Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Attacking principles

Warm Up I (10 mins)

Organization:

1. 20 x 30 area set up as shown

2. 20 x 5 end zones

3. 10 players (5 attackers & 5 defenders)

4. 1 ball (additional on outside)

Instructions:

1. Attacking players throw the ball to one another and try to work the ball into the endzone for a point.

2. If Defenders steal the ball they attack the opposite end zone.

3. Attackers must make a run into the end zone & catch ball to score - defenders not allowed into end zone

4. Players cannot run with the ball once they have caught it.

Coaching Points:

1. Movement without the ball. Away from team mate into space

2. Check space & surroundings as you move. Can you receive the ball?

3. Connection and communication with teammates

4. Speed of play

5. Stretch opposition. Circulate the ball

Progressions:

P - Defenders can now track attacker into end zone

P - Same game but ball is not allowed above head height.

Main Theme I (20 mins)

Organization:

1. 30 x 30 area set up as shown

2. 10 Players - each given a number (5 v 5)

3. 2 Mini Goals in middle as shown

4. 1 Ball (additional with coach)

Instructions:

1. Players are given a number & spread around the outside of the area (alternate color)

2. Coach acts as a server & call out number(s) - as number is called pass is played into area at random

3. Attackers with that number race into area to win ball & aim to score in either mini goal

4. Remaining players follow game & help to keep ball in play

5. If goal is scored or ball goes out of play attackers must return to spot

Coaching Points:

1. Reaction & Anticipation. Gett the ball qucky & secure possession

2. Awareness of Space & Surronding. Which goalis best to attack?

3. Connection & communication between teammates

4. Speed of play

5. Combinations & skill moves to deceive defender(s)

Progressions:

P - Attacker(s) must make a wall pass with team mate on the outside before scoring

P - Coach calls more then one number e.g. "2&3 (2v2)

P - Team mate on outside used for wall pass can enter to support attacker & create overload (2v1/3v2 etc)

Conditioned Game (25 mins)

Organization:

1. 30 x 40 playing area set up as shown

2. 3 x playing zones (A, B & C) marked as shown

3. 11 players (5 attackers & 5 defenders)

4. 2 mini goals in zone C

Instructions:

1. Game starts in Zone A with teams playing 3v3+1 keep ball. Attackers can use neutral player.

2. After 4 passes Attackers aim to play pass into target player in either Zone B or C

3. Pass must be supported to create 2v1 breakaway

4. ZONE B: Target player who receives can link up with team mate & aim to score past keeper

5. ZONE C: Target player who receives can link up with team mate & aim to score in eith mini goal

6. Target player who doesnt receive becomes a defender & aims to win ball back & dribble/play back to team mate in Zone A.

7. After set time rotate target players

Coaching Points:

1. Connection & communication between team mates

2. Make the field as big as possible - stretch the defenders - circulate possession

3. Attack at speed. Move the ball quickly

4. Combinations to deceive defenders (overlaps? wall pass?)

5. Awarness of Space & Surroundings. Which space/zone to exploit & attack?

6. End Product - Finish!

Progressions:

P - After 4 passes in middle zone players can now dribble into Zones B/C & aim to score

P - Attacking team must bounce a pass off target player in Zones B/C before breaking out to score

P - Defender & Neutral player can now follow into Zones B/C to create 2v2+1