Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 27th Aug - Under 8's

Grid - Progression (20 mins)

Organisation - Players split into 4 teams - Passing the ball amongst themselves trying to complete challenges set by the coach.

On the ball - Try to pass the ball to a TM as quickly as possible

Off the ball - Try to support the ball all the time ( Can the ball see you? )

Challenges

- Ball must travel accross a whole square before it reaches a team mate

- Can you receive the ball in a completely empty square ?

- Can you receive the ball in a square a team mate has just left ?

- Can you play a bounce it pass with a team mate to receive in a new square ?

Body Shape to receive the ball , Play with head up as much as possible, Get the pass there!!

5v3 - Rondo (20 mins)

Organisation - Attackers 5v3. Position specific to our 7v7 formation 1-3-2-1. Defenders look to win the ball back by applying pressure and intercepting passes, If defenders win it back they can score in the goal as quickly as possible if they do, they swap with the 3,2 & 9. 5 & 8 always stay.

Dont expect 10+ passes the first few weeks of trying the practice.

Coach decides what the want to work on during the practice E.g Support play, breaking lines, combinations, passing & receiving skills.

Progressions : - If the outside players take more than 2 they can be tackled.

5 - On the ball - try to break the lines & retain possession

- Off the ball - try to support the ball

3 & 2 - Look to recieve the ball with an open body to play forwards as much as possible.

- Try to combine with 8 to play forwards

8 - On the ball - Try to play quickly to avoid being tackled

- Off the ball - Try to take up positions inbetween defenders to get on the ball

9 - Move in relation to the ball and provide passing options as much as possible.

• Penetrate – breaking though defence

• Create width and depth – spread out side to side and top to bottom

• Support play – players support the man on the ball giving passing options

• Movement – making runs to draw defenders out of position

• Creativity – Skills and the element of surprise