Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Ball control

Station 1 (10 mins)

Set-Up

4 cones in the middle of the area

Each player has a ball

Separate players into 2 teams (can make 4 teams if needed)

Organisation 

On Coaches command, players dribble out to the cones, perform turn and return to their starting point.

When they reach starting point the next person in line goes.

Perform pull back, inside turn and outside turn.

Coaching Points:

Close Control

Head Up (check over shoulder to assess space and pressure)

Accelerate after the turn

Lower your body to give a better platform to accelerate

Distance of touch (helps next skill)

Protecting the ball while dribbling (Body Shape)

Progressions:

Make into a race

Challenge more advanced players to perform Cryuff turn/L turn.

Station 3 (10 mins)

Set-Up

20 x 20 Grid

Place two goals facing away from each other.

Leave enough space in between the goals for players to challenge each other for the ball

Seperate players into 2 teams

Organisation 

Coach sends a ball to the middle and players go after the ball to play a 1v1

If the ball goes outside grid ball is dead, players return to their line

Coaching Points:

Recognize space to turn into

Turn away using correct foot

Use body to protect the ball

Encourage players to keep ball close to feet (tight small turns and touches)