Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Dribbling and Passing (Start Time: 2019-03-27 19:05:00)

Arriving Players Warmup. (20 mins)

Organization:

Each player has a soccer ball at their feet.

Spread the players equally among the four challenges.

Have the players complete the challenges and move on to the next one, cycling back through when they complete all four of them.

Instructions:

Challenge 1: Using the inside and the outside of the feet, have the players weave back and forth through the outside of the cones, trying to keep it as close as they can to their feet and to the cone.

Challenge 2: The players are encouraged to use their laces to sprint with the ball from the one cone to the other on the far side of the field. Emphasize small touches and keeping the ball close.

Challenge 3: Have the players acceleterate and stop between each gate, using their laces to dribble and sole to stop the ball.

Challenge 4: Perhaps the hardest challenge, evading pressure and changing direction is important for soccer players as they get older. This drill encourages players to use the skill move, the 'V,' to beat pressure. Have the players dribble slightly past the double cone, use the V, change direction and dribble to the next double cone. If done correctly, this drill utilizes almost every surface of both feet. If a V is challenging, trying using other skill moves instead to change direction.

Coaching Points/Questions:

Which part of your foot did you use?

Can you try to keep the ball close to you?

Did you find it easier with small or big touches?

Which challenge did you find the most difficult?

Regressions/Progressions:

P: Have the players use only their weak foot.

P: Have the players "shadow" one another. Have one player stand in front of the player with the ball, staying as close as they can to the player and the ball in a defensive stance. The shadow cannot go after the ball and cannot obstruct the player with the ball. This is to imitate in-game pressure when trying to dribble.

R: If one of the drills is too dificult for your players, quickly alter it to their skill level or remove it from the cycle.

Passing with teammates and pressure. (15 mins)

Organization:

Instructions: Passing triangles or squares. This exercise now enables them to have some passing freedom from the previous challenge. Players are now encouraged to make quick decisions and pass to one of the open players.

Coaching Points/Questions:

As the defender, was it easier to get the ball if you stayed in the middle or ran at the player with the ball?

Did you say the name of the player you passed to?

Was it easier to know you were receiving the ball when the teammate said your name?

Were our passes better with one touch or two touches?

Regressions/Progressions:

R: If they are struggling to pass the ball, remove the defender and have the teams compete, getting points for each successful pass.

R: Make passing area larger.

P: One touch.

P: Add a defender if the passers are really good.

P: Give extra points for skill moves/changing direction/fake passes.

Game: Passing and ball control. (20 mins)

Organization: Field with two goals.

Instructions: Play a game with all players, emphasizing the skills worked on.

Coaching Points/Questions:

Did you create triangles for your teammates to pass to?

Was it easier to pass when they were close or far away?

Regressions/Progressions:

R: Add gates for added points.

P: Add a required number of passes beofre they can score.

P: Challenge players to use their weak foot/use one touch passes/receive across their body/change direction if there is pressure.