Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Switching the field

Warm Up (5 mins)

Organization:

- 40x60 yards

- 3 teams

Instructions:

- Each team moves forward towards 18-yard line by combining together to switch the point of attack.

- A minimum of 6 switches of play is required before the 18-yard end line.

- Once each team is finished, they then combine moving back towards the halfway line.

Coaching Points:

- Selection of appropriate passing technique (inside, driven, curled)

- Weight, angle, timing, trajectory and shape of pass

- Direction and distance of first touch

- Movement off the ball to create space (for self and teammates) and open passing lanes

- Speed, angle and timing of supporting movement

- Read triggers and body lanaguage of teammates

- Speed of play

Progressions:

- Limit number of touches

- Introduce time limit

- Increase number of completed passing combinations before end line

Technical - Semi-Opposed (15 mins)

Organization:

- 40x40 yards

- 3 teams

Instructions:

- To score a point, the teams in the end zone must switch the point of attack in attempt to open up a passing lane to successfully play a penetrating pass through the middle zone to the team inside the opposite end zone.

- The ball must be played through the middle zone lower than knee height.

- When the defending team in the middle zone wins the ball, they then switch positions with the team that lost possession.

Coaching Points:

- Selection of appropriate passing technique (inside, driven, curled)

- Weight, angle, timing, trajectory and shape of pass

- Direction and distance of first touch

- Movement off the ball to create space (for self and teammates) and open passing lanes

- Speed, angle and timing of supporting movement

- Read triggers and body lanaguage of teammates

- Speed of play

- Decision-making

Progressions:

- Limit number of touches

- Reduce size of playing area

Conditioned Game (15 mins)

Organization:

- 40x60 yards

- 2 teams

Instructions:

- To score, a team must switch the point of attack in attempt to open up a passing lane to successfully score into one of the three opposing goals.

Coaching Points:

- Selection of appropriate passing technique (inside, driven, curled)

- Weight, angle, timing, trajectory and shape of pass

- Direction and distance of first touch

- Movement off the ball to create space (for self and teammates) and open passing lanes

- Speed, angle and timing of supporting movement

- Read triggers and body lanaguage of teammates

- Speed of play

- Decision-making

Progressions:

- Limit number of touches

- Free play