50 Academy Coaching Sessions

SAVE OFFLINE

2. Theme MOVEMENT TO RECEIVE THE BALL THE FOCUS OF THIS PRACTICE IS TO DEVELOP MOVEMENT OFF THE BALL. THE PLAYERS LEARN HOW TO USE DOUBLE MOVEMENTS IN ORDER TO CREATE SPACE

Finishing This practice allows the coach to see and then develop the forwards movement and imagination. The midfielder receives a pass and then turns to dribble, The forward must make a run to receive a through pass in order to shoot at goal For the next attack the midfielder becomes the next forward

Warm up Work in pairs and use a cone as the defender Players must take turns at making double movements in order to receive a pass Players have the choice of the following - away and to feet - to feet and away - left to receive right

Overload This 3 v 2 practice forces all three attackers to make movements in order to try and create a goal scoring opportunity The starting player is not allowed to dribble into the area and therefore the two attackers must use clever movement in order to receive a pass. after passing the starting player can enter the pitch and look to combine with their team mates.

- right to receive left

Opposed Four players surround the outside of the pitch.

The remaining four players go inside the pitch and split into two 1v1 duels One player is nominated as the attacker and must make movements to lose his marker, receive a pass and then return the ball to a different outside player. If the attacker is tackled or miss-places a pass then the roles are quickly reversed

Game 4v3 role reversal game One team start as the defenders and must nominate a goalkeeper The other team start as the attackers. The attackers must receive a ball from the coach and look to build up and score using a 4v3 overload. If the attacking team are successful and score a goal then they receive a 2nd ball from the coach. However, if the defenders win possession or stop the attackers scoring then the roles are reversed

Week 49

Theme 4V4 GAMES CIRCUIT: LET THE GAME BE THE TEACHER

End zone game Two teams Two end zones

THIS GAMES PRACTICE DEVELOPS THE PLAYERS THROUGH PLAYING SMALL SIDED GAMES. EACH GAME SENDS THE PLAYERS DOWN A CERTAIN LEARNING PATH.

Each team attack one end zone and defend the other end zone The aim of this game is to dribble the ball

HALF FIELD POSSESSION – POSSESSION WITH NUMBERS UP END ZONE GAME – POSSESSION TO PLAY FORWARD

into your opponents zone in order to score a goal.

4 GOAL GAME – POSSESSION TO PLAY FORWARD AND WIDE 2 GOAL GAME – COMBINATION OF THE PREVIOUS THREE GAMES

Lay out

4 goal game Two teams

This is the lay out of the pitch

Four mini goals

The pitch has many games within the same set up and allows for maximised training time for the players

Each team attacks and defends two mini goals

This practice looks at four of the games that this lay out includes

Half field possession

The aim of this game is to pass into your opponents mini goal in order to score

2 goal game / random games Two teams

The coach passes to the team of his choice and then calls out the name of the player to defend 4v1 If the four players are passing the ball well and keeping possession, the coach calls a 2nd name out to make the game 4v2.The aim is to get all four players inside the area However if the ball is given away then the roles are reversed and the player giving the ball away must now defend 4v1 at the opposite end

Two big goals and two keepers (rush gk if no keepers are available) Play a normal game But, a different times during the game the coach calls out one of the previous games. The teams must react quickly and start playing the game that is called. This random practice will enable the coach to see how each player reacts and can quickly change focus to the new game

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Theme

DEFENDING GAMES This session aims to improve the attitude, fun, technique and enthusiasm towards defending. Often children do not like to working on their defending techniques, therefore as coaches we must attempt to put across defending in a fun, competitive way that encourages the players to improve their abilities. The session includes four, ten minute individual defending practices followed by a small sided game

Stop the passes Two groups of players split up into two 10x10yd areas Each group nominate a defender. The aim of this game is to be the first team to make 20 passes. The defenders must try to delay their passers the longest and therefore be declared the winning defender

Steal the balls

Shield and protect the ball This is a continuous practice that has a “domino” effect. One player is nominated as the defender whilst the other players place their balls onto the cones as shown in the diagram. The defender must attempt to knock a ball off the cones, whilst the players must protect and shield their balls. If the defender is successful then the roles are reversed

Shoot at goal, react and defend 1v1 The attacker passes into the target forward and runs to receive a return pass in order to shoot at goal Immediately after setting the attacker up the shoot, the target players runs to receive a ball from the coach The attacker must now react after shooting a defend 1v1 against the target player

Free Game Pick two even teams and play a free game.

Two groups of players split up into two 10x10yd areas Each group nominate a defender. The aim of this game is to be the first defender to knock all the balls out of the area.

The game should be free from coaching. The coach should just stand back and look to see which players are now showing a more positive attitude towards winning back possession of the ball. When good defending happens in the game its important that the player is applauded for their good play as this will encourage other players to do the same.

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Theme

Opposed Same set up as previous practice only this time the lay off player acts as a defender.

PLAYING WITH YOUR BACK TO GOAL

The striker receives a pass and must use a variation of realistic turns in order to lose the defender and shoot at goal. The defender becomes the new striker and

THIS SESSION DEVELOPS THE ABILITIES OF YOUR PLAYERS TO PLAY WHEN THEIR BACKS ARE FACING THE GOAL AND PROGRESSES TO INCLUDE DEFENDING AS WELL AS LOTS OF SHOOTING.

the passer follows their pass to become the new defender. Sequence of play:Passer,dfender,attacker and then rest. Encourage your players to go both ways.

Warm up

SSG

Two groups of players 1

Two teams of players and one keeper. One player from each team goes into the penalty box The other players surround the outside of the box with one ball each. The blue player starts by receiving a ball from one of his team-mates and attempting to score The red player must try to defend. The game continues until all the balls have been played into the area. Rotate teams and keep score.

1)The players dribble directly towards Mannequin and then perform a turn, dribble back and pass to the next in line. Turns to try: Step Over, Drag Back,Cruyff,Outside Hook etc. 2)Players take turns to pass into the middle and then go in to the middle to perform a turn from next pass.

2

1)Opening out & use back foot. 2) inside of foot. 3)Outside of foot

Technique

Game

Two groups and two goalkeepers. A pass is played into the striker who dummies the ball, spins and receives a lay off to shoot. Call for Dummy

The player who lays the ball off spins around and becomes the next striker. The player who played the first pass now becomes the lay off player. Encourage the striker to show good disguise when dummying the ball and not to spin in the same direction.

Play a game with two even teams Can the players use the skills and techniques developed in this practice to good effect in the game? However its important that this time is used as a game for total freedom for the players. therefore coaches should just observe and encourage the players. in every session the players should be allowed some free time to themselves without coaching.

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Theme

Change direction and shoot This practice is a progression of the previous one.

RUNNING WITH THE BALL

Now the players must change direction and go through the cones before shooting at goal.

This session focuses on running with the ball over a distance. This type of practice is often neglected however, it’s important that we teach players the difference between dribbling and running with the ball. As coaches we often work on tricks, stepovers etc to beat a defender but sometimes fail to show our players how to burst past the defender with pace and direct running. This practice aims to improve this technique with the aim to creating and scoring goals

The players must play with their head’s up to ensure they do not collide with each other or the cones.

Run and shoot

Run under pressure and shoot Now the coaches work as servers and set the pace of the practice.

Two groups of players work at the same time.

The 1st coach rolls a ball in front of the attacker who must run with the ball and shoot at goal. Immediately after the 2nd coach passes to the player going in the opposite direction. The first shooter must react after shooting and run to defend 1v1. this practice works continuously with players attacking then running to defend.

After a shot at goal, the next player in the line can start their run. The two players must run with the ball as quickly as possible and shoot at goal. The players then join the back of the opposite line.

Run, turn and shoot

Free game Pick two teams and play a free game.

This practice is a progression of the previous one.

Now the players run to the central cone at top speed before slowing down to turn around the cone.

The coach should stand back and observe the games whilst praising direct running with the ball. However, when marking out the pitch it’s important that it is quite large and allows for:

Now the players must accelerate again and then shoot at goal.

• Space to run with the ball over distance •

1v1 situations where players can show speed and direct running with the ball.

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Theme Continuous 1v1 games This session enables the players to play against all of their team mates within their squad / team. This is important as each squad / team will have players with different qualities, strengths and weaknesses (skilful, strong, quick, slow etc ). “Remember the best attackers don’t always beat their defender and likewise the best defenders don’t always stop the attacker. Therefore, 1v1s practices are crucial to players and coaches.”

1v1 Choice The defender must run onto the pitch and call out the name of the attacker they wish to “challenge” in a 1v1 situation. Immediately the attacker called dribbles to make a 1v1 game.

The players switch roles for the next game. Progression – only attack when you have defended successfully.

1v1 Continuous

1v1 Crossway Two teams

The teams attack the goal they are facing and then defend the opposite goal. The teams take turns to attack and then defend 1v1. The game runs continuously for a set time period or until a set number of goals has been scored.

1v1 Continuous multi-goal Up to 7 players Four mini goals All the footballs in the centre square / circle. The players in the middle must attack a goal of their choice and attempt to score in a 1v1 situation.

If they are successful they now get a 2nd ball and attack a different goal, however if they fail to score then they switch roles with the defender.

Free Game

Two teams The teams take turns to attack and then defend 1v1. The game runs continuously for a set time period or until a set number of goals has been scored.

Pick two teams and play a free game. The coach should encourage quick passing in order to create 1v1 situations. Once these situations have been created its important that the player in possession has enough confidence to be direct and dribble at the defender. Likewise, the coach should encourage a positive attitude and lots of energy when defending 1v1 situations.

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Theme

1v1 Diagonal disguise Two players.

1V1 DISGUISE This session focuses on showing disguise in a 1v1 situation. The practice includes disguise in movement, skills and passing situations with the aim to score a goal.

The players take turns as the defender / attacker. To start, the defender passes across to the attacker and runs to defend 1v1. The attacker must show disguise and attempt to get past the defender in order to score in one of the target goals.

Lose your marker

Team “Multi Ball” game

One player works as the attacker and the other player works as the defender Two servers are waiting by the goal with a ball each (can be waiting players). The attacker must show disguise and movement to lose the defender and run to receive a pass for a first time shot. The attacker must call the name of the server before receiving a pass.

1v1 Through the gate Two players. The players take turns as the defender / attacker. To start, the defender passes across to the attacker and runs to defend 1v1. The attacker must show disguise and attempt to dribble through one of the side gates in order to score.

One team continuously attack. One team defend the mini goals. The game starts with lots of 1v1’s but as balls decrease It becomes a random of 1v1,2v1,3v3,2v2 etc. once all balls have been played, count the goals and then reverse roles.

Free Game Pick two equal teams and play a game. This game should be free from coaching but the coach should take time to encourage the players to show disguise and clever play when the opportunity arises. This can be in a number of ways; Dribbling – show skill, feints and body movements. Passing – reverse passes, back heels, look one way and pass another. Movement – go one way and check back to receive etc.

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Theme 2v1 “CHOICE” GAMES This session is based around 2v1 games. However, each game gives the player in possession of the ball a choice on which team mate they would like on their team. The four different practices gradually increase the area used and difficulty for the players in terms of decision making and movements / distances covered.

2V1 Choice

2v1 Reverse choice This practice progresses from the previous practice with the central player now switching positions with the other two players. The central player must make a pass diagonally backwards towards the team mate of his choice and must then get onside before being able to receive a pass.

2v1 choice game Three groups of players

Three players The central player must start with the ball. When ready the player makes a pass to the team mate of their choice Immediately the player not receiving a pass must react and defend 2v1. For the next attack, the defender becomes the new central player.

2v1 Target choice This is a progression of the previous practice with the central player now making a choice of two target players. Now on passing the central player must make a supporting run from a deep, midfield position

The coach passes into the middle “choice” player Immediately one player from each team runs onto the pitch The middle player now has a choice of team mate and passes to the player of their choice Immediately a 2v1game commences

Free Game Pick two teams and play a free game. Encourage the team in attack to move and support each other in order to get a 2v1 situation against a defender. This can be done by overlapping, under-lapping or playing a one-two. In addition, the player in possession should understand the choices open to them (dribble, pass, show disguise etc) and make good decisions in order to maximise goal scoring opportunities.

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Theme

Score a goal at top speed Two groups

Direct Dribbling in the final 3rd This session focuses on players being direct in the final 3rd. We aid the tempo of the session and increase the pressure on the attackers by making the practices competitive. This will ensures that the players work at match speed throughout the session. The thoughts and mindset we want our players to have are: “Robben, Ronaldo, Giggs, be direct, get into the box and score a goal!”

Snatch – Fun Game Players pair up and place one ball between them. The coach calls out body parts (head, shoulders, toes etc). The players must touch that body part and wait for the coaches call of “snatch”. The first player to grab the ball is the winner.

The players must be past the red cones before they are allowed to shoot at goal. 1– 1st player to get into red zone and score with a placed shot. 2 – Now players can use laces. 3– GK now starts with ball and throws out to attacker, you must now go around the keeper to finish. 4–Include defenders and play 1v1’s. instruct keepers to communicate.

Create the space to dribble – 3v2 One team take turns to defend in pairs. The other team work in 3s as attackers. To start, the coach passes a ball out to one of the attackers. Immediately a 3v2 attack commences into the two goals. Can the attackers be direct?

Can they find their open player to score? Can they switch play and then dribble quickly to gain a 1v1 against a keeper?

Dribbling technique

Free Game Pick two teams and play a free game.

3 balls are always in play. The players must make their way across the area and out to a team mate. 1– The players must dribble at top speed across to a team mate 2– The players must complete a skill as they dribble across the area 3– The players must complete a turn as they dribble across the area

The pitch should be big in proportion to the numbers of players playing as this will enable players to gain more 1v1 situations due to the space between the players on the field. Coaches should encourage… • quick decisions, can I dribble?, or shall I pass? • use the space behind the defender “ push the ball into the space” • don’t turn back once you are dribbling, be direct, commit the defender.

Theme Games Circuit Teamwork, communication and movement This session features one set up that includes 4 games to improve the teamwork, communication and movement of the participating players and teams. The games can be played from 3v3 to 6v6 depending on your group a size. A tip would be to set up two pitches and have a round robin competition with four teams of 3 or 4 players.

Set up

Half field possession The coach passes the ball to one team. immediately a defender must run to defend 3v1 in the opponents half of the field. After 5 successful passes a 2nd defender runs into the area to help his team mate and then a 3rd. If the ball is given away then the opposite team go back to their half and become the passing team

Handball Two teams of players

One initial lay out that includes the four practice games. The coach now just has to show the players the initial game rules and can then stand back and watch the players

Head Tennis Two teams of players Each players is allowed 3 touches of the ball One bounce is allowed in each half The middle zone is used as the net with the ball having to be played over this zone to the other side

The teams must throw and catch the ball. To score the team in possession must set a team mate up for a header at goal. The player in possession must not run with the ball and relies on the movement of team mates.

2 goals Normal game of football except for two rules 1- the ball must not go over waist height. 2– pass ins are used rather than throws Both rules force the team mates to make movements off the ball to receive a pass

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Theme

3rd man runs Now add a choice of action from the receiving central player.

PASS AND COMMUNICATE The aim of this session is to improve combination play and running off the ball within your team. communication plays an important part of this process and therefore all players must communicate before passing and when moving to receive. The final practice in this session gives the players and opposed 3v2 situation where they can try their new learnt skills in order to score a goal.

Pass and move

The outside player passes to a central player of their choice. the receiving player now has two choices: 1– set back to the outside player which will trigger the 2nd central player to run into space and receive a through pass. 2– pass across to the 2nd central player. Now the outside player must make a 3rd man run to receive a pass and dribble out. Shown in diagram.

3v2 opposed attack

The coach is used in this practice as a wall passer.

Now progress to an opposed situation with two defenders and a goalkeeper.

1– the ball is played into the central player who must play a first time one-two with the coach and then dribble out.

The outside player must wait for the movement of the two central players before passing the ball into one of them.

2– this time the central play must make a first time pass to the coach and then overlap to receive a return pass.

The three players must now attack and try to score a goal. The players can use the movements practiced earlier in the session but they should also use their imagination and be encouraged to “play what they see” in order to score a goal.

After passing into the central player you jog onto the pitch to be the central player for the next turn.

React to the next pass

Free game

Now progress to having two central players Both players must make a movement away from the ball and then back to receive a pass from the outside server. The outside server then passes in to the central player of their choice. The receiving player sets the ball backwards to the outside player and this is the trigger for the 2nd central player to make a run into space in order to receive a through pass and dribble out.

Pick two teams and play a free game. Naturally situations will occur when players receive a pass. The questions you can then ask are: Did the receiving player move to receive? Did the player call? Did the passer call? Did the passer make a 2nd movement? Was there a 3rd player making a run off the ball?

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Theme

Technique Game Same set up as previous practice only this time the Target Player can shoot at goal.

Turning With and Without the Ball

The practice startswiththe first player on the opposite team passing to the Target Player, who then sets and spins. The passer then plays out wide to the coach, who passes for the Target Player to finish.

This Session develops the ability of your players to turn with and without the ball. By ensuring that each practice is played at match pace and accompanied with sharp movement the understanding between your players will improve and patterns of play will develop.

Encourage your players to spin both ways and for the passer to play to the opposite side ot the Target Player’s run. Progress to one touch. Keep Score.

Warm up

SSG

Two groups of players take turns to pass into the middle player opposite and then go in to the middle to perform a turn from next pass.

1

Two teams of 4 players, one keeper and 2 servers. Each team takes a turn to attack and defend. The servers start by passing into the attacking team who attempt to combine to score. After a set number of attacks switch teams. Encourage the Attackers to create space for themselves to receive the ball by taking the defender away from where they want to go. Add a small goal so that defending team can counter if they win possession.

Encourage the players to use different turning techniques such as: 1)Opening out & use back foot. 2) Drag Turn . 3)Outside of foot.

2

Progress to 2 balls working simultaneously. Can players turn and pass with no more than 2 touches?

Technique

Game

Two groups of players and two coaches as wide players either side. One ball working.

Set and Spin wide

A pass is played into the target player (1) who has moved to receive, sets the ball back to the passer (2) and spins out wide. The passer then passes out wide to the coach opposite to the where the target player has spun (3).The coach then passes into the path of the Target player who then passes to next player inline opposite. The player who played the first pass now becomes the target player.

Play a game with two even teams Can the players use the skills and techniques developed in this practice to good effect in the game? However its important that this time is used as a game for total freedom for the players. therefore coaches should just observe and encourage the players. in every session the players should be allowed some free time to themselves without coaching.

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Theme Direct play in the final 3rd

The session develops direct dribbling in and around the final 3rd of the pitch. The session starts with simple ball manipulation exercises and develops into opposed practices and a small sided game to finish. An insight for players in this practice would be to look at players like Ronaldo and Messi. Although they possess high skill levels they also know when to use pace and direct running with the ball to score and create goals.

Technique Running with the ball 1– players must get across area as quick as possible and pass to a team mate 2– players must complete a change of direction on the way 3– players must complete a skill on their way across the area 4– players must make a one-two with one of their outside team mates before running across to and out to a new team mate

1v1 opposed One defender is nominated to start on the middle line. The attackers take it in turns to dribble and attempt to get across to the opposite side of the pitch. If the defender manages to win the ball or stop the attacker getting to the opposite side then the roles reverse. This rule ensures the defender works to the maximum in order to get out of defence and makes the practice realistic for the attackers.

Score a goal This practice is a progression of the previous one. Now we have added a goalkeeper and goal. If the attacker gets past the defender and into the end zone they can now shoot at goal. The attacker is allowed two touches inside this area. Once again the roles are reversed if the defender manages to stop the attacker.

3v3 get behind defence The practice is now developed into a continuous 3v3 game. One team must defend the end zone whilst the other team try to free a player into the zone to score a goal. The rules are the same as the previous two practices to ensure realistic defending.

In this practice the team in possession must use quick passing and movement off the ball in addition to running with the ball. this makes the practice realistic to a real game

Small sided game Pick two teams and play a free game Encourage all attackers to be direct in their play However, its also important to ensure that the players make good decisions when in possession of the ball. Therefore, make sure the players don’t dribble at all times and sometimes look to make a quick interchange of passes or a switch of play. Mixing up the game will make the players less predictable and more likely to create good space to dribble or 1v1s, 2v1 situations.

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Theme

ATTACKING PLAY This session develops attacking combination play. The session requires the players to use imagination in their movements and work at a match tempo. The starting positions for each practice within the session are varied and force the players to adapt to these match like scenarios.

Unopposed 1

Opposed 1 This practice is a progression of the previous one Now the attackers have a defender on both the initial pass from the coach and must attempt to score in a 2v1 situation. On the 2nd ball from the wide player. The attackers can now pass out to either wing for the cross. In addition, the attackers are not obliged to combine before playing out wide.

Opposed 2 Now we have two defenders against the two attacking players.

The coach passes a ball into the two forwards who must quickly combine and shoot at goal The players should be encouraged to use their imagination and ensure the movements are realistic to match play.

We have replaced the coach with a new attacking player. All outside attackers have a ball at their feet. On the coaches call, the attacker nominated must now dribble into the pitch and make a 3v2.

This player stays on the pitch for the next attack and makes a 4v2 and finally a 5v2. Rotate the defenders after all balls are played

Unopposed 2 Now after the initial pass is made by the coach the forwards have a 2nd ball to react to. Both wide players will have a ball. after the two attackers have combined to shoot, the coach will call the name of one wide player. That player passes into the forwards who will combine and switch to the other wide player. Now the two attackers and passing wide player get into the box to score

Free game Pick two teams

Play a free game where the attackers are encouraged to combine with each other. To give extra reward for good attacking play, you can add double goals for a goal scored after a one-two, overlap, a one touch pass etc.

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Theme

MAKE YOUR OVERLOAD COUNT In football matches, the team that makes best use of their overload (numbers up) situations will be the team that will most likely win the game. Therefore, improving your teams effectiveness in these situations is crucial. This session builds up the competition between two groups from the first warm up practice. This will ensure that the session is fast paced and played at match tempo.

Warm up Pick two teams. The coach works as the server for both teams. The players have to head the served pass and attempt to score a goal, immediately the player must react and become the goalkeeper for the next opponents header. The game continues until one team scores 5 goals.

Overload Continuous One goalkeeper and two teams. The players line up as shown in the diagram. No player leaves the pitch until all the balls have been played. The first blue player has 3 touches to score a goal. Then 2 reds make it 2v1, then 2 blues make it 3v2 and finally 1 red makes it 3v3. the coach should keep the score.

Overload Continuous crossing game This practice is a simple progression to the previous one. However, this time two wide players take part in the game. On entering the pitch the players must pass wide to one of the wide players who is allowed two touches to cross the ball for the attacking team. Again, the coach should keep the score of the game.

Overload continuous game Two goals and two keepers. The overload game now works both ways and into the two goals. Firstly, a blue player has three touches to score, then 2 reds make it 2v1. Then 2 blues make it 3v2 and this continues until all players are on the pitch and all the balls have been played. The teams switch ends after each completed game.

Free Game Pick two teams of players and have two neutral players The two neutral players can be used in a number of ways; 1 – play for the team in possession of the ball 2 – play for a certain team for a set amount of time 3 – play as wide players where they can provide crosses The coach should look to see which team make best use of the extra players and reward good passages of play .

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Theme

1V1, 2V1, 3V2 GAMES This session gives the players a crash course in the importance of team mates and using them to gain success. Each practice in the session highlights different reasons why working together is the main ingredient to being successful as a team. The practices run continuously enabling maximum playing time for the players and less talking from the coach.

Fun Movement Game Two players One player is the leader and one is the chaser The leader must attempt to use disguise in their movements and quickly run to knock the ball off the cone Can the chaser stop the leader?

1v1 Continuous Two teams. The player in attack tries to get past the defender and score, immediately after the ball leaves the pitch the attacker must then react and defend the next ball. “Attacking and defending 1v1s are vitally important areas to work on due to the different types of opponent, from skilful, quick, strong, right/left footed etc.”

2v1 / 1v2 Continuous Two teams. Blue team attack 2v1 and then defend 1v2. Red team attacks 1v2 and defends 2v1.The game works continuously in the same format as the previous practice. “Highlights the advantage of having a team mate both in attack and defence to the blue team whilst showing the red team how hard it is to stop team work.”

2v1 / 3v2 Continuous Two teams. The red team attack 2v1 and defend 2v3. The blue team defend 1v2 but attack 3v2. Two blue players must always stay in attack to make the session flow. The coach is used as a server In this practice.

“the practice shows both teams the advantage of using their team mates / extra player to get success in attack”.

Free Game Pick two teams of players and have two neutral players The two neutral players can be used in a number of ways; 1 – play for the team in possession of the ball 2 – play for a certain team for a set amount of time The rules enable one team to have an advantage whether in attack or defence. A question the coach should aim to answer is: “Do the players work together in order to gain success? ”

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Theme

RUNNING WITH THE BALL 2 This session aims to improve your players technique of running with the ball and follows on from the previous" Running with the ball” session. The practices in the session focus on developing direct running with the ball at high speed rather than the dribbling player who uses skill and tricks to go past defenders. Often players find it difficult to pass, cross or shoot accurately when running at high speed and therefore the practices are designed to give the players some experience and help in these game situations.

Fun teamwork game Nominate one player to stand outside of the group. Nominate a 2nd player to put a bib in the back of their shorts. This player is also known as the “driver”. The driver and their team mates lock arms to make a team huddle. On the coaches “go” the outside player attempts to grab the bib. The driver must steer his team mates with a “left” or “right” call. The players then side step to protect their driver.

Running to pass Two balls and two players working at the same time. 1– the players must run with the balls as quickly as possible to get across to the other side. The players must push the ball out of their feet using their laces and attempt to get to their top speed. 2– the players must now make a diagonal pass whilst on the run across to the opposite group .

Running to cross Now the players must run with the ball and look to cross into the two forwards. Once the players are comfortable with this movement you could progress to: 1– adding a retreating defender to ensure the wide players run at maximum speed. 2– add one or two defenders to defend the cross.

SSG: Pull off your marker Two teams of five players and two keepers. In each half you will have three attackers and two defenders. Only the attackers can go into the middle “free” zone. When your team is defending, two attackers must pull off into the middle zone so that they are free to receive a pass once their team wins possession. Now can the player make a direct run to make a 3v2 and attempt to score a goal?

Free Game Pick two teams and play a free game for 2 periods. P 1 –A large pitch which enables the players space and time to run with the ball P2 – Play on a small pitch (1/2 size of period 1) where there is little space for players to pick up speed and run with the ball over distance. At the end of the session ensure to give your players a debrief. Ask them questions about the different pitches and what was needed. The players should agree that period 1 was for running with the ball and being direct. Period 2 was for passing and creative dribblers to use their skill. An example of these situations in games are when on the counter attack from deep (period 1) or when in the final 3rd and around the penalty box (period 2)

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Theme

1v1 Continuous Multi-Pitch 1v1

The initial set up of the pitch is shown on the left. Setting up in advance this way enables you to maximise the training time available. If done correctly, the coach will only have to remove a few cones in the whole practice. This enables a smooth running of session and stress free coaching. The set up covers the whole session from warm up to small sided games.

Snatch – Fun Game Using the cones laid out for the slalom Players pair up and place one ball between them on a cone. The coach calls out body parts (head, shoulders, toes etc)

The players must touch that body part and wait for the coaches call of “snatch”. Now the first player to grab the ball is the winner.

Dribbling / Skill Development

Now the players spread into 3 groups. Balls are placed at the top cone for the attacker to collect before starting the 1v1 games. The players in each group work in the following order. Rest , Keeper, Defender, Attacker , Rest Therefore all players take turns at each position of the practice. In addition, each group controls there own pitch and play continuously. The coach encourages good play and can correct players when needed.

3v3 into 3 goals Organise the players into groups of 3. The game is played with 6 goals. Each team defend and attack three goals. The teams not playing are either resting or playing as keepers. After each goal, the two teams playing go off to rest / become keepers and the previous goalkeepers come onto the pitch to play the next game.

Free Game

Players work in small groups of 3-5 The groups spend 3 minutes on each dribbling exercise 1– the players must dribble and use quick feet to go through the “crazy cones”. 2– the players must complete a skill on the mannequin. 3– the players must complete 2 turns in the square. 4– the players must slalom through the cones.

When playing a free game the coach has many options when using this set up 1 – Continue with the 3v3 game as above 2 – Take out the middle goals and play a 4 goal switching game 3 – Use the three goals, pick two teams and give 1 point for goals scored in the wide areas and 2 points for goals scored in the middle goal 4 – Play a normal 2 goal game

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Theme

Unopposed technique – opposed test Progression of previous practice

Defending In 3’s This session aims to improve your players understanding when defending in 3s. The practices in the session enable the players to use repetition technique on shape before going into a “live” opposed situation. Groups of 3 players:

3 Mannequins / Poles as shown in the diagrams. The coach numbers each mannequin or pole. The coach repeatedly calls numbers (1,2,3,2 etc) and the players must react, communicate quickly and organise themselves into the correct positions. On the coaches call of “go” the players must quickly run past the mannequins.

Diagram 1 Nearest player pressures, next player covers and stops a forward pass, furthest player must provide depth and support around the 2nd player.

One team goes to the top of the pitch. the team at the bottom react to the coaches call of numbers and perform the correct movements. On the coaches call of “go” the players must run to defend their goal in a 3v3 game. for the next game the roles are reversed.

3v2 Nearest to pressure One keeper, three defenders and two attackers. The rest of the attackers must go behind a cone at the bottom of the pitch. On the coaches call of 1,2 or 3. The player called must dribble into the area to make a 3v2. The defenders must try to stop the attackers scoring a goal. If the defenders win possession then they can score in the small goals.

Free Game Split the group into groups of 3.

Diagram 2

Nearest player to pressure, the other two players take up support positions ensuring that a ball cannot be played past the pressuring player and into a forward. Diagram 3 Same set up but opposite side to diagram 1.

Play a 3v3 round robin tournament with two keepers always involved in the game. The team that scores 1st remains on the pitch The team reaching a certain number of goals / wins is determined the champions. This will ensure fast, competitive matches which will ensure that teams have the chance to defend as a group and work on the techniques developed throughout the session.

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Theme

1v1 Opposed

PLAYING WITH YOUR BACK TO GOAL 2 This session aims to further improve your players effectiveness when they have their back’s to goal and follows on from the previous “Playing with your back to goal” session. It develops through five practices and a small sided game. The aim of each practice is to show your players a different decision / action that they can use when they have their backs to goal. Therefore, as the coach you have given your players the answers to a range of game situations that your players will experience.

Now the practice progresses to a 1v1 situation. The attacker must create space to receive by making a move away and then back to the ball. Can the attacker turn to score? Can the attacker set back and spin to receive a 2nd pass to score?

Turn and shoot The attacker must make a move away from the passing player and then back to receive a pass. The attacker then has two touches in order to turn and then shoot at goal. Its important that the player does not come back to receive in a straight line as this will limit his ability to turn effectively.

Set and go The attacker must move away from the passing player and then back to receive a pass. Now the attacker sets the ball back to his supporting midfielder and spins to receive a 2nd “through” pass. The attacker must shoot at goal first time.

Bring your team into the game using disguise This time the attacker must receive the ball in a more advanced position. The passer / midfielder will make a supporting run. The attackers job is to dribble the ball to one side, pretending to turn but then reverse or back heel a pass for the midfielder to shoot at goal

1v1 – 2v1 – 2v2 Opposed The practice is now progressed allowing the attacker to use the supporting midfielder to make a 2v1 situation. However, when this is used a 2nd defender is also allowed to rush out from the side of the goal. This will make a 2v2 situation

Small Sided Game Pick two teams of players and play a normal match. Players should naturally receive the ball with their backs to play and be able to show the new techniques learnt to turn, set and spin or bring their team mates into the game. If this is not the case then you can divide the pitch into three zones. In each end zone you should have one attacker and one defender. Give the players a rule that a goal can only be scored after playing a pass into their attackers zone and supporting. This will recreate the technique practices from earlier in the session.

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Theme

Play forward – line game Two teams:

KEEPING POSSESSION OF THE BALL The aim of this session is to improve the ability of your team to retain possession of the ball. The ability to keep possession is important to teams of all levels however, once in possession you want to use your control of the game to get forward and create goal scoring opportunities. It’s important that your players understand that keeping possession is for the reason of unsettling the opponents shape and then exploiting the space created by dribbling or passing forward.

Gate Game - Technique

The aim of this game is to keep possession and attempt to get to the opponent’s end line. If successful the team now turn around and attack the opposite line (teams rotate ends). The teams must attempt to keep possession but with a purpose of going forward. The reason you want to go forward is simple: In a match the goal is in that direction.

Breakthrough Zone

This practice improves the close control and accurate passing of your players.

This is a progression from the previous game.

Without these two skills your players / team will not be able to keep possession of the ball. Developing these techniques is a vital starting point.

If the players breakthrough the central area then they can go for a 1v1 against the defender and attempt to score a goal.

The players must take a touch to the side of their gate and then pass through the central gate to their opponent. A missplaced pass or touch that hits the cone results in your partner getting a point.

Half Field Possession

However, if they breakthrough in the wide area then a different player must make a run into the box and try to score from the cross. Once inside the breakthrough areas you have 5 seconds to score.

Free Game Pick two teams and play a free game.

The coach passes to the team of his choice and then calls out the name of the player to defend 4v1.

It’s important that you give the players experience of playing games free from coaching. This will also give you a chance to view them playing and making decisions.

If the four players are passing the ball well and keeping possession, the coach calls a 2nd name out to make the game 4v2.The aim is to get all four players inside the area.

Do the players use the skills and techniques developed in this practice to good effect in the game?

However if the ball is given away then the roles are reversed and the player giving the ball away must now defend 4v1 at the opposite end.

Questions that you may look to answer are:

Do they keep possession? Is the possession progressive and looking to go forward? Do certain players constantly lose possession?, do they force the play? etc. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2008

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Theme

FORWARD COMBINATION PLAY This session improves the combination play of your forwards in and around the penalty box. The practices in this session are simple in structure and enable for quick interchanging of passes in order to get a shot at goal.

3rd Man shoots The first player passes into the nearest attacker. The nearest attacker sets the ball back to the first player. The first player now makes a through pass for the second attacker to shoot at goal. The players then rotate positions with the second attacker returning to the start position.

Warm up and technique Two groups of players. One group outside the square. One group work inside the square. The inside players must receive a pass from outside and quickly combine with each other. Once each player has touched the ball, the middle team then pass out. Can you play one touch passing?

One – two and shoot

Crossover Disguise The first attacker passes back to the midfield player. The midfielder player now passes into the second attacker who dribbles across the box. The first attacker makes an overlapping run to receive a heel pass from the second attacker. The first attacker shoots at goal.

Free Play

The first player passes into the first attacker. The first attacker plays a quick one-two with the second attacker and then shoots at goal.

Pick two teams and play a normal game

The players then rotate positions with the furthest attacker returning to the start position.

This will ensure that there is plenty of goal scoring opportunities and give you a chance to view the players combining in and around the penalty box.

Try to make the pitch small in length

© Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2008

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Theme

MULTI FUNCTION PITCH Small sided games This fun session is a team practice based around small sided games from 1v1’s into 2v2 / 3v3 / 4v4. The one multi pitch enables the coach to change the practice quickly to ensure maximised playing time.

1v1 Games

2v2 / 3v3 Games

4v4 / 6v6 Four Goal Game

4 groups of three players.

Now the coach removes the horizontal line which makes two pitches. The teams now play a 2v2 (3v3 with keepers) game. The players must change their keeper after each goal is scored. This enables all players to spend adequate time on the pitch. The time spent playing in goal is also used as a rest period for this player.

Now the coach removes the Vertical line which makes one pitch that includes four goals. The teams now play 4v4 (6v6 with keepers) and play a four goals game. Once again after each goal is scored the teams must change their two goalkeepers.

Each group go into one of the four sections and nominate the first player to be in goal. The keeper then serves a ball out to start the 1v1 game. The winning player is the one who scores 3 goals first. The players must ensure they all play against each other.

© Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2008

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Theme

ATTACKING IN 3’S This session is designed to help you develop attacking play when playing with a midfield or front three. The practices look at different areas such as: movement off the ball, various overloads and combination play both facing and facing away from the goal.

Passing Weave 3 players The ball starts with the middle player who must pass to one of the outside players and overlap. The outside player dribbles inside and passes across to overlap the opposite outside player. When near the goal, one of the players takes a shot at goal

3v1 / 3v2 This practice is a progression of the previous one. Now we have split the pitch into 3 zones. Zone 1 – no defender Zone 2 – 1 defender Zone 3 – 2 defenders

Combination Play Groups of three players. The attackers must work for three balls. Each attacker must take a turn at shooting The attackers must make movements to receive the passes from the coaches and then combine quickly using one or two touch in order to get a shot at goal.

Combination under Pressure This practice is a progression of the previous one. Now the attackers must work for 4 balls. Ball 1 – unopposed as previous practice Ball 2 – 1 defender Ball 3 – 2 defenders Ball 4 – 3 defenders

Free Game

Now play small 3v3 games with keepers If you have more than two teams then play a round robin tournament with teams playing for two minutes Ensure the pitch is small and force the players to look for quick combination play in order to score a goal.

Can the attackers get through the zones to score a goal? © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2008

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Theme

Circuit This practice is a skill circuit with three balls.

Ability to beat the defender This skill session aims to improve the ability of your players when running with the ball and dribbling past defenders. Players who excel in these areas are often the most enjoyable to watch (Ronaldo, Messi etc). However they are becoming a dying breed and as coaches we are the ones who hold the cards to developing the skilful dribblers of the future.

1– The players have a choice of a one-two or pass and overlap with the coach. 2– The players dribble through the cones. 3 – The players perform a skill. 4 – The players complete two turns

Skills Players take it in turns to dribble towards the mannequin and perform a skill to reach the other side. Two balls can work at the same time as long as the players work the same skill. Example; right for stopover and go to the left .

Turns One players starts in the middle of the gate. The outside player with the ball passes into this player who must try to turn outside of the gate and dribble to the opposite side. The outside player must follow their pass and become the new middle player. Turns can be done with inside or outside of both feet.

1v1 / 2v2 crossways Three teams of players. The players must first attack and then defend 1v1. When dribbling the team must always attack the goal they are facing and then defend the goal their opponents are facing. If a defender wins the ball then that 1v1 is over. Blue v red – yellow v blue – red v yellow

Free Game

Now play small 3v3 games with keepers If you have more than two teams then play a round robin tournament with teams playing for two minutes. Ensure the pitch is small and force the players to look for quick combination play in order to score a goal.

© Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2008

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Theme :

Attacking / Defending in pairs

This session consists of three practices which can be used to improve both attacking and defending in pairs. Coaches work hard to improve the individual attacking and defending technique of their players but sometimes find it hard when trying to develop this into groups. The practices below work both defending and attacking elements at the same time. The players will soon understand that good play is rewarded both in defending and attacking. In addition, reacting to the next ball and not dwelling on mistakes or previous good play is very important in football.

2 v 2 Crossways

2 v 2 Counter Attack

2 v 2 Around the clock

Two teams of players

Three teams

The teams take turns to attack and then react to defend. The game works continuously for a set period of time or until a number of goals are scored.

2v2 continuous attack and defending game.

Three teams of players The teams always attack the goal they are facing and then defend the goal their keeper is defending.

It’s important that after attacking, the two players react quickly in order to recover and defend. Often the players will work together successfully when attacking but do not work at the same level when defending.

The middle team attack a goal of their choice. If they score, they then receive a 2nd ball from the coach and now attack the opposite goal. However, if the defenders stop the middle team scoring then they break out to attack and the roles are reversed.

Therefore Reds v Blues, then White v Red and finally, Blue v White. This game works continuously for a set time period. Each attack is completed when the ball leaves play, a goal is scored or the defenders win possession. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2008

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Theme :

Attacking and Defending 1v1

This session includes three 1v1 practices. Each practice moves on from the previous one and gives the players different problems to solve in order to be successful in scoring a goal or defending successfully. The practices will give the coach plenty of opportunity to break down technique and put across key points to their players such as (be direct, ½ yard and shoot) or (stand up, force the player away from goal etc). You will notice that practice 3 incorporates elements of both practice 1 and 2. This type of practice tests the players understanding of the key techniques learnt in practice 1 and 2, reactions to a 2nd ball and the ability to solve different problems in a short time period.

1 v 1 Continuous

1v1 Back to goal

Two teams.

The midfielder waits for the attackers movement and then passes the ball into the pitch.

Each team take it in turn to attack and then defend in a 1v1 situation.

The attacker must receive the pass and now attempt to turn the defender and score.

An example would be, blue player attacks and then reacts to defend against the next red player.

If the attacker is successful in scoring, then the defender remains for the next attack. However, if the defender stops the attacker scoring then the roles are reversed.

The game is played for a set time period or until a certain amount of goals are scored.

The midfielder always becomes the new forward for the next attack.

1v1 Front and back

Player A passes to player B and runs to defend Player B now attacks 1v1 against player A. . Immediately after this attack, the coach passes a new ball to player A. Player C must now run out and stop player A from turning to shoot. For the next attack, the players rotate positions so that they each take a turn as player A, B and C.

© Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Theme : Attacking in Two’s Theme This session develops attacking play with two forwards. Each practice gives the two attackers a different problem to solve in order to score a goal. The two attacking players soon learn that they must work together in order to be successful and score goals.

Ball Manipulation To warm up for the practice ahead the coach should take the players through a series of dribbling movements and skills to beat a defender. Dribbling movements – changing speed or direction, keeping the ball close to your body or pushing the ball out of your feet. Skills to beat a defender – drags, step over, body disguise.

2v1 Alleys Split the pitch up into two zones as shown in the diagram. Select two players to become the first two defenders. Each defender must stay in their zone. The attackers must play 2v1 in the first zone and try to get into the second zone. If successful then they now play 2v1 again in order to beat the 2nd defender and score a goal. Ensure that the defenders are changed after a short period of time.

2v1 / 2v2 This practice is a progression on the previous one. Select three players to become the defenders. One defender goes in the first zone and two defenders in the second zone. The attackers must play 2v1 in the first zone and try to get into the second zone. If successful then they now play 2v2 against the two defenders and try to score a goal. Ensure that the defenders are changed after a short period of time.

2v1 / 2v2 With Wide Players Now the practice is progressed by having two wide players outside of the 2nd zone. The players can use these wide players to play one-twos or to provide crossing opportunities.

After attacking, the two attackers then become wide players before resting. Ensure that the defenders are rotated after a short period of time. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Theme: Defending This session is designed to improve defending within your team. The practices progress from 1v1 through to 2v1 defending whilst covering a number of key questions for your players such as: How to pressure the attacker. Where to force the attacker. Is anyone supporting me ? How do we defend in pairs ? Who pressures the attacker ? What does the 2nd player do?

Warm up - 1v1 Defending technique The players work on the coaches call and put the correct pressure on the mannequins.

2v1 Two balls The defenders must now work in pairs in a 2v1 situation. The practice lasts for two balls. The first attacker dribbles onto the pitch and attacks 1v2 to get into the end zone. Immediately after this ball is played, the 2nd attacker tries to score in a 1v2 situation. The defenders must work together to stop the attackers. The nearest defender must pressure the ball whilst the 2nd defender takes up a support position and communicates to his team mate.

2v1 Two Balls - Progression This practice runs exactly the same as the previous one. The only change is that the end zone is removed and replaced with a goalkeeper and goal.

“Jockey” The players must sprint towards the mannequin then slow down on approach and edge closer with bent knees.

The defenders must again work for two balls and stop both attackers from scoring.

“Show right / left” The same as above but to force play one side the defender must arc their approach run to one side.

The first attacker is allowed to stay on the pitch after their ball has left play. This makes the 2nd ball a 2v2 situation

1v1 Opposed defending Now the defenders must try their new found skills in an opposed situation. The defender must pass the ball to the attacker and then run to defend. The attacker is trying to get to the end zone at the bottom of the channel. The defender must stop the attacker by pressuring to force play one side and then jockeying / tackling the attacker. Now progress the practice by ensuring that the next waiting defender gives communication support to his team mate.

Progression:

Free Play Pick two teams Play a normal game The coach should look to observe what happens when the team loses possession. Does the nearest player go to pressure the attacker ? How does the player pressure ? Is anyone communicating to the defender ? Is anyone supporting the defender ? © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Theme :

ABC Finishing Practices

ABC Finishing practices were designed to ensure that your players always react to the next ball. Therefore the practices include a number of attacking actions within a small time period. Currently, there are more than 20 different practices / progressions in the ABC finishing series, below are just three examples. Look out for our next session on these practices shortly.

ABC Finishing – 1v1

ABC Finishing – 2v1

ABC Finishing – 1v2

Player A dribbles towards goal, completes a skill and then shoots at goal.

Player A dribbles towards goal, completes a skill and then shoots at goal.

Player A dribbles towards goal, completes a skill and then shoots at goal.

Immediately, player B makes a one-two with player A and shoots at goal.

Immediately, player B makes a one-two with player A and shoots at goal.

Immediately, player B makes a one-two with player A and shoots at goal.

Finally, player C dribbles to attack 1v1 against player B.

Finally, player C dribbles to attack 2v1 with player A against player B

Finally, player C dribbles to attack 1v2 against players A and B who must defend together.

For the next game, Player A becomes player B, player B becomes player C and player C becomes player A.

For the next game, Player A becomes player B, player B becomes player C and player C becomes player A.

For the next game, Player A becomes player B, player B becomes player C and player C becomes player A. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Theme :

Favourite Possession Games

This week’s session includes a few of our favourite possession games. In modern day football it’s vitally important that your team both understands the importance of keeping possession and has the ability to do so. The three games below build up this understanding through the use of overload situations, exchanging of positions, taking the ball out of crowded areas and finally through a pressured / competitive situation.

Half field possession

Play out, go out

Two teams of four players. The coach passes the ball into one of the teams and calls the name of an opponent to run and defend 4v1.

Two teams of players. Half the team go into the centre of the pitch whilst the remaining players surround the outside of the area.

If the passing team manage five successive passes then a 2nd defender goes to make the game 4v2. The aim for the passing team is to have all four defenders in the half and still make five passes.

The aim of this practice is for the central players to combine and then pass out to one of their team mates on the outside.

If possession is won back by the defenders then the player losing the ball must immediately run to defend in the opponents half.

If you manage to pass out to a team mate then you have to go to the outside and your team mate dribbles into the game. This game works continuously for a set time period.

100 Pass Game

Two teams of players. This game requires two coaches that are assigned to one team each. The coaches must count the passes made by their selected team. For instance, if the blue team receive the ball and make 8 consecutive passes before losing possession; then they continue from this number when possession is regained. The aim of this game is to be the first team to reach 100 consecutive passes. This game forces the players to work hard both in and out of possession and shows the value of having the ball. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Theme :

Defending Games

This week’s session focuses on defending and includes three defending games with each game giving the defenders a different problem to solve. The practices work on the players own individual defending technique as well as group defending and the advantage of overload/disadvantage of overload. Communication and team work are essential in order to defend well in each game.

3v1, 3v2, 3v3

Multi Ball Defend

Three defenders must work for three continuous attacks.

The three defenders must work for three continuous attacks.

The first attack is 3 v 1

The first attack is one ball and 3 v 1

The second attack is 3 v 2

The second attack is two attackers and two balls for a3v2

The third attack is 3 v 3 The defenders must try to stop the attackers from scoring a goal.

The third attack is three attackers and three balls for a 3 v3. The defenders must react to each attack and work as a group, in pairs or individually to stop the attackers from scoring.

3v1 Through 3v5 Defend

The three defenders must work continuously for five attacks. Each attacker takes a turn to dribble into the pitch and attempt to score. After the attack is played, the attacker stays on the pitch and is joined by a new attacker who dribbles into the game. Therefore the defenders will face a series of overload situations both with and without the advantage. The series of attacks works as follow: 3v1, 3v2, 3v3, 3v4, 3v5 – which teams wins? © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Theme : Overload Transition Games Overload situations are when the team in possession attacks with a numbers up situation (2v1, 3v2 etc). The games within this session work continuously and rotate the team with the overload. The team in possession of the ball must take advantage of their extra player and score a goal before quickly reacting to defend the opponent’s attack.

1v1 / 2v1

2v1 / 3v2

3v2 / 4v3

The blue team attack 1v1 and defend 1v2

The blue team attack 2v1 and defend 2v3

The blue team attack 3v2 and defend 3v4

The red team defend 1v1 and attack 2v1

The red team defend 1v2 and attack 3v2

The red team defend 2v3 and attack 4v3

The game works continuously for a set time period, after which the teams must rotate positions.

The game works continuously for a set time period, after which the teams must rotate positions.

The game works continuously for a set time period, after which the teams must rotate positions.

The coach is used as a server in this practice.

The coach is used as a server in this practice.

The red team with must always keep one player in attack.

The red team must always keep two players in attack.

To start, the blue keeper rolls out to the three attackers. Once this ball leaves play, the coach passes a ball to the red team and two extra red players enter the game. To start the next game, two red players must start on the pitch. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Getting Into the Box and Scoring From Crosses This week’s session focuses on the ability of your players to score from crosses and includes three crossing and finishing practices that will guide your players, helping them to capitalise on these situations. The practices are simple and provide objectives for the wide players (to get crosses into the box) and midfielders / attackers (make sure we have players in the box to score). The practices also work well as a pre-match warm up as they help to focus the players on what is needed in order to make the most of these good positions within a real match.

2v1 Wide to cross

The coach passes the ball to the two midfield / attacking players.

Overlap to cross

The coach passes the ball to the two midfield / attacking players.

Add defenders

The practice is now progressed by adding two defenders.

The players must combine and then pass out wide to the full-back.

The players must combine and then pass out wide to the wide player.

The defenders must try to stop the two midfield / attacking players from scoring a goal.

The full-back dribbles and then passes down the line and into the path of the wide players run.

The wide player dribbles inside and allows the fullback to overlap. The wide player then passes down the line and into the full-back’s path.

The full-back and wide players must react to who receives the pass wide and then dribble to pass or overlap to pass accordingly.

The wide player crosses for the two midfielders to score a goal.

The full-back crosses for the two midfielders to score a goal. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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One Touch Finishing Combinations This session includes four passing and finishing practices that can also be used as pre-match warm-ups. The session is designed to improve the finishing skills, passing, movement, communication and combination play of your players.

Dribble and shoot

Forward turn and shoot

• pass

• pass

• set

• set

• long pass

• long pass

• pass into forward

• dribble and shoot

• turn and shoot

One – two and shoot

One – two with forward and shoot

• pass • pass • set • long pass • one – two • shoot

• set • long pass • pass wide • one – two • shoot © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Theme

Pass to score

Gates Games This session evolves around one multi game lay out. Each practice within the session is on the same pitch. This type of practice enables maximised playing time for the players. The initial practices include the techniques of dribbling and passing before moving this on into SSG practices.

Dribbling and Turning The players must pair up with a player on the opposing team. one player is nominated to go first and must work for 30 seconds. 1 – dribble through the gates 2 – dribble to a gate and complete a turn

Now the two teams play a game. The teams score a goal by making a pass through the gate and into their team mate on the other side.

Dribble to score Now the two teams play a 2nd game. This time the teams score a goal by dribbling the ball through a gate without being tackled.

Which partner completes the most dribbles / turns?

Passing and Receiving

One team Pass, One team Dribble

One partner stands in the gate whilst the other partner dribbles around with a ball. The dribbling player has 4 choices:

Now progress this game further by giving the teams different ways of scoring.

-play a one-two with the player in the gate

One team scores by dribbling through a gate. The 2nd team scores by passing through a gate to their team mate.

-- pass and tell the player to turn and then take their place -complete a skill past the static player

A further progression should you want to reward good dribbling or passing is to award double goals for that skill being performed successfully (e.g. pass 1 goal, dribble 2 goals).

-complete a “take” movement with the player. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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SSG’s; Playing forward or wide This session uses small sided games in order to develop tactics when in possession of the ball and looking to attack. The first game encourages forward passing and runs in order to create chances to score. The second game encourages switching of play and using the wings in order to get behind the opponent’s defence and into crossing positions. Finally, the third game combines these two tactics in the same game with the two teams trying to attack in different ways.

Play into the forwards

Use the wings

Switch Roles

Two teams of players. Each team has two target forward players.

Two teams of players. Each team have two wide players.

To score a goal, the team must play a pass into a target player first. The target players are limited to two touches maximum.

The wide players must stay in their channel and no defenders are allowed into these zones. This enables good dribbling and crossing opportunities.

This game combines the two previous games. The red team are attacking with the two neutral wide players and looking to use the wings in order to create chances to score a goal.

Progression The teams can now just score a normal goal. However goals scored after using the target forwards are worth two goals.

Progression A wide player can now decide to dribble into the pitch. However if this happens then a different player must go outside and into the wide zone. This rule encourages overlapping runs and interchanging of positions

The blue team are attacking with the two target forwards. The blue team’s tactics are to play forward quickly and then support the forwards. The game should be played for two ten minute periods. In the 2nd half the two teams should swap roles and tactics. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Theme Quick passing This session is designed to improve quick one touch passing in tight areas. The practices develop from simple passing exercises into more complex movements and finally a small sided game. The coach must encourage the players to: • Be on their toes to receive the ball • Communicate in order to receive the ball • Move in order to create space and passing angles • React to not receiving a pass and make a 2nd run

Set and go The outside player passes into the middle player and then runs to support his pass. The middle player sets the ball back to the supporting player who passes out to the opposite end. The middle player now follows this pass to the outside.

3rd Man run Now there are two middle players. The outside player passes to one of the middle players who sets the ball back to the outside player. The outside player now makes a through pass for the second middle player to run after and go out of the pitch. The outside player now becomes a middle player for the next ball Progression The 1st middle player now has a choice, they can complete the above or decide to pass to the 2nd middle player and make a run to receive a return pass themselves.

Pinball combination play Now there are three middle players. Each player is only allowed one touch on the ball. The outside player passes into the middle players who must combine in order to get the ball to the opposite outside player. The players must communicate with each other and move off the ball in order to receive. The player passing out must then go out and the outside player who passes into the middle comes in for the next ball.

Possession game Two teams The game is 3v3 inside the pitch. The remaining players go around the outside. The aim of this game is to pass out of the area to a team mate and then exchange positions.

An outside player coming into the pitch is not allowed to pass straight out to a different outside player without making a pass or taking on a defender.

Free Play Pick two teams. Play

a normal game. The coach should encourage quickly combination play in order to create goalscoring opportunities. If the players are now taking too many touches the coaches can: 1 – Impose a two touch rule; 2 – Impose a two touch rule when inside your own half of the pitch. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Theme : When to Dribble and When to Pass 2 This session follows on from our previous “When to Dribble and When to Pass” session and contains three practices that create situations that will force your players to decide whether to pass or to dribble the ball. In the first practice the player must choose either to have a team mate or an opponent. The decision is solely a personal one and will not effect a team situation as the player is alone in the game. However, the next two practices require more thought and good decision making from the player as now a team mate is involved in the play. The player’s decision could now be the difference between scoring or missing a chance to score a goal. This gives you plenty of opportunity to coach your players and encourage direct dribbling, give and go’s and overlapping runs.

Shoot or Pass

2v1 Overload

3v2 Overload

The first player in the line must go out to the edge of the box.

Three players line up as shown in the diagrams above.

Now two extra attackers enter the game and the coach has an active role as a server for the 3rd ball. Now after the first player has shot at goal and then defended against a 2v1 situation a 3rd ball enters the pitch.

The next player has a choice on whether to pass and run to receive a lay off for a shot at goal or dribble into the pitch and attempt to take the first player on.

After each turn the player passing or dribbling onto the pitch must stay on for the next ball.

The middle player must dribble towards the penalty box, complete a skill and then shoot at goal. Once this player has shot he must react and defend a 2v1 situation against the remaining two players. The two players must try to score at match speed and should be encouraged to complete an overlap or takeover movement in order to beat the defender. This practice progresses smoothly from the previous practice and continues along the theme of deciding whether to pass or shoot.

The coach can pass this ball to the first player or the two waiting team mates. Immediately after receiving the ball, the three attackers try to score in a 3v2 situation.

© Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Passing and Moving – Disrupt the defence 1

2

3

3 Team Battle – Attack two goals

The practices in this session are designed to improve the movements made by your players after passing the ball. The aim is to try and disrupt the opponents defence by not only passing the ball at top speed, but by also making runs which confuse the defenders. The three simple attacking practices on the left encourage your players to complete overlaps, one-twos and crossover runs after passing. 1 The first player passes the ball to his team mate and runs to make an overlap. The team mate receiving the ball must dribble inside to allow the overlapping run and then either shoot at goal or make a

Three teams of players. The attacking team can score in both wide goals. If successful the team continue to attack and receive a new ball from the coach. However, if they don’t score or lose possession then they have to become the new defending team. Play the game for 10 minutes, which team scores the most goals?

reverse pass for the first player to shoot.

3 Team Battle – Wide v Central attack

2 The first player passes into the target player who must dribble across the pitch. The 2nd attacker must now make a crossover run behind the target player. The target player can decide to shoot at goal or make a reverse pass for the 2nd attacker to shoot. 3 The first player passes to the 2nd attacker and overlaps. The 2nd attacker passes into the target forward and makes a crossover run. The target player sets the first player who now makes a through pass to the 2nd attacker. The 2nd attacker shoots at goal.

Three teams of players. The teams rotate positions from attacking the two goals to attacking the single goal and then finally resting. The team attacking the two goals always starts with the ball. Scoring in the wide goals is worth 1 point. However, winning the ball back and scoring in the central goal is worth two goals. Play the game for 10 minutes, which team scores the most goals? © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Theme

Wide player coming off the line This session looks at the what happens when a wide player decides to come off the line by moving or dribbling the ball inside. What options does the player in possession have? Does this create space for other players?

Cutting inside to shoot at goal The midfielder passes the ball out to the wide player. The wide player must receive the ball and dribble forwards. The wide player then completes a skill to dribble inside and shoot at goal.

Playing a forward through to score Now a forward is added to the practice. The wide player now must dribble inside and look to make a through pass for the forward to shoot at goal. The forward should be encouraged to make runs on the shoulder of the defenders.

Using the overlapping player Now an overlapping full back is added to the practice. The wide player now dribbles inside in order to create space for the overlapping run. Now the wide player passes down the side for the overlapping player to cross into the forward.

Using a target forward Now the forward player must come towards the ball and look to make a set up pass. The forward player can make a set for the wide player to shoot or can set the ball wide for the overlapping player so that both the wide player and forward can get into the box for a cross (as shown in the diagram).

Opposed Game Now 4 defenders enter the practice and play against one wide player, two forwards and an overlapping full back. To start the coach passes the ball into the wide player, immediately the full back makes an overlapping run, the wide player must dribble inside. Now just let the players play freely. The next ball goes to the other wide player. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Improve Individual Defending, Improve Team Defending

SSG - Defending under pressure

Three teams of players. The game lasts for five balls (one for each outside player and one from the coach). The attacking team try to score as many goals as possible. When attacking they are allowed to pass out to the outside players and should be encouraged to make forward runs after doing this in order to disrupt the defence. This game should see all the individual defending techniques come to life in a game situation. The aim of this practice is to improve the 1v1 defending situations that your players will experience in real games. The defending circuit above sees groups of three players working in different zones to improve each area of play. Zone A goes first then B,C and D with the players rotating in their zone. The players spend 3-5 minutes in each zone working. The defenders must try to win the ball or force the player outside of their channel (this would be towards a supporting team mate in a game). A – The server must make two serves. The first serve is a grounded or aerial pass in front. Then the 2nd serve is a grounded or aerial pass in the space behind. The defender and attacker must compete to win each ball.

C – The defender passes into the forward and runs to defend. The attacker tries to get past the defender and score a goal. The defender must try to win the ball or force the forward out of the channel.

B – The server passes the ball into the forward who must try to turn and shoot at goal. The defender must try to stop the forward by tackling or forcing them outside of the channel.

D – The defender passes to the wide player and runs to defend 1v1. The wide player must try to beat the defender and cross into the box. The forwards and defenders in zones B and C attack or defend the cross.

Winning the ball back and counter attacking

Now include a goal for the defending team to attack when regaining possession. The attacking team can still use the outside team to bounce passes off and make runs beyond the defence. However this time so can the defending team, therefore on winning a ball in deep areas the defending team can pass quickly to an outside target player and break forward to attack.

© Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Theme

Playing with your back to goal This session is designed to improve your players’ ability and confidence when playing with their backs to goal. Each practice in this session develops the play a step further from individual play through to small group problem solving.

1v1 Back to goal

3v2 Back to goal

The pitch is split into three zones.

One team work as the defenders and one team work as the attackers for a set time period. The attacking team must nominate two players who will remain on the pitch. The remaining players take it in turns to pass onto the pitch and then run to make a 3v2. The forwards must still make good movement in order to create space to receive a pass .

Groups of players take it in turns to be the server, attacker and defender. The attacker must make a move away from the defender in order to receive a pass from the server. The attacker must then try to turn and score in the mini goal.

3v3 Continuous back to goal

Teams are split into groups of three and play a continuous attack and defending game. The coach serves the ball into the three attackers who must try to combine and then score into the three goals. The receiving player in this practice should look to control and then protect the ball. The two non receiving attackers must now make supporting runs around the receiving player in order to disrupt the defenders and receive a pass. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Theme

Shielding and Protecting the Ball This session is designed to improve shielding and protecting the ball. The key factors when shielding the ball are; getting your body in between you and the defender, using your arms to hold off the defender and get more space, placing the ball on the furthest foot so that the defender cannot get to the ball, getting your head up and looking to dribble/turn into space or make a pass to a team mate. All of these key factors will appear in the three practices below.

Technique through games

1v1 Turn to score

Get your head up and pass

Players are split into pairs and have one ball between two. Each game is played for 30 seconds before changing opponents for a 2nd game.

Game 1 – The shielding player must place the ball on a cone and stop the defender from knocking the ball off the cone.

The coach passes a ball between the two players who must sprint to compete for possession.

Game 2 – Now the player must bounce the ball and shield away from the defender (like in basketball).

The player who gets to the ball first must protect it and look to turn and shoot into the two gates. The defender must try to stop him. If the defender wins the ball he can score by running over the end line with the ball.

Game 3 – Now the player must dribble away from the defender and shield their ball.

Now a neutral team mate is added to the practice. The player in possession can now pass back to the neutral player and get the reward of a 2v1 situation to score in the gates. This is an important progression as the aim for shielding or protecting the ball is to then get your head up and look for the opportunity to pass or dribble. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Theme Using your team to develop 1v1 skills This session is designed to improve 1v1 defending and attacking. In every group of players you will have some that are slow, quick. Strong, weak, skilful or direct. Therefore using your own team for a 1v1 session gives your players the best training opportunity they could possible have. This is due to them experiencing a range of attacking and defending opponents. Please remember that: “The best attackers don’t always beat their defender and likewise the best defenders don’t always stop the attacker. Therefore 1v1 practices are crucial to both players and coaches”

1v1 Choice The defender must run onto the pitch and call out the name of the attacker they wish to “challenge” in a 1v1 situation. Immediately the attacker called dribbles to make a 1v1 game.

The players switch roles for the next game. Progression – only attack when you have defended successfully.

1v1 Continuous

1v1 Crossway Two teams.

The teams attack the goal they are facing and then defend the opposite goal. The teams take turns to attack and then defend 1v1. The game runs continuously for a set time period or until a set number of goals have been scored.

1v1 Continuous multi goal Up to 7 players. Four mini goals. All the footballs in the centre square / circle. The players in the middle must attack a goal of their choice and attempt to score in a 1v1 situation.

If they are successful they now get a 2nd ball and attack a different goal, however if they fail to score then they switch roles with the defender.

Free Game

Two teams. The teams take turns to attack and then defend 1v1. The game runs continuously for a set time period or until a set number of goals has been scored.

Pick two teams and play a free game. The coach should encourage quick passing in order to create 1v1 situations. Once these situations have been created its important that the player in possession has enough confidence to be direct and dribble at the defender. Likewise, the coach should encourage a positive attitude and energy to defending 1v1 situations.

© Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Using Your Overload to Create Goal Scoring Opportunities This session includes three games aimed at creating and maximizing attacking overload situations.

The term “overload” is simply a situation where your team has a greater number of players than your opponent. This could be in a 2v1, 3v2, 4v3 game or in a full 11v11 game where a quick switch of play gives you an overload on the other side of the pitch. Overloads occur all the time in games however our players are not always quick to spot these situations. If we can improve that awareness in our players then we could be creating and scoring more goals.

Use the extra players

8 v 4 Possession game The blue team have four players on the pitch and four players on the outside of the pitch.

Playing with the overload

Neutrals Game

Two teams (red and blue) play a game lasting for 6 balls.

Two teams (red and blue) and two neutral players. The pitch has two channels in the wide areas. All players are allowed into this area however, the two neutral players must not leave this area.

The neutral players (whites) play for the blue team for three balls before changing to the red team.

The red team have four players on the pitch. The aim for the blue team is to keep possession using their overload of players. If a blue player passes out to a team mate on the outside then the two players should quickly rotate positions.

To start the game, two white tops enter the pitch and attack with the blue team to make a 2 player overload situation. Once this ball is played the two whites go off the pitch at the opposite end and two new whites enter the game for the blue team.

The neutral players play for the team in possession of the ball and are used for: Crossing opportunities, Overlaps, One-Twos and 2v1’s in wide areas. The team in possession should look to switch play often to utilise the advantage of the neutral players. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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SUPPORTING A FORWARD PASS / FORWARD BRINGING TEAM MATES INTO THE GAME This week’s session is designed to improve two key areas of play. 1 – Forward’s hold up play and bringing team mates into the game 2 – Midfielders supporting a forward pass The practice is based around a circuit. Two players are at each station on the circuit and rotate places for each ball. After a set time the players then move on to a new station. If worked correctly, then all players will have played in each position of the practice. Therefore ,all the players will have experienced different problems to solve, either as an attacker or defender.

The coach starts the practice by passing into the forward. The forward is allowed one touch before the defenders are allowed to tackle. The two midfielders must now make supporting runs and attempt to combine with the forward in a 3v2 situation.

The blue team now have their own goalkeeper and goal to defend. The blue keeper starts the practice by throwing the ball into the forward. The two midfielders quickly run to join the attack. The red midfielder quickly runs back to help his defenders. If the reds win the ball they can now attack and try to score in the blue team’s goal.

The coach is now replaced by a retreating defender. The defender passes into the forward and then tries to make a recovery run in order to make the game 3v3 rather than 3v2 in the attacking teams favour.

The attacking team are now given two additional wide players who play in the channels outside of the pitch. The red team are given an additional defender. If the blue team pass out to one of their wide players then the opposite wide player can come onto the pitch in order to score from the cross. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Counter Attacking – See the rewards This session includes three progressive practices specifically aimed at improving your team’s ability to play on the counterattack. Each practice will show your team the value of using this tactic. Practice 1 shows that by blocking passing options and then winning possession, you can quickly attack and score. Practice 2 shows that by dropping back and allowing opponents forward that they will often leave big spaces behind their defence that can be exploited. Finally, practice 3 shows that by making a quick switch of play to the wide areas you can create crossing opportunities.

Win and reward

Win and space behind

Win and space wide

Three teams of players take turns to attack, defend and then rest.

Three teams of players take turns to attack, defend and then rest.

Three teams of players take turns to attack, defend and then rest.

The goalkeeper starts the practice by passing to the defending team who are trying to pass forward and into the three target goals. Immediately, the attacking team must try to stop the forward ball by working together to block passing options. If the attacking team win the ball then they must quickly try to shoot at goal.

Now a 2nd zone is added to the practice. The defending team receive the ball from the coach and try to pass forward to score in the target goals. The attacking team now try to win possession and then make a through pass into the 2nd zone (space created by allowing the defending team forward) for a team mate to run and shoot at goal.

Now two wide players are added to the practice. As soon as possession is regained the attacking team quickly try to switch play to one of their wide players. The wide player now dribbles to the by-line and looks to make a cross into the box. The whole attacking team must react to winning possession and make runs to get into the box and score. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Throw-ins – Improving your team’s ability to retain possession If you ask a group of coaches to mention one aspect of their team’s play that really frustrates them, I am sure that throw-ins will be one of the answers that is regularly mentioned. This maybe for a junior U7 team through to a senior professional team. Throw-ins are a constant part of all soccer matches and the whole effectiveness of your team can be improved just by spending a little time on the technique, ground rules for players and simple movement combinations. How many coaches cover this simple area effectively? How many spend no time on this area at all?. It’s a crucial part of a team’s and player’s development and if spending one session on this area can eradicate losing possession, then it’s one of the most important sessions you will ever coach!.

Technique – taking and receiving

Three groups of players (throwers, receivers, defenders) The receivers work for 1minute. The first 30 seconds are unopposed and they must make runs to receive a throw and then pass back to the thrower. The 2nd, 30 seconds are opposed and the defenders come out to pressure the receivers on each throw. Rotate the three groups so they experience each role in the practice.

Making space to receive

Now split the pitch in two half's. This is important to the team’s effectiveness on regaining possession as this limits three players to work around the throw in. One to be in line or deeper than the taker, one to be down the line and one to be diagonal to the taker. All three player's should be 10-15yds from the taker in order to give themselves and the thrower space to receive. You can now look at various movements to receive and then combine 4v3 (thrower joins in after throwing) to get a cross or shot on goal.

Holding the team shape

Now take the middle line out of the pitch and play a game where the attacking team have one player more than the defenders.

The team must stick to the three player and 15yds rule. But now have the added bonus that due to the team holding its shape, a quick switch of play can find a team mate unmarked and in space to attack. Rotate sides that the throw-ins are made. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009

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Using overlapping runs to create goal scoring chances This session develops overlapping runs in the final 3rd of the pitch. The practice aims to make your players more positive after making their initial pass by forcing them to make a forward run. When attacking, players that make overlapping runs often create chaos in the opponents defence. Does the defender stay with the player in possession? Or does the player follow the attacker making a run? Both decisions can be a bad one as the attacker can either pass when marked tightly or dribble themselves when the defender follows the run. Creating this indecision in the opponents defence will lead to greater chances being created and more importantly, more goals being scored by your team.

Technique – Passing Practice

Two balls work around the circuit. The first player must pass across to the receiving player and then make an overlapping run. The receiving player dribbles diagonally towards the centre cone and then reverses their pass to their overlapping team mate. Both players continue their runs / dribble and join the group diagonally to where they started. After a set time go in the opposite direction so all players have a chance of overlapping and receiving.

Double 2v1 Overlap

Double 3v2 Overlap

Two players are nominated as defenders for a set time period.

Now the practice is progressed with an extra attacker and defender in each half.

The attacking players work in pairs to attack 2v1. Each pair works for two balls (one attack at each goal). After the first ball is played the players receive the 2nd ball from the coach.

This transforms the practice from 2v1 into a 3v2 situation.

The players must now use the overlapping run in an opposed situation.

The forward is very important in this practice and must try to make a run that will pull one defender away from the ball. This will allow for a 2v1 on the other defender. © Copyright www.academysoccercoach.co.uk 2009