Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Academy Turning and Change of Direction

Dribble Turns (10 mins)

Organization:

1. separate players in to teams of 2.

2. Every players needs a ball.

3. Cones are 15 yards apart (as shown).

Instructions:

1. Players dribble between 2 cones.

2. At each cone they work on a turn and continue the same movement up and down working on their technique

3. Example of turns are:

 a. Outside hook

 b. Inside hook

 c. Cruyff

 d. Step over

 e. Stop Turn

 f.  Drag back

Coaching Points:

1. Control touch on the ball

2. Balance

3. Bend knees when turning to get low

4. Change of pace.

5. Head up

One on one in a circle (10 mins)

One on one in a circle

Organization:

1. Create a round circle about 15 yards wide

2.  3 Players with soccer balls on the outside.

3. 2 players in the middle (attacker and defender)

Instructions:

1. 2 players go into the middle of the circle.

2. The rest of the players space out around the circle.

3. 3 players with soccer balls on the outside.

4. 1 player in the middle is designated as the attacker, the other the defender for the entire 1 minute turn.

5. When the ball comes into the circle to the attacker. They pass to anyone on the outside who doesn't have a ball and is not next to the player who passed to them.

6. Once the pass goes outside to a player without a ball, they must find a second teammate that will pass them the ball in the middle.

7. Repeat 5 & 6 until 1 minute.

8. Rotate until all player have had a turn at defender or attacker.

Coaches Point:

1. Movement off the ball to get onto the ball.

2. Where to take first touch?

3. Defensive pressure is key to make the attackers deal with in game pressure scenarios.

4. The attacker will have to make a turn at some points, key in on their turning principles

5. Make quick decisions and accurate passes.

4 Goal game (10 mins)

4 goal game

Organization:

1. 35 x 35 yard area.

2. Separate players in to 2 teams.

3. 8 cones for 4 gates (as shown)

4. Coach has extra balls

Instructions:

1. Players will play in the area and connect (X) number of passes before they can score (dribble through a gate).

2. Let players be creative when dribbling or passing to move forward to score.

Coaching Points:

1. Change places to attack

2. Use width and depth of field

3. Communicate

4. Pressure the player with the ball and delay the attack.

5. Defensively work on who is pressuring and who is covering.

Progression:

1. Limit players touches on the ball (2 or 3 touch)

2. Combination play before you score