Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Playing through the midfield

Circle Progression (15 mins)

Set Up: Players create a circle 20yds in diameter. Half of the group outside without the balls; half on the inside with balls

Description: Players on the inside dribble at game intensity until prepared to play to a player on the outside of the grid. Player receiving on the outside then plays a 1-2 with player that they received the ball from and the 2 switch places

Progression #1: Player to the left of the receiving player on the outside overlaps and receives ball in center area

Coaching Points:

1) Game intensity when in the center

2) Body mechanics- hips open to area playing into; weight forward etc

3) Receive the ball back at speed and into open space

4v3 in midfield to goal (20 mins)

Set Up: On half a field an area is the width of the field and 20 yards deep is set up. 4v3 inside the area with a 4th defender set up in the final third GK

Description: Red team attempts to break out of the zone by combining. Once in the attacking third a second attacker can join to play against last defender and GK. Blue team attempts to win ball and score in counter goals

Coaching Points:

1) Opposite movement to receive ball

2) Receive with hips open to the field

3) Commit/Engage defender before combining