Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Attacking, Shooting

Technical, Shooting (15 mins)

Organisation:

 Player 1 starts on a cone 20 meters away from goal, Player 2 is stood 10 meters to his side, Player 3 is stood on a cone near the corner. The layout of 4 cones should be symmetrical so positions can be easily altered without needing to move any equipment.

 Player 1 plays a 1-2 with Player 2, then Player 1 takes a touch and shoots at goal.

Player 1 then makes a run closer to goal, Player 2 also runs forward, Player 3 crosses the ball in and any Player must shoot first time.

 There is a defender, the defender is passive for the first phase of the drill but becomes active for the second part.

 Player 1 becomes player 2, 2 becomes 3, 3 becomes the defender.

 Aim:

 Aim is for player 1 to shoot on target with their first shot and produce some form of movement for either themselves or player 2 to score from the cross as the defender can only mark one player.

 Coaching points:

 Mechanics: Body position, angle of approach, non-kicking foot in a comfortable position, Head over the ball, select surface of the foot, follow through, aiming low across goal.

 Communication, Movement in front of goal to create a clear passing lane for the wide player to cross it in to a forward.

 Progressions/ Regressions:

 Progressions: Try to get the striker to shoot the ball around the defender for the first phase. Challenge them to do a skill finish for the first time shot. Challenge them to use both feet. Challenge then to do different types of shots e.g Side foot or laces.

 Regressions: Remove the defender, remove the goal keeper, allow them more touches to control the ball before shooting.

Shooting game (20 mins)

Organisation:

 Pitch divided into thirds, both teams play a 1-2-1 formation with a goalkeeper. Players must stay in their zones. The added condition is that if a midfielder plays the ball into a forward both midfielders can enter the attacking third. Once possession is lost they must return to their position. For odd numbers have a neutral player who is free to move between all zones and plays for the team in possession. For 12 you could use a 'Joker' on each team, this player is able to move freely between the zones, for 12 the pitch should be 36x30M.

Aim:

Aim is to score more goals than the oppostion.

Should be lots of opportunites to shoot as overloads can be created very regualrly in the attacking third.

Coaching points:

Mechanics:Body position, angle of approach, non-kicking foot in a comfortable position, Head over the ball, select surface of the foot, follow through, aiming low across goal.

 Communication, Encourage midfielders to pass forward to the forwards and support them in attack, Movement from the forward to receive a pass to get support.

Progressions/ Regressions:

Progressions: If the midfielders move into the attacking third, the defender can move into midfield. Add to the condition that if any player passes the ball into a third of the pitch they can move into that third if they want. Could say that when the midfielders move into the attacking third that the opposition an opposition midfielder can make a recovery run. Give each time 1 minute to discuss tactics and other ways to improve.

 Regressions: Remove the goalkeepers, have both teams play 2-2-1 and encourage lots of shots. Instead of thirds, split the pitch into half, have both teams play 2-3, this would create lots of opportunities to shoot with overloads.