Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Set Piece: Corners

Defending Corners (15 mins)

Defending Crosses (10 min)

Organization: Defenisve 1/3 with Lg Goal. 16 balls. #4, #5, #6 set up zonally inside of 6 yd line. GK communicates "Keeper" for balls the GK will catch or "Away" for defenders to clear balls out. #7 & #11 play balls into the 6, rotating each side.

Coaching Points: Win the ball at the highest point, communicate, attack balls, play balls away from danger, pressure attacking players no matter if you can get to the ball or not. Vaiation: add #2 & #3 on the posts & add attacking players

Defensive Heading ESSG (20 mins)

Defending Game - Heading Practice (20 min)

Organization: Mark out a pitch about 35 x 20 yards (The size can be adjusted to suit the age and

ability of the players). Two goals, with goalkeepers. Play a 2-1-1. Players to rotate every 2 goals or 3 min. There are six servers with footballs, located around the perimeter of the pitch and numbered. The servers can move up and down their areas to provide different angles and heights of crosses and balls into the defensive area. Encourage free play and the team in possession can pass the ball to any of the servers and the defensive team must then adjust and organise for the thrown cross. If the ball goes out of play, the coach can also call the number of a server for the ball to be thrown into. The defensive team then transition, get compact and attack crosses.

Coaching Points:

1. Communication between defenders and GK ("Keeper" or "Away")

2. Defenders work as a unit, one attacking the ball, the others providing cover

3. Start position in relation to where the ball is served from

4. Get in the line and attack the ball down the line of the cross

5. Timing of run and jump

6. Select relevant defensive heading technique

7. Protect the goalkeeper if they come for the cross

8. After defensive header, organize & look for counter attack

9. Squeeze up the pitch if possible after the ball has been headed clear