Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Striking The Ball (Short Passing) Cycle 1 (9-12) (Start Time: 2016-09-15 17:00:00)

Skill Intro (20 mins)

Grid Size 20 x 20yds for 10 players, increase or decrease size as needed.

A - Players dribble freely until they see an open side player. Try to limit the outside players to 2 touches, moving towards 1 touch, as the players gain confidence. Players change every 2mis starting with either foot, moving to only right foot, then only left foot.

Possible Coaches Remarks:

"Only pass the ball when the 'passing lane' is open, and no one else is passing to the outside player at the same time."

"Be accurate with your pass, and with the right speed."

"Look when you are asking for the ball back, and make an angle for the return pass."

B - In pairs, players pass to each other first time moving from 5yds apart to 1 or 2yds apart, depending on their ability. Challenge players to try right only, left only, and right-left alternating. Players must focus on accuracy, and weight of pass; by performing the passes with proper technique, this will become much easier.

Skill Training (20 mins)

A - Choose between any of the 3 basic positiong games i.e. 4 v 1, 3 v 1, or 4 v 2.

4 v 1 grid is 10 x 10yds - 15 x 15yds. 3 v 1 grid is 6 x 6 - 8 x 8yds

Possible Coaches Remarks:

"The player on the ball must have 2 options at all times."

"Don't just stand in the corners, move to create angles that help your team mate make a pass."

"Position yourself so that you can see the whole grid."

"Play the ball to the 'safe side' of your team mate (away from the defender).

* Please note that 3 v 1 asks for a lot of running for the players, and it is therefore advisable to use regular drink breaks for recovery.

B - 4 v2 in a 12 x 12 - 15 x 15yd grid.

Killer Pass game - The players on the outside of the grid have 1 minute to keep possession and look to split the 2 defenders with a 'killer pass'. The defenders count how many interceptions and mistakes they can force.

Possible Coaching Remarks:

"The player on the ball must have 3 options now, left, right and between the defenders."

"Look to pass between the 2 defenders, that's an important pass when we play games."