Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Jr ADP U8 Protecting The Ball

Circle Tag Warm-up (10 mins)

Organization:

-see diagram for equipment and set-up

-approx. 5x5 yard area needed

-working in groups of 4-5, all players except one (the tagger) form a cirle holding hands, then pick choose one player to be the target. The task is for the tagger to try and touch the target on the back, whilst the players work as a group, shuffling both directions, to protect the target. Switch roles if someone is tagged or every minute.

Key Points:

-how can communication help us to protect the Target?

-what movements do we need to do with our body?

-how can we use our body to make it more difficult for the tagger?

1v1 Starting Back to Goal (20 mins)

Organization:

-see diagram for equipment and set-up

-area approx. 15x20 yards

-players set-up staggered just outside box

-on attackers first movement towards ball, coach passes into attacker, and defender is now active and play 1v1 to goal

-attacker scores in full goal, defender can win ball and score in mini-goals in corners

Key Points:

-why is it important to know where the defender is?

-how can you use your body to protect the ball?