Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): RSA Ball Striking Clinic- Week 1 (Driven)

Intro Activity (30 mins)

Organization/Instruction

Technical - striking the ball . Ball has to be moving and struck behind your own 2 cones.1 point for driving the ball under knee height between 2 cones on other side where other player waits to receive. 1 min to 2 min intervals. Play on 1 foot for a while, then switch to opposite foot.

Coaching Points/Questions:

- Ball must rolling when striking; don't allow players to get away with "placing" the ball, encourage touche out of their foot etc

- give specific feedback to players that reflects on the technical breakdown

- as little spin on the ball as possible

Technical - striking (20 mins)

Technical - striking competition. Put puggs in front of goals and have to strike pad to get a point, 2 points for getting over the puggs and into goal. Work service from both sides, using both feet to strike ball. Start with 2 touch, then progress to first timed strike at oals. Watch for players who will look to "place" the ball, using the side of their foot instead of driving the ball with their "2nd Knuckle"

Coaching Points/Questions :

- ball out of feet on angle (how does the pass into the player and subsequent touch affect how you will strike the ball?)

- balanced approach, eyes on ball, head steady

- toe down, locked ankle, arm out for balance

- follow through at target, low & landing on strike foot

-how does the pass into the player and subsequent touch affect how you will strike the ball?

PROGRESSION

-Increase the distance between the server and striker; asking the server to hit a driven ball into the feet of the striker.