Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): 9v9 Pre-Season

3 Cone Fitness (15 mins)

Set up:

Groups of three, with three cones. One player does the work, while the other two play the passes. The player working alternates what side of the cone they ask for a pass on, and plays it back to the player standing. Then switches to the other side and does the same thing. The player does this as fast as he can, for 2 minutes. Then switch the person doing the work.

VARIATIONS: Players standing can have the ball in their hands, and can toss it to the player doing the work. Using the inside/laces/thigh/chest, that player can settle and pass back to the tosser. 

3v2 Outta Here (20 mins)

30x20 grid play 3v2 Outta Here. Team of 3 scores in a big goal with a goalkeeper while the team of 2 scores in either of the the two counter gates, either pass or dribble through the gate to score. Once a goal is scored or the ball goes out of bounds players that are on leave the field immediately and two new teams play.

Progression: Play 3v3 to make the game more difficult. This forces the players without the ball to get open quicker. You can even replace the counter goals on the opposite end line with a big goal if you like.

Regression: If there is a group that is not capable of working in a group of 3 then play 2v1 and adjust the size of the field as needed. 

Main Points:

• How do you want to turn if possible? with body between defender and ball (review hiding the ball from last week if necessary)
• When is a good time to dribble? When you have space. Encourage players to quickly exploit space when it is there.
• When is a good time to pass? When the defender is close to me and my teammate is open
• What should you do while your teammate has the ball? Get open 
• What does it mean to get open? Move to a space where there is no defender between you and the ball