Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): session 1 U16 breaking lines

ssg

Category: Technical: breaking lines , dribbling , passing
Skill: U16

Topic: Carousel Practice

Social Skills Practice
Organisation – The area size is 25m x 25m split into 4 x 10m x 10m boxes with 5m safety areas or run off areas organised.
16 players total, 21 mins and 7 blocks of 3 mins, winners move to the next pitch while the loser side stays on the same one

Carousel Practices

Pitch 1:
2 vs 2 with two small goals.
Both teams compete to score as many goals as possible within the time limit. Focus on attacking quickly and defending as a pair.

Pitch 2:
2 vs 2 directional dribbling game.
Each team must protect their own line while trying to score by dribbling through the opponent's line. Emphasis on 1v1 skills and team cover.

Pitch 3:
2 vs 2 passing into target zones.
Players score by successfully passing into and then out of a square placed in each corner of the pitch. Focus on accuracy, awareness, and teamwork.

Pitch 4:
2 vs 2 line control passing game.
Teams protect their own line and aim to score a point by making a pass that is controlled through the opponent’s line. Focus on timing, movement, and control under pressure.

challenges, targets : 

Pitch 1 – 2 vs 2 with small goals

Focus: Scoring, attacking combinations, and defending as a pair

Questions to ask:

• How can you create space to shoot?

• What do you need to do to support your teammate in attack?

• When is the right moment to take a shot?

• How do you recover quickly if you lose the ball?

• Can you recognise when to pass or when to dribble?

Pitch 2 – Dribbling through lines (2 vs 2)

Focus: Dribbling under pressure, defending 1v1, and protecting space

Questions to ask:

• What kind of touches help you beat a defender?

• How do you protect the ball while dribbling?

• Can you identify which side is better to attack?

• How do you and your teammate cover space when defending?

• How can you combine to pull the defender out of position?

Pitch 3 – Pass in/out of corner squares (2 vs 2)

Focus: Passing accuracy, movement into space, and teamwork

Questions to ask:

• How do you time your movement into the square?

• What kind of pass gives your teammate the best chance to succeed?

• How can you use disguise to make the defender hesitate?

• Can you create a 2v1 situation to access the target zone?

• How do you support after making the pass?

Pitch 4 – Controlled pass through line (2 vs 2)

Focus: Timing, control, spatial awareness, and decision-making

Questions to ask:

• How can you move the defenders to open up space?

• What’s the difference between a rushed pass and a well-timed one?

• How do you make sure your teammate is ready to receive through the line?

• Can you scan before passing to see where the pressure is?

• How do you work as a team to control the tempo?

game

Category: Game-related practice – Crossing, Decision-Making & Finishing
Skill Level: U16

Practice Title: Small-Sided Game – Corridor Play & Finishing Bonus Challenge

Topic: Decision Making in the Final Third – Using Wide Areas to Create & Score

Social Skills Focus: Communication, support play, and tactical awareness

Organisation

• Game played on a reduced pitch with 2 goals and 2 goalkeepers.

• 4v4 inside the central area

• 2 wide players (one per team) in each corridor

• 1 support player behind each goal (used in second phase)

• The corridors (highlighted with red dots) are out of bounds for the central players

• Wide players are neutral (initially fixed) and rotate after every 2–3 minutes

• First 10 minutes: swap wide players 2–3 times

• Final 15 minutes: progress into a full-pitch game

Rules & Conditions

• Central players play 4v4 – free touches

• Wide corridor players (wingers): 2-touch maximum

• No central player is allowed to enter the corridor

• If a team scores from a cross (delivered by a wide player), they are awarded 2 goals

• If a team scores from regular open play, it counts as 1 goal

• After 10 minutes, allow teams to also use the supporting player behind the opposition goal (can play bounce pass or switch)

• Wide players change regularly to ensure full player involvement

Coaching Points

• Encourage awareness of space and using wide areas to stretch play

• Timing and quality of support runs to connect with crosses

• Crosses should be early, accurate, and well-weighted

• Players must scan and make quick decisions – when to play wide, when to go central

• Encourage vocal support and teamwork across all zones

• Movement off the ball to create finishing opportunities

Progressions

• Allow wide players to drive in with the ball after their first touch

• Support player behind the goal becomes active in build-up play

• Add an overload (e.g., 5v4) for a short period and switch

• Introduce a time limit to attack once possession is won

Regressions

• Remove 2-touch limit for wide players

• Allow one central defender to enter corridor once per attack

• Play without the support player behind the goal

Challenges, Conditions & Targets

• Challenge: Can your team score using wide support in 3 consecutive attacks?

• Condition: Wing players limited to 2 touches – encourage quick play

• Target: Each team must complete 3 passes before going wide

• Bonus: Goals from wide crosses = 2 points, regular goals = 1 point

Timing – 25 Minutes Total

• Block 1 (10 mins): Run the 4v4 game with wide players rotating every 2–3 mins

• Block 2 (15 mins): Full game on larger pitch – incorporate wide zones and goals

  • Allow wing players and support players to remain involved in transitions

  • Maintain double-goal rule for crosses