Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Conditioning - SAQ Technical/Tactical Exercises - Group

Part I: SAQ Rondo (15 mins)

Organization

- x4 12 x 12 areas set up as shown

- Speed Ladders & Poles set up as shown

- 14 Players (2 x 5v2 Rondo)

- 1 ball per group (additional on outside)

Activity

- Players are split into two groups & play 5v2 rondo keep away

- In the adjacent area to each group is an SAQ circuit

- Attacking players aim to keep the ball away from 2 Defenders who aim to win possession back

- Rondo Rules: 1) Two touch max, 2) 10 passes = 5 push ups for Defenders, 3) Splitting Defenders with pass = 2 passes, 4) player who gives away possession becomes defender along with team mate on left or right

- At any moment during games Coach blows whistle. All players must react quickly & move through the SAQ Circuit: A, B and C. The Defenders become servers

- A) Fast feet through ladder, B) Volley back to server, C) Slalom skips through Poles

Coaching Points

- Possession: Work hard as a group to keep the ball aay from Defenders

- Support: Always alert & prepared to help your team mate. Angle/Distance of support

- Receiving: 1st touch to set up or disguise next action. Can you play 1st time?

- Transition: Quick reaction when moving to SAQ circuit. Move with purpose!

- SAQ: Focus on quality footwork, body balance & touches

Part III: SAQ 2v2 (25 mins)

Organization

- 25 x 40 area set up as shown (split into two)

- Speed Ladders, Hurdles & Poles set up as shown

- 12 Players (10 Attackers/Defenders & 2 Goal Keepers)

- 2 Full Size Goals set up as shown

- 1 Ball (additional by side of goals)

Activity

- Players are split into two teams & again into two smaller groups either side of playing area

- On coaches command one players from each group (4 total - 2 Yellow / 2 Red) move quickly through SAQ Circuit before entering the playing area

- Each team has a turn to Attack, then Defend in a 2v2. After moving through SAQ circuit Attacker must receive ball from Goal Keeper (in Defending Half) to begin play

- Attacking team aim to score in opposite end, while Defenders aim to win the ball back

- As soon as a goal is scored or ball is lost outside of the area the next 4 players begin, always on coaches command!

- Players return to their side but swap group so go through new SAQ Circuit

- The team that scores starts with the ball & attacks again!

Coaching Points

SAQ: Focus on quality footwork, body balance & touches. Move at speed!

Receiving: Body shape & position to receive from Goalkeeper. Look to play/move forward

Awareness: Be aware of space & surroundings. Position of team mate? Are the opposition pressing or dropping off?

Attacking: Look to attack at speed. Drive at goal & force Defenders on the back foot

Finishing: End Product! Don't hesitate in front of goal. Can you shoot early? Use team mate combine or as a disguise?

Progression

P - Attackers can receive in attacking half from Goalkeeper

P - Can only score in Attacking half

P - Time Limit in possession | touch limit in possession