Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Outside Course - Week 11 - Round Robin Numbers Game

Round Robin Numbers Game

Bring all players into explain that they will be playing the numbers game. Make sure that they & parents are aware that this is the best game to bring everything they have learnt in the last few weeks to practice & although its a popular game which more than likely they have played before it is very beneficial.

Session set up - 

Have 2 goalkeepers in each goal

Potentially 4 teams of 7

Number each player 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 have them matched up with other teams players. For example, All number 1's should be comfortable playing 1v1's with each other. Follow that pattern for all numbers throughout teams.

Coach stands in the middle with the ball

*Depending on numbers & space 2 of these pitches can be setup to lower waiting times for all players. Also gives opportunity top rotate team round so they get to go up against more players.

Session rules 

1st version - Call the number out, all 4 players from each team come into the middle & play against each other. All 4 teams can score in either goal

Coaching Points need to be recapped although some need more attention than other -

Working on awareness, decision making (which goal to aim for) where to aim their strikes, what kind of technique for the strike.

2nd Version - Get teams situated on each side of the whole to team up (using the diagram above, red & yellow will be one team, black & blue will be another team) This makes it into a 2v2 where they can pass to each other.

Coaching Points to be added now they are in teams

Communicate, find space, pass ball into space, create space for teammate, try to draw defenders into 1v1 situation.

3rd Version - Throw 2 balls in at once and have two 1v1's going at the same time e.g Red team plays the blue team, black team plays the green team. Keep rotating teams around.

Coaching Points to be added

Spatial awareness to know where the other 1v1 is going on

,Exploit space when possible.

Decision making, when to shoot, when to attack & when to defend in what area's

All these versions can be changed to make it harder & easier. You can throw multiple balls in at any point to have more players playing at once.

Rotate goalkeepers too.

Keep score

Be vocal

Encourage skills 

Add extra points if necessary

Coach to make sure players waiting are always cheering their teammates on.

Players ready to go into games now and reminded that its similar but they will have more defenders in the way so concentration is essential.