Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Ball Mastery 2

Warm up (15 mins)

Organization:

20x20 yd grid. Every player needs a soccer ball. "C" = Coach

Instructions:

Players will go through a series of toe tap (inside foot, foundation touches) ball mastery skills. The players will stand in a formation.

1. Toe taps - 30 sec (stationary)

2. Toe taps race - 30 sec - Players count get inside touch. Who got the most taps?

3. Toe taps - forward

4. Toe taps - backward

5. Toe taps, step over (90 degrees) - Step over as to strict the ball, pull ball over with the step over foot and turn 90 degrees - Are players staying in formation?

6. Toe taps, slide - every 3rd tap with the inside of their foot, slide it back across to the standing foot. (Slide = grab the ball with the sole and slide foot down the outside of the ball)

7. Toe taps, slide behind - every 3rd tap, slide ball behind the standing leg and take with the sole of the other foot and turn 90 degrees

8. Toe taps, U-turn - on the coaches command, the players will perform toe taps and push the ball with the inside of their foot out infront of them (3 yds), pull a U-turn. *Push with the inside, turn using sole, pivoting on standing leg* "Push-Pull-Pivot"

Coaching Points:

Keep ball under body

Athletic position

Be aware of players around you.

Control your movements with the ball so you stay in formation

1v1 (20 mins)

Organization:

30x40 yd grid. Soccer balls with attackers.

Instructions:

1v1.

Defenders start on their cone (D). Attackers start on their cone (A). Defenders can step into the grid once the attacker takes a touch. *Gates set up ahead of defenders.

Attackers score by dribbling through the gates.

Defenders score by dribbling and stopping the ball on the endline.

Coaching Points:

Head up to evaluate space.

Attack space at speed (bigger touches into space)

As defender gets closer, touches need to be closer.

Unbalance defender with a hesitation or a move.

Progressions:

Defender passes in the soccer ball.