Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): DRIBBLING 7V7

ID Space to pass/dribble

20 Mins 20x10 Area

Teams divided between channels with Blue"s attempting to pass to each other (in same or different channels) or Blue"s can dribble/run with the ball across to the channel and a teammate swaps place. Orange"s also pass, dribble or run with the ball across their channels. Technical 

Coaching Points

Awareness 

When dribbling or running with the ball, players should have their head up to be aware of the ball, the space, teammates and opposition in the area. 

First Touch 

With their first touch, Attackers need to move the ball into space and a position for them to exploit the space with either a pass, dribble or run with the ball. 

Passing 

Players need to put the ball through with a good weight of pass to break the line of the other team (representing a Defensive unit) whilst also concentrating on their disguise, timing and accuracy. 

Dribbling or Running with the Ball 

Players need to identify when to dribble or run with the ball depending on the space they have available.

Attacking Principles of Play 

All Principles can be used interlinked, however, as a coach, decide how many you wish to focus on.

Create Space 

Players need to create space with good width in their area to find space to exploit. Once space has been created, Attackers need to exploit the space with a pass, dribble or running with the ball. 

Passing and Support 

The passing technique needs to be focused on (as the technical point suggests) as well as the supporting angles for the players off the ball. Offering a position in between and around Defenders. 

Movement and Mobility 

Players need to move to create space laterally, with dynamic movements that are late and fast, not slow and early if possible. 

Creativity 

Players need to be creative with their passing, with good disguise. Also, when dribbling and hitting traffic (or Defenders) Attackers need to be creative to attack spaces. 

Penetration 

As often as possible, Attackers need to penetrate through or around with quality passing. If dribbling, players have to penetrate as quickly as possible to move forward.

SSG

20 min 40x20

Set up

Set up the area as seen above, with the area split into thirds (the middle third smaller than the defensive and final thirds). 

Play a 4v4+1 game with the neutral player playing for both teams when in possession. If team scores in small goal they can then turn around and attack goal with GK creating a flow to the game. 

Technical Coaching Points

When and Where to Dribble 

Players need to understand the difference between the defensive, middle and attacking areas. Players should be encouraged to dribble when they are breaking through the middle area or in the final area. In the defensive zone encourage the players to try and pass their way out of the area. 

Passing and Receiving 

Players need to focus on their weight, accuracy, disguise and timing of their passes to be able to move the ball quickly. Often as possible, Attackers need to be in a position to be able to receive the ball and the half turn and play forward. 

Finishing 

Players need to focus on their finishing skills, with either a power or placement shot.

Attaccking Principles

Create Space 

Attackers need to create space for themselves and others with good footwork patterns. If a player is marked they should move, if not stand still. As a team, Attackers need to offer good length, width and depth to their shape with the neutral player being central to the game. 

Passing and Support 

Players need to offer good supporting angles ahead, to the side and behind the ball always being able to see the player in possession and the ball to receive. 

Movement and Mobility 

Players need to move to lose defenders if necessary. Also, when the ball is being played forward, Attackers need to be able to put themselves in a position to receive with overlaps, underlaps, out-to-in and in-to-out runs. 

Creativity 

Especially in the middle and final third, Attackers should be creative to find disguise passes or dribble with the ball to attack Defenders 1v1 to move forward. 

Penetrate 

Attackers should look to penetrate as often as possible with either passes through, around or over the opposition. When in the final third, Attackers should also look to shift and shoot on goal.