Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 2v2+2 combination game

Screen 1

Set Up: 20 x 20 grid with 2 wide channels 5 yards in from the side. A 2 v 2 match is played with 2 players in the channel who can play for either team. The players on the outside will swap with players on the inside after 3 minutes. A point is awarded for a goal.

Coaching Points:

1st Touch & Passing: Players should look to receive the ball with their shoulders and body facing the direction they wish to travel with the ball. This will help to move the defenders but also help them to attack the goal that they wish to score in. The other attacker without the ball should continue to have an open body shape allowing them to see both the ball as well as the goal. When passing the ball, players should look to pass the ball into the other attackers back foot to help them to play forwards or into the space with the correct weight of pass.

Movement: The opposite attacker should look to move to create space for the player on the ball by moving defenders to allow them to travel into the area vacated, alternatively, they should look to move to try and create space for themselves to receive the ball. Encourage the players to make movements between players to help the attackers to try and break lines.

Shooting: The attackers should be encouraged to take shots quickly after beating the opponent, or if the goals aren’t being blocked by them. Encourage the attacker to use both feet when finishing, this may require a ‘finesse’ finish with a place/passed finish into either one of the goals.