Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Possession: Wall Support

Warm Up (10 mins)

Setup:

Mark out inner grid 10 x 10 or larger depending on skill level of players

4 or more players in the grid

8 players outside the grid - 1 on each corner and 1 on each side (see diagram)

Instruction:

The corner players on the outside (black team) pass to one another around the grid - 2 touch. 1 minute clockwise and then 1 minute counter-clockwise.

The inner grid players (green team) call for a pass from the wall players (yellow team), and pass back with one touch. After the pass back, players have to ask for a pass from a different wall player. Inner and outer grid players should use right foot for 1 minute and then left foot for 1 minute.

Rotate teams positions every 2 minutes and ensure it's high intensity.

Analytical: Possession wall support (15 mins)

Setup:

3 teams of 4 players each with each team as a different colour

Playing area of approximately 25x25 or a size more appropriate for the player group

A 4v4 game in the marked area

The 3rd team players each take one side, playing on the outside perimeter, unopposed.

Instruction:

To start the play, a wall player passes the ball in to any player. The attacking team attempts to maintain possession by passing as many times amongst themselves and using the outside players for support wall passing. Each game has a 2 minute maximum playing time for a team to get the most consecutive passes and that team stays on for next round. The team with the least number of passes take the support wall passing positions on the outside. The coach decides which team gets possession if the ball is kicked out of play. The team with the highest number of consecutive passes wins.

Focus:

Constant player movement and playing wide

Good weighted passing and playing away from pressure

Communication - verbal and non-verbal (hand gestures)

Good first touch out in direction away from pressure

Opening up body to receive pass and in direction of next pass