Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Turning

Technical Turning (15 mins)

Organization:

-8-12 players

-see diagram for set-up and equipment

-area of approx. 20x20m split into 2 corridors

Players pass to attacker in the corridor, who performs a turn to score in the small goal. Passer then becomes attacker and attacker joins line.

Progressions/Variations:

1. Defender is introduced who can attempt to tackle the attacker. Defender starts at the goal and can move on attackers first touch. Player who attacks becomes the next defender, defender joins the back of the line.

2. Defender starts at the cones halfway and can move on attackers first touch.

Coaching Points:

-Body shape to turn (bend knees, get low, push off in opposite direction)

-Awareness of ball, space, team mates and defender

-Movements to receive and turn

-Quality and type of pass

-Quality 1st touch

-Execution of turns

-Accelerate away once turn has been performed

-Protect and shield the ball from defender

-Face up the defender

-Be clinical to finish at goal

SSG (15 mins)

Organization:

-see diagram for equipment and set-up

-area approx. 15x20 (adapt size depending on numbers)

Set-up:

-4v4/5v5 small-sided game with field divideed into 4 areads with diagonal lines. Aim is for players to stay within their zones and move the ball into their team mates in other areas (lots of 1v1 duels).

Progressions:

1. Can follow pass into other area (making 2v1)

2. No zones - open 5v5

Coaching Points:

-know where your marker is

-get goal-side of the ball when your team loses it

-use shielding skills to protect the ball

-use turning skills to get away from defender