Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Gates Game

Warmup: Dribbling & Passing (10 mins)

Setup:

6 rows of cones

6 players in each line.

5 at starting cone and 1 at last cone. Starting player and player at last cone has a ball.

Instruction:

Player 1 dribbles through cones and then turns at cone spaced about 5 yards farther away. Player 1 then makes a pass down the line back to player 2, who will also dribble through cones. Player 1 turns to receive pass from player 3, and then passes back to player 3, with one touch or two touch (based on skill of individual player). Player 3 receives pass, stops the ball at the cone, and then runs down the line to the starting cone (without the ball), where player 1 started circuit. Player 1 then takes up spot of player 3 with a ball at her foot to pass to player 2.

Focus:

High intensity to warm up. Players waiting at starting cone should be on toes getting ready.

Step into ball to receive pass. Stay on balls of feet when receiving pass. Call for the ball. Excellent weighted passes, with accuracy. Head up dribbling through cones.

Analytical: Star Combination Passing (15 mins)

Setup:

6 Players in each playing area.

2 players start at position 1.

Cones a sufficient distance to allow a 10 yard pass

Instruction:

Ball is passed from position 1 to position 2, in sequence. After a pass is made, the player runs toward the next cone to take up that position. Passing will continue for about 7 minutes.

For next 7 minutes, play a game of rondo with 5v2 beginning in the same formation as first 7 minute activity, but no cones marking positions. Place cones for perimeter only. Players should move around.

Focus:

Good weighted passing

Decision making on where the ball needs to be passed to before receiving pass

Communication with supporting players and eye contact before passing ball

Receiving player opening up in direction of pass to be made

All players on toes and always ready

Communication calling for ball