Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Dribbling Session (U8) (Start Time: 2023-11-28 17:45:00)

Screen 2 (20 mins)

Equipment: 4 small goals, 4 small cones, 4 large cones, balls

Explanation: Split the group into half (depending on their level). 

Game 1: Handball game 4v4, w/ two attackers and two defenders in two different zones. Player pass the ball in the air with their hands. Players cannot move when the ball is in their hands. Attackers must play in their attacking zone (half) and defenders in their defending zone (half).  Explain the the role of different positions. Defenders must build the play before finding the right opportunity to pass the ball into attacking zone. Swap roles. Potential progression with ball on the ground. 

Game 2: Bulldog w/ ball and shot. One defender (bulldog) starts in the middle of the coned area (20x20m). Two groups (teams) of 3 or 4 players on one side of the area facing the goal. The first group dribbles past the defender and takes a shot on goal if they reach the penalty area. The bulldog must recover as the next group repeats the exercise while the 1st group collects the ball and goes back to the starting point. If the player is tackled they become a bulldog (or one goalkeeper allowed). Players must dribble the ball past the bulldog. The team that keeps all their players the longest wins the round!

Objectives: Game 1 - Positioning, teamwork, using space. Game 2: Dribbling, shooting, teamwork and enjoyment. 

Coaching Points: Game 1 - Positional understanding, teamwork, finding space to receive a pass. Game 2 - Developing 1st touch and ball control by dribbling, working in a team for an collective objective, dribbling then shooting at speed.