Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Target Man training

Protecting Ball Under Pressure (10 mins)

PROTECT THE BALL UNDER PRESSURE

In groups of 3.

A passes ball in to B. B protects balls under pressure from behind by C.

Key Points; Side on so that Defender has to come through both attackers legs to get to ball. Be stable when receiving the ball as it is easily to get attacker off balance when on the move. Have arms out to hold off defender and to provide balance. Put most of your weight on back foot to increase strength and make it more difficult for defender. Good solid first touch and lay off/pass with second touch.

Switch roles after several reps

Midfield Runner Using Target Man (15 mins)

PATTERN OF PLAY

3 attackers pass between them in end zone. Striker in end zone checks to the ball, receives, holds and lays off to best placed attacker who plays a through ball into opposite end. Repeat going the other way. Key here is to provide depth, with striker not getting too close to outside players, allowing more space to play in.

PROGRESSIONS

1. Midfield runner carries ball into opposite end zone and lay off from striker.

2. Add 2nd striker and 2nd Defender. Work on playing as a pair, communicating so both strikers do not make same runs and can provide depth.

If Defender starts to read a lay off, striker can be clever and choose to turn on the ball