Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Close control, possession and awareness

Game 1: 1v1

After the initial warm up split the teams into Reds and Blues and set up as per the diagram. The Blues start with possession of the ball and must dribble from one edge of their square to the opposite side.

The Reds must shadow the run and apply a small amount of pressure (without tackling or trying to win the ball).

Progression 1:

The new aim for the players in possession is to dribble to the opposite side of the square but this time they must reach the target before their opponent.

The possession players can use their pace alone or they can use turns or skills to confuse the 'defending' players in order to create the opportunity to reach their goal.

Again, the 'defending' players cannot tackle or try to win possession at this stage, they must only add pressure by shadowing the run.

Progression 2:

The game begins again as in progression 1 but this time the 'defending' players must try to win possession of the ball. If the defender does win the ball he must dribble to any line on the square and stop the ball to win a point.

Introduce 'Pinch and Play' and emphasise the need to win the ball and then develop a counter attack. If the defender knocks the ball out of the square then the game starts again. If the possession player miscontrols the ball and it goes out of play, the game begins again but possession transfers to the other player.

Possession players: encourage close control, shielding the ball, turning into space

Defending players: encourage good body shape, patience, 'pinch and play', counter attacking

Game 3: 6V6

A 6v6 game with the following rules.

The pitch is split into thirds and there must be at least one player from each team in each third. The defensive and attacking thirds must have no more than two players from each team at any one time. The middle third can have a maximum of three players inside at any one time.

All players need to be aware of the positions of their team mates and ensure that the rules are followed. Any goals scored when there are the incorrect amount of players inside each third will be disallowed.

Emphasis should be put on communication, awareness, movement and team work. The skills from the previous games should also be discussed before the match kicks off and defensive and attacking responsibilities re-emphasised.