Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Warm ups

Warm up 1

Organization:

1.30 x 30 yard area set up as shown

2.12 players set up as shown

3.1 ball per player

4.Assign each side a number as shown

Instructions:

1.Coach calls number one or two

2.Players on the corresponding sides to the number called run with the ball to the opposite sides

3.Players race each other to stop ball on opposing line

Coaching Points:

1.Positive first touch out of the feet

2.Head up and observe situation

3.Head down when playing the ball to ensure good contact

4.Play with the laces of the foot closest to the ball

Progressions:

P – Call both numbers at the same time to make players make a decision on when to run with the ball and when to dribble

R – Each side is given its own number (1 - 4), and numbers are called out one at a time

Warm Up 3

Organization:

1.5 players in center box, 5 players in outer grid

2.Players in outer grid with the ball

3.Small box (5x5), Outer grid 20x20

Instructions:

1. Players in center Find a player with the ball on the outside

2.They receive a pass and perform a receiving technique (all will be done in order)

a. Inside Touch, pass with same foot

b. Outside Touch, pass with same foot

c. Inside/Outside, pass with opposite foot

d. One touch pass back (Inside)

3. Players will work for 30 seconds and then switch with outside players

Coaching Points:

1. Get in line with flight of ball

2. Inside: Open Door (foot sideways),Toes up (ankle locked),Cushion on contact

3. Outside: Toes down and in (ankle locked), Cushion on Contact

4. Calling for the ball with confidence-creating good habits

Progressions:

Warm up 5

Organization:

1.- 20 x 20 yard area set up as shown

2.- 12 players set up as shown

3.- 1 ball per player

Instructions:

1.- Players have to dribble around a marker to score a point

2..- After fully rounding a marker, players can then move to another marker to score

3.- Players can not score at the same marker twice in a row

4.- Players are only allowed to use one surface to control the ball, e.g. inside, outside, sole, laces

5.- Players play for one minute for each surface, and count their own scores

6.- Players are then given one minute to use all surfaces, and try to beat their own record

Coaching Points:

1.- Controlled approach

2.- Timing of move – just outside tackling radius

3.- Body shape – low centre of gravity

4.- Change of speed and direction

Progressions:

P – Any collision with another player / ball resets both players to zero points

R – Have more markers than players to reduce traffic