Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Grassroots Practices/Fundamental Movements

End-Zone Handball Game (30 mins)

Organization:

-An area 25x25yds is organized with a 2yd end zone at each end.

-End zone area is organized (pitch size and end zones should be changed according to the age and ability of the players in the group)

-6v6 game in central area

-1 ball

-The players play a game of handball: throwing and catching the ball to maintain possession with the aim of processing up the field and successfully passing the ball to a teammate in the end zone.

-When in possession of the ball- players must stand still. This encourages the movement of teammates to receive a pass.

Detail:

-To start the practice player are not allowed to stand in the end-zone but should break into the area when there is the opportunity for a teammate to play the ball forward.

-Simple progressions for this practice are:

-Add in a target player from both teams in each End Zone, a goal is scored by passing the ball from one target player to another consecutively.

-The player who passes the ball in to the target player takes the place of the target player.

-Allow the player to decide whose responsibility it is to rotate position with the target player.

Coaching points

-Movement of the players off the ball to create angles to receive a pass.

-Supporting runs behind and ahead of the player in possession.

-Look for spaces to pass through.

-Disguise passes and feints to unbalance defenders.