – Reduce the size of area

R – Players go one at a time and work in groups of four