Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Conditioned Games - Shooting

Conditioned Game

Organization:

As above

Instructions:

White team attacks 3v2. Once ball crosses endline, the player who kicks it must touch the goal before they can enter the game again. When the ball crosses the endline (goal, goalkick, corner) the defending team is off and the next pair of attackers bring a new ball into play, attacking 2v3 (including the recovering defender). If the ball goes out over the sideline both teams are off and the new ball is brought on by team who should have possession.

Coaching Points:

- Speed of thought in transition

- Speed of reaction

- Communication between defenders

- Ability to find defensive shape quickly (pressure, cover, balance)

- Speed of transition between roles of first defender and second defender

- Recognizing when to press and when to delay (numbers down)

Progressions:

Play to 3 sets of 4 minutes, switching the team of '2s' each time.

Small Sided Game (20 mins)

Organization:

4v4 game (3v3 depending on numbers). First goal wins game. If game is tied after 2 minutes, both teams go off.

Coaching Points:

- Awareness of what we are defending (the goal)

- Ability to organize quickly as a defensive unit

- Communication between players

- Ability to keep play compact when out of possession

- Good 1v1 defending technique