Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Skill and Technique (Start Time: 28-Oct-2024 11:45h)

Description

Session Objective

To improve players' dribbling technique, close control,agility, and confidence in 1v1 situations.

Session Plan Outline

Warm-Up (10-15 minutes)

• Ball Mastery Drills (5 minutes):
• Toe Taps: Quick touches with the sole of the foot to warm up the calves and ankles.
• Inside-Outside Touches: Alternating touches with the inside and outside of each foot to build rhythm and ball control.
• Pull Pushes: Use the sole of the foot to pull the ball back and push it forward, encouraging control and close touches.

Technical Dribbling Drills (20-25 minutes)

• Cone Weaving (10 minutes):
• Setup: Place cones in a straight line, 1-2 meters apart.
• Instructions: Players dribble in and out of the cones using both feet and varying the part of the foot (inside, outside, and laces).
• Coaching Points: Focus on close control, balance, and keeping the head up to increase awareness.
• Gates Dribbling (10-15 minutes):
• Setup: Scatter several cone gates (two cones placed 1 meter apart) around the field.
• Instructions: Players must dribble through as many gates as possible within a set time (e.g., 60 seconds).
• Variation: Introduce different movements (e.g., outside cuts, inside cuts) and encourage players to use both feet.
• Coaching Points: Quick decision-making, changing direction, and controlling the ball at various speeds.

1v1 Dribbling Skills (15-20 minutes)

• 1v1 Duel Drills (15 minutes):
• Setup: Divide players into pairs and set up a small grid (5x10 meters).
• Instructions: One player is the attacker, and the other is the defender. The attacker tries to dribble past the defender and reach the end line.
• Progression: Use different starting points to encourage creativity and different skill moves.
• Coaching Points: Use feints, change of speed, and timing to beat the defender. Encourage players to be creative and experiment with skill moves.
• 3v3 or 4v4 Small-Sided Game ( 10-15 minutes):
• Setup: Set up a small-sided pitch, ideally around 20x30 meters.
• Instructions: Divide players into teams and play a short, intense game where players can showcase dribbling and quick decision-making in tighter spaces.
• Coaching Points: Emphasise using dribbling to create space and promote quick decision-making under pressure.

Game Situation (10-15 minutes)

• Dribbling-Only Game:
• Setup: Set up half pitch with goals.
• Instructions: Players must dribble on an opponent before they can pass or shoot. Reward goals scored after successful dribbles.
• Coaching Points: Reinforce confidence in dribbling, body positioning to protect the ball, and awareness of space.