Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Game Day Routine

Technical Warm Up

Short-Short-Long(5min.):

- after dynamic, groups of 3

- short pass + pass back + long pass to far teammate

- then a fast run, following your pass to receive short

- if we have a lot of space, make the far players go 30yds away - long

- if not much space, just make it as long as possible

Possession:

- 25x25yd square

- 4 defenders + Emily put on a pinnie

- rest of starters (besides keeper) on one team, split subs up onto each team (if odd number, give jerseys the extra player)

- 1 ball each team, pass & move with teammates (2min.)

- then 1 ball only, teams try to keep possession (2min. at a time, give 30sec breaks - if it's hot, small sip of water every single break!)

***The entire possession portion should only take 10min., so try to time that to end a minute before start time if possible. Give players time to do "whatever they need" if extra time to kill (before or after possession)

Keeper Warm Up:

- I would get Pacen (or a sub) to do this

- Ask Emily what her usual keeper warm up is (she has to have one - has her own keeper trainer!!!)

- This is done during possession, keeper does Short-Short-Long as well

General Game Plan

Play Out of the Back:

- Pass our way up the field until we enter the attacking 3rd (then try to get behind their back line)

- Important to get the middle triangle players to get on the ball and make things happen - that could be a private reminder for them to get on the ball and work together as much as possible

- IF it's on to do so, then pass our way out of our end 10/10 times.

If We Need to Play Direct:

- if playing out of the back is not the smartest decision (other team is pressing high or anticipating), then of course play it long and we will gain possession and build from there.

- Important for our ST to want the ball into their feet, and "hold it up" to give teammates a couple of seconds to get up and support.

If Opponent Has a High Back Line:

- Encourage players to "find where the space is to attack"

- What they should be doing in that case is playing a pass (on the ground or in the air) behind their defenders for teammates (Corbynn, in particular) to run on to it.

- I'm hopeful they can solve this puzzle themselves, so that's more for you to look for and see if they're doing well at problem-solving / decision making :)

When We Lose Possession:

- Closest player (or two) try to win the ball back instantly

- Everyone else sets up as 2 compact lines of 4

- Keep our shape and win the ball back when it is on to do so