Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Dribble pass or run

Run or Dribble (20 mins)

When to run or dribble

Set up

Attackers are in three rows in line with the red cones.

On the whistle the all three attackers must travel towards the cones opposite and perform a turn, now heading back towards the start, they perform a second turn. the players will be travelling towards the goal. The players must perform a skill to pass the cone then finish with their first touch.

All three players are racing against each other and the first to score is the winner.

Key Points

1. Speed

2. Perform and execute the turn

3. Acceleration

4. Skill and Disguise

5. Finish with the foot nearest to the ball

4 v 4 (+ 3 Neutrals) (20 mins)

Suitable for 8's - 18's. Simply reduce pitch size as players get older.

This game should end with the players playing predominantly one and two touch, wothout the coach having to put those restrictions on the game. Very little dribbling/turning.

4 Reds v 4 Blues, + 3 Neutral Yellows. No player is restricted in where they can go. The key to success for the team in possession ( Reds at the moment ) is to maintain their disciplne and stay roughly between the two cones as indicated. This way the player with the ball will have more options. More triangles are created and the 4 defenders ( Blues at the moment ) should struggle to regain possession.

As soon as the defending team make a regain the game continues and they should make their way to the gaps between the cones as quickly as possible.

Learning Objectives

*Recognising where to position yourself to be available for a team mate.

*Learning that by having the discipline to maintain your position, by shuffling only a few yards in any direction, your team mates will always know where you are and will be able to retain possession easily.

Technical

*Body shape - Always open to see as much as possible/to be aware of as many options as possible.

*Passing - Weight/Timing of release.

*Receiving - away from pressure, to entice pressure.

*Direction changes, ball manipulation.

Tactical

*Understanding where to position yourself to be available for the ball, and being aware of as many of your options as possible when in possession of the ball.

Physical

*Low to medium intensity when in possession.

*High intensity when out of possession.

Psychological/Social

*Intelligence to expand pitch when necessary.

*Desire to deny space without the ball.

*Knowledge of triggers of when to press.

9v9 Game (30 mins)

Practice Organisation

*Set up a pitch half of astro

*Two teams set up in a 4-3-1