Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Advanced Technical Circuits

Initial Pitch Layout

Organisation

6 Grids of 20x10 to be set up in different colours as seen in diagram.

Each grind should be split into 2 using a line of cones.

1 football per grid with spares in nest in centre of pitch.

Session Learning Objectives

Technical

Ball Manipulation & Dribbling

Running with the Ball

Turning

Weight of Pass

Accuracy of Pass

Ball Control/First Touch

Body Position when Receiving

Shielding

Tackling

Jockeying

Heading (General)

Crossing

Striking at Goal

Finishing from Close Range

Volleying

Tactical

Creativity

Awareness

Decision Making on the Ball

Pressing Triggers

Composure in front of Goal

Physical

Endurance

Speed

Acceleration

Deceleration

Agility

Balance

Coordination

Static Strength

Dynamic Strength

Striking Power

Jumping Power

Flexibility

Core Rotation

Reaction Speed

Accuracy & Perception

Psycho-social

Listening Skills

Accepting Decisions

Listening to Different Opinions

Respecting the Environment

Self Confidence

Self Discipline

Managing Mistakes

Problem Solving

Concentration

Consistency & Relentlessness

Circuit 1 (15 mins)

Organisation

15 minuets x 2

2 Grids of 30x20 to be set up.

3 cones 5 yards apart split the grid as shown in the diagram.

6 players per grid.

Working both ways simultaneously

The Practice

The practice starts with Player A

passing to Player B.

• Player B then sets for Player A before making an

overexaggerated run around the outside of the cone

furthest to the right.

• Player A plays a pass into the path of Player B, which

simulates having played in behind an opposition back

line. Player B must ensure he stays onside, the line for

which is marked by the line of cones.

• On receiving the ball beyond the cones, Player B plays

into Player C – who restarts the sequence from the far

side, combining with Player D.

• Each player follows their pass after playing it.

• Following a period of time working to the right,

the coach can vary the practice by asking the players

to play to the left.

• A variation would see a wall-pass played between

Player B and Player C before restarting the sequence.

Key Coaching Points

PASSING DETAIL

• At each point in the passing sequence, the coach should

demand good passing detail from the players.

• The pass that breaks the line of cones should be played

ahead of the receiving player, but weighted in such

a way that it would not run through to the goalkeeper

in a game. This is particularly important as the practice

progresses.

OVEREXAGGERATED RUN

• The run that sees the player who has set the ball break

the line of cones should be overexaggerated and not

overly shallow.

• This combination should ensure that the player remains

onside as the ball is played – the coach should stress

the need for this as the practice progresses.

QUALITY SETS

• At the start of each sequence, the set – the first pass

played by Player B in Diagram 1 – should be played

inside and change the angle of play. It should be

well-weighted and not over or underhit.

MOVEMENT TO RECEIVE

• The player receiving the ball at the start of the

sequence, to set as described, should move on to the

ball from a high position so that they are not too close

to the cones.

• This simulates moving into space from a position in

which a player is marked in a game; their movement

may pull an opposition defender out of the back line.

SSG's (20 mins)

Organisation

20 minuets

2 x 3/4 pitches.

5 v 5 including goalkeepers.

The Practice

Simple small sided games, coaches should encourage a highly competetive environment.