Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Set Pieces

Attacking Throw-Ins (10 mins)

Attacking Throw-Ins (Warm-Up Game 10 min)

Set up:

 3v3+1 Attacking Overload

The 30x20-yard field is split into two halves, with a small goal at the end of each half.

The game starts with a throw-in on each restart.

Activity:

A warm-up game to small goals that begins with a throw-in.  

The team with more goals at the end of 4 minutes, wins. Play two 4 minute games, with a minute rest in between.

Coaching Points:

The attacking players must move off the ball to create space

The movements of the attacking players need to be coordinated and well-timed. 

The attacking players must use different channels of space to create support

The thrower must step on the field immediately after the throw to support the play

When attacking players receive the throw with their back to the defender, they should play the way they are facing and drop the ball back. 

Attacking Corner (20 mins)

Attacking Corner Kicks (20 min)

Set Up:

Outswinging Service

4 runners start on top of the box, on the opposite side from the corner being taken. 1 player on top of the 6-yard box (Disrupt GK attacking the ball)

Runs:

1st Run: Straight line run to the front post, in front of the first defender.

2nd Run: Looping run to the back post, looking for headers back across goal.

3rd Run: A crashing run to the PK spot

4th Run: A lateral run across the top of the box for 2nd ball or preventing clearances. 

3 Service Choices: 

1: Driven ball to front post for a flick-on header to the back post (1 arm up signal)

2: Back post cross for runners to attack and knock back across goal. (2 arms up signal)

3: *Disguised* All runners crash the box to attract defenders, service is cut back to the top of the box on the ground for Run #4 to take a shot on goal. (2 arms out straight to the side signal)

Activity:

Attacking Team serves 10 corners into the box to attack. Kicker signals which service is coming with arm motions described in the set-up.

The defensive team attempts to clear the ball and score in the small goals. (30yds from goal)

Teams switch roles after 10 crosses. Teams alternate sides after each round. 

Coaching Points:

Runners must do everything to get across the front of their defender

Bravery in challenging for the ball

Communication to know which service is coming and what their role is

Attacking Free Kick (15 mins)

Attacking Free Kicks (15 min) 

Set Up: 8v9 (equal teams + GK on defensive team)

Defensive team:

 4 man wall

3 defenders mark man-to-man

1 outlet player (CM/ST)

Attacking team: 

2 players stand over the ball (one Left-footed, one Right-footed)

3 far post runners

1 wide player in line with the defensive wall (on the side of the free kick being taken)

2 covering players (CM/CB)

Free Kick Options:

1: Ball is lofted to the back post for a runner to knock back across the goal to create a goal-scoring chance. 
 a. First runner makes a run between defenders and the wall to screen the keeper. (1 hand up signal)

 b. Runner #2 loops around to the back post to find the first header.

 c. Runner #3 crashes into the box to look to score the knock-back.

2. A disguised pass to beat the wall and finish on a low ground cross. (2 hands up signal)

 a. The player in line for an out-swinging shot at goal runs over the ball towards the goal

 b. The 2nd player standing over the ball does a quick pass down the line to the player on the edge of the box

 c. The wide player looks to cut the cross back to the runner who ran over the ball to start the play. 

3. Direct Shot at Goal (2 arms out horizontally signal)

Activity:

The attacking team takes 10 free kicks of their choice.

The defensive team can counterattack to small goals on any play

Switch teams after 10 attempts. 

Coaching Points:

Timing of the runs

Runners get across their defenders (goalside)

Communication for all players to be aware of the free kick being performed and know their role.