Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Set Pieces Villalpando MCAA

Attacking Free-kick (15 mins)

Organization:

• 5 blue mannequins 
• 10-20 soccer balls

This attacking free-kick is a short play that is meant to catch the opposition off guard.

#3 will run over the ball to unorganize the opponent.

#4 will make a diagonal run behind the defenders to the open space.

#2 will play the ball to #4 who will then shoot to score or give a diagonal pass back to his teammates in the box. 

Progression:

• Practice with mannequins
• Add real defenders (have them defend at 60% effort)
• Add real defenders (have them defend at 80-90% effort)

Duration: 15 minutes 

Coaching Points:

Players must do their role at 100%. The more they do it right, the higher their chance of the play working. #3 must make it look like he is going to shoot. #4 must time his run perfectly. #2's pass must be played perfectly into space.

 #4 should first look to score if available, if not then look for a pass if the angle on the goal is closed.

Defending a Free-kick (15 mins)

Description:

Players will practice their zonal-Marking.

#10 and #6 will make a 2-man wall and try to prevent the ball from getting into the area.

#4, #5, #9, #7, and #8 will step up to the top of the 18-yard box, they will time when to drop off.

#3 and #2  will be around 15 yards up the field, ready to counterattack.

Progression:

Practice easy headers (no attackers)

Practice against attackers.

Duration: 15 minutes

Coaching Points:

Players must know the area that they're defending. Communication is important, especially from the goalkeeper.

Focus on getting the ball as far away as possible. Focus on making proper connections with the ball, instead of power. 

Defending Throw-in (20 mins)

Description:

#2, #5, and #10 will man-mark the closes players to the ball.

#11 will man-mark the player throwing the ball as soon as possible, so he can help reduce an advantage (superior in #s) for the attacking team.

#4, #3, #6, and #8 will drop behind the ball and stay goalside, so they can be ready to step to the ball if the player in front of them gets it. 

#9 and #7 will be pushing up high (ready to counterattack) and helping the attacking team stay closer to their half.

Progression:

Practice movements without attackers.

Practice against attackers.

Duration: 15 minutes

Coaching Points:

Players must know their roles. Players closest to the ball are man-marking while the rest of the team is playing zonal defending and ready to step up as soon as there are getting attacked. Canceling the player throwing the ball in is important and can help the opposition lose the ball.