Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Small Sided Conditioned Games

4 Goal Game

Organization:

As shown (4v4 dependant on numbers)

Instructions:

- 4 goal game.

- Kick-ins when ball goes out over sideline.

- Corners come from defending end line.

Coaching Points:

- Shape (width, depth)

- Recognition to attack numbers up or 1v1 scenarios.

- Recognition when numbers down to look to switch play (1st attacker). Depth and angle of 2nd attacker.

- Technical application of driven pass / lofted pass.

Progressions:

P: Add numbers.

R: Add nuetrals (off field inbetween goals - providing depth)

Conditioned Game

Organization:

As above

Instructions:

Blue (A) dribbles the ball and stops it in front of White (C). A must touch the post before then joining the game. Two white players (C and D) look to attack and score in small goal. B defends and looks to delay attack until A gets back to help. Blue team are looking to win ball and counter to big goal. Play until a goal is scored or ball goes out of bounds.

Coaching Points:

Role of B (delay):

- Deny direct penetration (goal)

- Quick footwork

- When/when to delay (numbers down)

- When to step to win the ball (poor touch, out of feet)

Role of A (recover):

- Speed of recovery

- Where to recover to (most direct route to get goal side)

- Organization when recovered (who presses, who covers)

- Communication between two

- Transition to attack if ball is won.

Progressions:

Swicth attackers and defenders every 2 minutes.

Play 3 rounds each, most goals wins.

Conditioned Game

Organization:

As above

Instructions:

3v3 Continuous. When the ball crosses the endline (goal, goalkick, corner) the defending team is off and the next pair of attackers bring a new ball into play. If the ball goes out over the sideline both teams are off and the new ball is brought on by team who should have possession.

Coaching Points:

- Speed of thought in transition

- Speed of reaction

- Communication between defenders

- Ability to find defensive shape quickly (pressure, cover, balance)

- Speed of transition between roles of first defender and second defender

- Recognizing when to press and when to delay (numbers down)

Progressions:

Play to ten goals.

Conditioned Game

Organization:

4v4 game. 2v2 in each half. Players cannot leave their half of the field.

Play one goal games, winners stay on.

Coaching Points:

- Awareness of what we are defending (the goal)

- Starting position (deny penetration but be close enough to cover press opponent as ball travels)

- See the ball and the opponent

- Quick pressure as ball travels

- Anticipation to intercept if the pass is a poor one (underhit or inaccurate)

- Transition upon winning ball

- Rest defence when team is attacking