Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Attacking Principles of Play - RWTB

Police Chase - Put the Foot Down No.1 (10 mins)

Set Up:

• Two (2) teams of 6 players (ball each) to be numbered 1-3 & 4-6.
• Field size 30 (L) x 30 (W).
• 4 markers.
• Sides numbered 1-4.

Rules/Instructions: 

• All players running freely in the area.
• First 3 minutes - low speed intensity, use both feet.
• Next 3 minutes - accelerate when you see a free space in front of you, now only use your right/left foot.

Variation/Progressions: 

• Coaches can adjust the size of the area to suit the needs of the players.
• 2 groups at the same time (below).

Player Tips: 

On the Ball 

• Can you run/dribble with the ball?
• When running with the ball, can you see beyond the ball?
• Can you change direction when running with the ball?

Movement 

• No standing zone!

Key Coaching Points: 

• Speed with the ball is key.
• Take the minimum amount of touches and keep control.
• Encourage speed and decisiveness from attackers.
• Take care & vision, look out for collisions.
• If necessary slow down and then accelerate again.

1v1 Police Chase (5 mins)

Set Up:

• Two (2) teams of 6 players (ball each) to be numbered 1-3-5 & 2-4-6 positioned as shown.
• Field size 40 (L) x 30 (W). Shooting Zone 10 (L) x 30 (W) each end.
• 4 markers & 4 small portable goals.

Rules/Instructions:

• On the coaches signal the first player from each team start running with the ball to the opposite goal.
• When they enter the shooting zone they pass/shoot into an empty goal.
• As soon as the ball passes the goal line the next player can start running with the ball in the opposite direction.
• If the ball doesn't go into the goal the player who took the shot must go and touch the player waiting to run with the ball before they can start.
• Which team can complete one full sequence first?

Variation/Progressions:

• Coaches can adjust the size of the area to suit the needs of the players.
• Use right foot or left foot only or both if going twice.

Player Tips:

On the Ball

• Can you run/dribble with the ball?
• When running with the ball, can you see beyond the ball?
• Can you shoot at goal?
• Can you protect the ball away from a defender?

Movement

• No standing zone!

Key Coaching Points: 

• Speed with the ball is key. 
• Take the minimum amount of touches and keep control. 
• Encourage speed and decisiveness from attackers and encourage new attackers to begin quickly after shot is taken.

Police Chase (Robbers Run Away) (20 mins)

Set Up: 

• Two teams of 6 players each with a 3 v 3 start.
• Field size 30 (L) x 40 (W). Short but wide.
• 4 yellow markers.

Action:

• To score a goal a player must run with the ball across the opponents goal line.
• If the red team wins possession, they can now attack the opponents goal line.

Variation/Progressions:

• The time of sets or size of the area can be adjusted to suit the needs and abilities of the players.

Player Tips:

On the Ball 

• Can you run/dribble with the ball? If you can’t can you find some who can?
• When running with the ball, can you see beyond the ball?
• Can you shoot at goal?
• Can you find creative ways to beat your defender?
• Can you protect the ball away from a defender?

Movement 

• Can you help your teammate with the ball?
• Can you position yourself where you can receive the ball??
• Can you move, to allow your teammate with the ball an opportunity to dribble/run with the ball.
• No standing zone!

Width 

• Can you see the ball and another teammate?
• Can you receive the ball in an area with no opponent close to you?
• Can you create width and still be able to receive a pass?

Key Coaching Points:

• Spread out and use the width of the area.
• We must have a central player with a player to the left and right.
• Run with the ball whenever you see space in front of you.
• Don't be afraid to take on opponents.
• When a defender is chasing you use the moves you learned earlier in the technical game.

Session Timing:

• Complete 6 sets of 3 minutes with a 30-second rest in between sets.
• Total time of work is 20 minutes.