Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Running with the ball

Technical (10 mins)

Running with the ball -

40x30 (or 3G pitch)

8 players

4 squares in the corners of our playing area. Players have to run with the ball from one square to another, e.g. square A to square B and so on. The player is expected to run with the ball from A to B then leave the ball so the next player in the box can run with the ball and go to box C and so on. Players have to do eight runs with the ball.

Key points -

Get into running stride quickly, keep head up but glance down to ensure ball is in control, use laces or outside of foot, minimal touches of the ball.

Game (25 mins)

Game -

40x30 with zones either sides for wing play (neutral players).

The wingers can be tackled but the defender must go through the cones in order to remove the ball off them. The wingers play for both teams and must be able to run with the ball from one side to another. Every few minutes the winger should change. What is important in the shaded area is that wingers run with the ball and ideally cross it in the middle. The main objective for a defender is to give the ball out wide for the winger so one can run with it and cross it in. It is important to remind the players they can still run with the ball at every opportunity no matter where they are on the pitch.