Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): First touch - In tight areas

Skill Intro (20 mins)

Setup:

A central square 2x2m in size. Two cones 5m away from the square on either side.

Players in groups of three, one inside the square and one of each of the cones off to the side (shown in diagram).

2 Balls per group.

Instructions:

Example 1:

The exercise starts with the player on one side with the ball passing the ball to the player in the grid. They must take their first touch (either back foot or lateral) out of the side of the square and play it back to the person who played them the ball.

The process then repeats from the opposite side.

The central player swaps after 2 minutes.

Example 2:

The exercise starts with the player on one side with the ball passing the ball to the player in the grid.

The player in the grid takes their first touch so they can pass to the player on the opposite side.

The process will then repeat from the other side

The central player swaps after 2 minutes.

Competition:

Each player has a turn in the square, they have 1 minute to make as many passes as they can. The group then adds their scores together at the end.

Key points:

Ensure the players body shape allows them to see the player they are receiving the ball from and the player they will be passing to.

When a player is taking a touch they need to move their body with the ball so they can pass the ball quickly.

Skill Game (20 mins)

Setup:

30m x 30m area, with two 5m x 30m zones at either end.

Two mini goals at either end for players to score in.

6v6 in the central zone.

Players can't enter the opposition end zone when in possession unless a pass has been played into the area or the player takes their first touch into the area.

Swap sides at the half-way point of the game.

Players can enter their defensive end zone whenever.