Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): U12 Festival

4V4 Introduction Game (15 mins)

Set Up: 15X25 Grid

Organisation:

Play 4v4 with a dimond formation. This allows for maximum use of space and re-enforces the use of triangles and options for the player on the ball.

Focus on players spreading out and playing in a dimond formation to create lots of triangles. Encourage lots of creativity when attacking.

Focus:

Observe and watch:

1. How quickly is the defender closing the player on the ball?

2. Is the defender controlled in their approach?

3. Did they jockey and wait for support or good opportunity?

Pinnie Task Tage (15 mins)

Set Up

12 or more players

Pinnies to match the amount of players

Instructions

Players will tuck pinnies to the side of their hip knee height length.

Go! - players will attempt to strip other players of their pennie. When your pinnie has been taken, you have to go complete a task in one of the four corners. Players must complete all four tasks before repeating a task. Have break after a few minutes to give players a break.

Option - split the players into two or three teams and have them play within their teams. This promotes team play, strategies, and communication. After 2-3 minutes, mix the teams and allow for a water break.

4 Corner Circuit (15 mins)

Set Up

Set up the curcit as shown above, be creative and use what you have at your disposal.

Instructions

Players will move through the circuit at the same time. Split up all the players and have them start at different stations.

A) Players will run to a cone, side shuffle to the left, run up, shuffle to the right and so on. Encourage players to get through this as quick as they can while doing proper movements. no ball required at this station. Other vatiationd : two foot hops forward and side shuffles; backwads running and then side shuffles. Keep changinf the movement patterns after a few rounds to keep them engaged.

B) Players will dribble through the cones as shown in the diagram. Focus on keeping the ball close while using all parts of the foot. When this player gets to the end, theu pass the ball to station D and then continue to do station C.

C) Players will forward sprint to #2 then back paddle to #1, spring to #3 then back paddle to #2, and so on.

D) Scatter a lot of cones in a small area and have players weave through working on close control and ball mastery. Encourage them to move in all directiond and not a straight line through.

Coaching Points

Keep it fun and active