Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): U16 Technical Session: Passing Patterns (1) (Start Time: 2016-10-24 13:00:00)

Introduction

Key Points & Objectives

Passing Patterns are designed patterns which players execute in a set order. The secret is in the detail:

firmness of pass

proper timing and movement of the receiving player

proper body position of the player reciving the ball

proper technique of the passer and receiver

eye contact with receiver before passing the ball

using correct passing and receiving surface - receive on inside/pass on inside

establishing a rythym of play with teammates

executing the drill at a challenging level

remaining focused

Saving a split second is the difference between losing possession or not. If a player isnt positioned properly to receive the ball, it might take an extra half a second to move the ball out of his feet.

Receiving players should come off their cone when the passing player receives the ball and their head is coming up (eye contact before passing the ball is required).

Movement at the right time is the key to creating separation - move too early and you will have ot wait for the ball giving the defender the chance to react.

Firm passing to the correct fott is needed to make the pattern realistic.

If done correctly, players can easily translate the passing movementsw, visual cues, timing and rythym directly onto the pitch if the patterns are done in a realistic way.

Allow groups to race against each other - make every touch count as well as the speed of play. Or, count the number of inaccurate passes within a 3 min block and then repeat to improve.

Practice needs to be deliberate and focussed in order for players to consistently improve.

Beginning Rhythym Pattern (10 mins)

Organisation

Set up cones as above.

8 players - 2 on top and bottom cones - 1 each on remaining cones.

Use one ball to begin until pattern is established, then introduce 2 balls.

Instructions

Players pass in sequence as illustrated, and follow their pass.

Players play one-touch for shorter combination passes in the middle and 2 touch on longer passes.

Coaching Points

Eye contact with receiving player before passing

Receiving Player come off the cone with proper timing. Coordinated movemewnt is essential to make the pattern realistic.

Firm passing to push player's ability and make passing game realistic.

Overcoming Oppositions Pressure Possession Game (15 mins)

Organisation

Create a grid 25 x 25 yards.

Split players into two teams - 7 red v 3 yellow.

5 red players position themselves on the edge of the square. 3 v 2 in the square itself.

Instructions

Red players seek to retain possession with the help of the two inside players while the yellow players seek to win the ball.

Movement of 2 red players inside the square is key. Go to show; show to go; split; switch.

Red outside players can move from up and down their side and from any side to any other side - subject to the condition taht there can only ever be two players on any one side.

If a red player loses possession, he swaps with a yellow defender.

Coaching Points

Correct body shape

Receive ball on front foot

Control and pass with inside foot

Players should be constantly moving, trying to find the available passing lanes.

Players need to take advantageof the free space created by the numerical advantage.

Progressions

1. Increase number of balls to 2 or 3.

2. Inside players must use 2 touches, so that they have to be aware of the available space in order to make their first touch towards this space; outside players are limited to 1 touch.