Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): How we use the goalkeeper to build possession (Start Time: 2018-09-08 09:30:00)

4 v 2 Rondo Arrival activity (15 mins)

Arriva activity 10 -15 minutes, set up 3 20 x 20 squares, players each square, ideally a goalkeeper at each square (assume you will get 12-18).

Organisation: in a 20 by 20yard square, 4v2 possession square with the team in possession outside the swuare and the opposition inside the square. Start the ball with the goalkeeper if there is a goalkeeper who passes to one of his team mates. How many passes in a row can each group of 4 achieve. Every 1- 2 minutes, rotate the 2 in the middle.

Progressions:

- Rotate players when they lose possession/ defenders win possession.

- Defenders only have to touch the ball (intercept or deflect)

- Players can go into the square.

- If numbers permit (e.g.7 to a group) do a 4v3

Coaching points:

- Body shape, square but on toes and ready to receive in a split stance.

- eyes up to find target and when receiving the ball.

- Decision making on the following, depending on the scenario in terms of defensive pressure, space to play into and movement/ location of team mates (passing lanes):

- Using different short passes; inside of foot, outside of foot, instep for slightly lofted pass or laces for small chipped pass.

- Footwork to adjust to flight & direction of ball, side ball will be passed through and interference of other players (movement).

- First touch choice: back foot inside of foot cushion, outside of foot, laces, sole of foot roll (difficult on soft pitches), stop ball and where in relation to body.

- One touch pass, two touches if needed, ( 1 to control, second to send), 3+ if a player must (if first touch did not prepare ball for pass or need to dribble the ball to an optimum space).

Coaching position: outside the square and walking round to give individual feedbacl, overall encouragement and praise.

Practise organisation - short pass (30 mins)

Organisation: Team in possession (focus) playing 1-4-3-3 against a 1-4-4-2, 1+7v8 (can also do 8v7 (1 team in possesion has a goalkeeper) or 5v5, 6v5, 6v6,  with goalkeepers on each side or white team only). Ensure there are plenty of footballs by the goal to ensure repetition. Aim to get the ball into one of the mini goals, angled to encourage forward angled passes (or score a goal if using 2 goalkeepers and a normal size goal).

Starter: The game is played with Netball rules, player with the ball cannot travel with the ball but can throw to a team mate. Team out of possession must attempt to intercept, 1m gap between the player with the ball and opposing team players. If the opposing team intercept, they attempt to throw the ball into the large goal, white team (team originally in possession) must attempt to win back quickly, if they do and lose the ball again, the practise restarts (3-5 minutes). 

Main session: Now the practise start with the ball on the goal line and the goalkeeper must kick, opposition can not tackle but can, press, intercept and jockey (5-10 minutes). After some successes by the team in possession (white team), allow tackling (full pressure, no sliding tackles) (10-15 minutes), rotate players so both sets of players get an opportunity to try different positions and scenarios in this practise. Adapt numbers to suit ability and number if players on the day. 

Note: In both instances, if the ball goes out for a throw/ corner etc. the practise restarts. If the opposition gain possession, the first team in possession have a chance to regain possession. If they lose again the practise restarts.

Individual focus: Goalkeeper

Primary Unit focus: Goallkeeper (1) - centre backs (5&6) and Defensive midfielder (4), 

Secondary units: 1 with 2 or 3, 1 with 8 or 10 (see next diagram)

Units within units: 5&6 with 2, 3 and 4, 

Primary focus: Play the ball out of the defensive third so midfield can build an attack.

Secondary focus: Can we get into the attacking third (via 2,3, 8 or 10).

Tertiarty: If possession is lost, can we win the ball quickly and counter attack (Transition element).

Opposition management: Press to win the ball and disrupt possession and attempt to score in transition. During breaks in play get group to discuss ways they can win the ball and create opportunities.

Coaching position: Primarily with the goalkeeper, then moving around the field to praise good moments of play, to talk to primary unit and unit within a unit.

Interventions: Allow players to have a go for ten minutes and guide learning by questioning pass selection (when, where and why?), how we can support the player on the ball (use of tactic board) and who are directly working with the goalkeeper (units)? During play regularly praise and re-iterate coaching points with goalkeeper and other parts of the units.

Progressions: 

- If point scored direct from a goal kick or during a possession that involves use of the goalkeeper, a bonus point will be awarded.

Coaching points:

- Decision making selection of pass type (short/ long), height, part of foot, which foot passing to (receiving player), which player (are they marked? are they outnumbered in their area of the pitch? Can they combine to overload their area of the pitch?)?

- Pass execution/ penetration e.g. technique of pass (particularly for longer more difficult passes) passed to back foot, thigh, chest etc. good height, pace of pass, curl if needed.

- First touch choice: back foot inside of foot cushion, outside of foot, laces, sole of foot roll (difficult on soft pitches), stop ball.

- Supporting players positioning and movement off the ball to support current and future player on the ball (difficult). 

- Supporting players move in front of, away or behind defender as necessary, half turn to receive.

- Width and dispersal: create width and disperse to create space in centra