Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Attacking principles

Progression

Set Up: 2 20x20 Grids to keep players active and a good work/rest ratio

1. Attacker A, with the ball facing goal plays Attacker B 10 yards away with their back to the defender and goal. Attacker B then controls it and plays it back to Attacker A

2. Attacker B, after playing the return pass, instantly opens up wide to provide a passing lane. Attacker A drives at the defender at speed

3. Attacker A, after engaging the defender, then has the choice to pass to Attacker B making a forward run into space or dribble and shoot

Objective:

A. Look at the opponent: Do you pass or dribble into the opening?

B. How quickly is attacker A engaging the defender: What happens when we dribble slowly?

C. How can Attacker B be effective: Are they getting wide enough? Are they looking to form a passing lane or hiding behind the defender? Are they opening up quick enough to offer support? After Attacker A engages the defender are they looking to get forward for a scoring opportunity?

4v4 + GKs (20 mins)

Use a 40*30 grid. Play 4v4.

Encourage players to use what they have learned during the session in the game play. Make sure we praise the players when they try to implement what we worked on during the session.

We will need to help the players understand when it is that they should turn away from pressure/defenders and play in a direction other than forward. If they select good times to play forward or take on a defender 1v1 do not discourage those good decision.