Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): U10 Leopards Angled Finishing

Semi-Opposed (15 mins)

Organization:

Two cones (or poles) in center of area. This serves as a goal for the keeper to defend. Other players in lines on either side (ideally groups of three if possible, no more than 5 players per group). Balls with players not in goal.

Instructions:

1. Players look to score through the central goal.

2. After 2-3 minutes, player with the least amount of goals becomes GK.

3. Play multiple rounds.

4. Rotate players so they face various opponents.

Coaching Points:

1. Preparation touch - ball out of feet.

2. Head up to observe GK's position.

3. Ensure to look at open target area.

4. Aim for corners (furthest from GK).

5. Head down at point of contact.

6. Contact ball - middle, slightly off-center.

7. Contact foot - instep/laces/2nd knuckle.

Progressions:

1. Increase/decrease distance as necessary.

Conditioned game (15 mins)

Organization:

As above

Instructions:

Three team competition. Goal is the area between the two puggs. All shots must be taken from behind the orange cones. Two touch maximum per player. Goal is waist height. First team to 2 goals, 1 minute games maximum. Three points for a win, one for a tie.

Coaching Points:

- Positive touch out of feet

- Approach ball at an angle

- Head up, observe target

- Pick spot then eyes return to the ball

- Contact centre of ball

- Keep weight over ball

- Follow through onto kicking foot

- When to use a different technique

- When to pass if first touch did not set up shot properly.

Progressions:

P1: Free play, 4v4 or 3v3 with goalkeepers (if possible). Play to pugg nets if no keepers.