Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Physical Fitness I

1v1 Transition Defending (10 mins)

Organization: 10*15 grid - two set ups. Two small goals per grid with a supply of balls outside each. Players split into two groups (adjust as needed).

Activity: 1v1 attacking/recovery exercise.  Blue players attack 1v1 and must past half for a goal to count.  As soon as the attack is finished (goal or ball out of play), they immediately become a defender for the next Red player.  The sequence continues. 

Progressions:

Play 2v2. 

Key Factors:

Body shape - angle of approach.

Technical points of defending: close down, slow down, sit down, at arm's length.

Timing of tackle - don't dive in.

6v6+2 Target Game (15 mins)

Organization: 30*30 grid split into four equal quarters. Supply of balls around the grid. Two small goals on the ends. 9-10 players (depending on numbers) - two teams of four along with 1-2 neutrals and GKs (if available).

Activity: One player restricted per zone for each team (red & blue). Neutral players in yellow help maintain possession. Objective is to work the ball from one goal to the other through the four zones. Main restriction on the attackers/defenders is that they are confined to one player per quarter.

Progressions:

1. Allow attackers to switch boxes and one extra attacker is allowed.

2. Players in the squares cannot pass the ball to players to their side (no square passes).

3. Players in the square must run to another square before receiving the ball.

Coaching Points:

Move the ball forwards or backwards (avoid square passes).

Field awareness. Finding numerical superiority to play forward and penetrate.

Pace of the pass.

Movement off the ball. Proper shape and support.

Receiving with the front foot.