Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Passing, receiving, and transitions

Passing receiving (half turn) combo (10 mins)

Set up & organization

Set four cones around 20yrds apart opposite each other. Then set up a 5x5 grid in the middle of the four cones.

Instructions

Two small lines of players on each of the four cones. No more than three players per cone. Two players from each team go into the middle section. Players must pass to the middle player who receives on the half turn and passes to the opposite side. Player that passed sprints to the other side. Switch out the player in the middle often.

Coaching points

Good firm pass to feet

Player in the middle must look to receive on the half turn

The sequence starts slow, but look to build a good tempo

Lots of repetition

Progressions

Make it a race. First team to make 30 passes.

4v3+1 (30 mins)

Set up & organization

On an appropriate sized field, set up two goals with GK's. Have a clearly marked half way line.

Instructions

Two teams play 4v3 in one half. The team with 3 has a player on his own in the opposite half. If the shorthanded team win the ball they must look to play forward as quickly as possible to the spare player, and join him to gain numbers up. The other team must retreat also but one player remains in the half, and the sequence continues.

Coaching points

Good firm passes to feet

Good movement off the ball

When the ball is won can they attack with pace?

When the ball is lost can they win it back quickly, or transition and get compact?

Players must be on the move at all times looking for space, and chances to keep the ball in circulation.

Progressions

Play with the numbers in each half.