Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Academy Session: December 23

Exercise 1

Organisation/Objective

Age: U11-U17

Dimensions: 38x44

Work: 6min | Rest: 2min | Sets: 4 | Total: 32min

8v8. Teams earn a point by passing into either mini goal. Attacking shape is a 3-2-3. Defending shape is a 3-4-1. All restarts come from the GK.

Coaching Points

Technical

1. Body shape to see maximum amount of the field. 

2. 1st touch to use space available. 

3. Weight and placement of pass to gain teammate time and space.

Tactical

1. Are you using all the space available? (Individual and team) 

2. How can you create space for yourself from the defender? 

3. Where is the most space and time? 

4. How can you use the space that you have created?

Progression

PRG 1 - If you receive the ball in the widest channel and can pass forward or dribble into next zone in 2 touches it is a point. 

PRG 2 - If the ball touches all five channels and then a team scores, it is worth 3.

Exercise 3

Organisation/Objective

Age: U11-U17

Dimensions: 70x50

Work: 3.5min | Rest: 2.5min | Sets: 4 | Total: 24min

7v7+2. Balls will start with the GK. Defending team must defend with at least 4 players above in zone 1 (finishing zone), until ball breaks line. Ball must be played on the Ground. Attacking team scores by scoring on big goal. Once the ball crosses MF team has 6 sec to score, can go back 1 time per possession.

Coaching Points

Technical

1. Open body shape to see as much of the field as possible - check shoulder 

2. Give direction & advice to the players in front of you.

3. Intervene - block /delay/tackle/repossess

Tactical

1. If a line is broken how can you slow the attack down to regain numbers?  

2. If a player from a deeper line steps to slow progression where is your recovery and Why?  

3. Do you have to step to ball carrier in order to slow progression?  

4. What is the risk v reward?

Progression

PRG 1 - 1 point for a pass into 9 who connects with one player to break line 

PRG 2 - If ball goes out on sideline restart is with opposite joker on the dribble 

PRG 3 - Defending team win ball in Zone 1 = 1point 

PRG 4 - 1 point for 6 passes after reset

Exercise 5

Organisation/Objective

Age: U12-U17

Dimensions: Full field (Adjust if necessary) 

Work: 4min | Rest: 2min | Sets: 4 | Total: 24min

8v8,9v9or 10v10 within a 30 yard central zone.Players must combine 5 passes and then can enter the attacking zone with a penetrating pass. The defending team must win the ball back and connect 5 passes and try to enter their own attacking zone. To start we will add an extra 10 yards onto each playing endzone, where the defending team can only send one player into the zone to begin defending actions.

Coaching Points

Technical

1. Speed of play. 

2. Quality of the pass.

3. Body positioning and body shape. 

4.Weight of the pass and most efficient pass to the correct foot.

5.First touch & direction.

Tactical

1. Making play predictabe. 

2. Stopping forward play & closing the space. 

3. Making sure there is support, cover and balance. 

4. When to tackle, when to delay, communication and information to steer the offensive team to where the defenders are numbers up.

Progression

PRG 1 - Adding restrictions on touch limit, 1 touch , 2 touch, unlimited, 

PRG 2 - Touch then next touch has to be two. 

PRG 3 - Adding an additional defender.