Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Shielding,Passing,SAQ (Station Work)

Tic tac toe SAQ

Set Up:

- 9 cones to make up tic tac toe squares per group.

- two groups per tic tac square

- three cones in front of each group

Instructions

- Players go through their 3 cones in differet patterns determined by the coach. (backwards, figure 8's, side shuffles, quick feet side ways right and left, etc.)

- After going through the pattern the player must run to the tic tac square, place pinnie by the cone then tag new partner who repeats what the first player did.

- After group has used up all pinnies, the players can move their pinnies within the tic tac square.

Coaching Points

- Quick feet

- eyes up

- change of pace and direction

1v1 Shielding & Turning out of Pressure (20 mins)

1v1 Shielding & Turning out of Pressure 10 min (focusing on the shielding technique, maintaining vision & securing possession immediately upon winning back possession or whenever under heavy pressure)

Exercise: 1 min. bouts of 1v1 duels in confined space. Two teams of players competing 1v1. 3rd team rests and supports.

Space: 25y L x 18y W

Scoring:

Attacking player receive ball from bumper player, shield, eyes up, turn defender, pass to free bumper on one of the other sides of the space. Receive a ball from a new bumper player. 1 point for 90 degree turn and successful pass to free bumper. 3 points for 180 degree turn and successful pass to free man.

Defending player is awarded 1 point for winning the ball and making a successful pass to a free bumper.

Shielding & Turning Coaching Points:

Bend knees, both feet on ground

Side on body position to keep defender away from ball

Extend stiff arm to keep defender even further away from ball

Eyes up, check "blind side" (i.e., over one's shoulder nearest the defender)

Spin, counter spin, fake to unbalance defender and turn out of pressure, (ideally up field)

See and connect with the free man

Defensive Coaching Points:

Immediate pressure on the ball, shepherd toward a line.

Stay low, see the ball, one hand check, look to poke or block tackle.

Weight balanced evenly on both feet.

Side-on body position, corral attacker one way as you close him down.

Anticipate and prevent attacker from spinning out of pressure.

Poke, block tackle and/or harry without fouling attacker.

When you win the ball - eyes up, arm out to control opponent's body, see and connect with a free bumper as soon as possible.