Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Academy U18 - Tactical Penetration 4

Up, Back, Through Pattern (15 mins)

Organization: Passing pattern as shown.

Instructions: Player with the ball(s) start pattern. Pass and move to the next cone. Progress to use 2 balls.

Coaching Points: Passes 1,3,&4 are "for" teammate - passes should be played to back foot leading teammate to the next play/pass. Touches should be positive, beyond the cone(s). When recieving a "for" pass - play 2 touch if possible - 1 touch will compound mistakes. Pass #2 is "to" teammate, setting up a 1 touch pass to next player simulating a quick through ball. Hitting the correct foot, Realistic movements, add in double movements, weight of pass, quality of (positive) 1st touch.

6v6 in Zones (20 mins)

Organization: 4 zone possession game looking to penetrate the defensive line and retain possession.

Instructions: Zonal possession game where you're looking to break the line of defenders in order to keep possession of the ball, as seen in the diagram.

Attacking team can score two points by breaking a line or 1 point if playing around the outside, it's important defenders look to keep compact.

Play to 15.

Progression 1: One defender can go and pressure the square with the ball (risk vs reward)

Coaching Points: Move the ball quickly to move the defense to create opportunities to play in behind the defensive line. Take what the defense gives you, play when its "on" and do not risk losing possession. Realize that when you have the ball, it 6v3 - when you lose the ball, its 3v6 = more work defending.

Play (20 mins)

Organization: Play