Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Dribbling (Start Time: 2023-07-27 17:00:00)

Technical 1

Technical - 5 minutes.

12 players - split into 2 sections of 6 players.

Dribbling around their assigned area, using all the space available to them. 1 player in each section will demonstrate the dribbling techniques (if comfortable). Coach will demonstrate otherwise. 

Coaches will call out which part of their foot to dribble with - inside, outside and soles.

For the last minute of this warm up, players can dribble around using which ever technique they choose. Challenge them to touch the ball as many times as they can in this time.

Throughout this, they are encouraged to practice using both feet.

Dribbling

Technical Practice - 10 mins.

Players are encouraged to pair up whilst having a drink before starting - promotes social and communication skills. Whilst they do this, the coach will take 12 cones from the shaded area in the centre and place as shown in the image.

Pitch line 2 (blue) is 5ft inside pitch line 1. In the shaded area in the centre of the pitch place 12 bibs & 20 cones.

6 sets of 2 players.

1) Start by dribbling through cones, then return to the starting point, then the next player moves. The first time each players goes through the cones, they dribble using the inside of their foot. On their 2nd turn, they use the outside of their foot, then on the 3rd turn they use the sole of their foot.  

2) This then progresses to a competitive scenario. Inside the shaded area are the bibs and cones. Bibs are worth 10 points, cones worth 2 points. Continuing to utilise the 3 dribbling techniques, the first game is using the inside of their feet - the player will dribble through the cones to the shaded area, pick up a bib or cone, then return to the starting point for the partner to move. This continues until all items in the shaded area are collected. You then add up the scores of each pair and declare a winner of this round. This is then repeated using the outside of the foot in the 2nd round, and then again using the sole of the foot in the 3rd round. 

This technical session focuses on using all parts of the feet for dribbling. Part 1 is relaxed, allowing the players time to practice their touches. Part 2 of this practice becomes competitive, adding a speed challenge, meaning they must focus on their technique and keep the ball under control.

SSG

Small Sided Game - 20 mins.

6 v 6.  

Encourage the players to dribble the ball confidently with their heads up and beat players in 1 v 1 scenarios. Also looking to encourage wave attacks, creating 2v1, 3v2 scenarios.  

1 minute drink break half way. This to be used to discuss as a group what's working well, and what can be improved.