Pre Academy Winter Block Week 10

Warm-Up - Movement & Dribbling (10 mins)

Setup:
This warm-up takes place in a 20x20-yard area designed to prepare players for the session with a focus on quick movements and dribbling skills.

  • Four stations are set up around the area, with two players at each station.
  • Each station has a set of cones and a mannequin or large cones for players to dribble around.
  • Players take turns performing the sequence:
    1. Dribble around the mannequin and pass the ball back to the next player at the station.
    2. Move to the cones and perform quick-feet movements through them.
    3. Rotate clockwise to the next station and repeat the process.

Key Coaching Points

  1. Sharp Movements Between Stations:
    • Focus: Players should transition quickly and with energy from the mannequin to the cones, and then to the next station.
    • Coaching Tip: Encourage explosive acceleration between activities to simulate game-like intensity.
  2. Close-Control Dribbling:
    • Focus: Players must keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling around the mannequin to maintain control and precision.
    • Coaching Tip: Emphasize the use of small, quick touches with both feet to maneuver around the mannequin smoothly.
  3. Variation in Quick Movements Through Cones:
    • Focus: Players should vary their movements when navigating the cones, such as using side steps, one-foot hops, or lateral shuffles.
    • Coaching Tip: Highlight the importance of quick feet and agility, ensuring players maintain balance and rhythm as they move through.
  4. Alternate Feet When Dribbling Through Cones:
    • Focus: Encourage players to dribble through the cones using alternating touches with both feet to develop coordination and versatility.
    • Coaching Tip: Ensure players practice equal control with both their dominant and non-dominant foot.
  5. Player Concentration:
    • Focus: Players should stay mentally engaged throughout the warm-up, concentrating on each task and their transitions between activities.
    • Coaching Tip: Remind players to keep their heads up to scan their surroundings while completing the drills.

Mini Stars (5:00pm - 6:00pm)  - Take out the passing element, have the players dribble the ball to top turn and then dribble through the cones, before returning to the back of the queue.

Pre Academy (6:00pm- 7:00pm) - Judge the progressions based on ability of the group.

Ball Mastery - Dribble Races (10 mins)

Setup:
This practice is conducted in a 10x20-yard area with the aim of improving dribbling skills and fostering a competitive spirit among players.

  • Two cone circuits are set up within the area, with two players starting at each station.
  • Players opposite each other will dribble their ball through the circuit as shown in the session plan, racing against each other.
  • The first player to complete the circuit and return to their start point wins the round.
  • The game continues for a set number of rounds, and the player with the most wins is declared the overall winner.

Key Coaching Points

  1. Close Control While Dribbling:
    • Focus: Players must keep the ball close to their feet at all times to maintain control.
    • Coaching Tip: Emphasize small, controlled touches to help players stay precise when navigating the circuit.
  2. Small, Sharp Touches Around Cones:
    • Focus: Encourage players to use quick, sharp touches as they maneuver through the cones.
    • Coaching Tip: Remind players to slow down slightly around cones to maintain control but speed up in open areas.
  3. Use Both Feet While Dribbling:
    • Focus: Players should practice using both their dominant and non-dominant foot to improve balance and versatility.
    • Coaching Tip: Highlight the importance of alternating touches with each foot as they dribble to enhance coordination.
  4. Recover Quickly from Mistakes:
    • Focus: Players should retrieve their ball quickly and continue the circuit if they lose control or make a mistake.
    • Coaching Tip: Encourage resilience and focus by praising players who recover quickly and keep going.
  5. Encourage Teammates:
    • Focus: Players waiting their turn should actively cheer for their teammates, fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere.
    • Coaching Tip: Emphasize the importance of teamwork and encouragement, even in competitive settings.

Progression Ideas

  • Increase Difficulty: Add extra cones or tighter turns to make the circuit more challenging.
  • Timed Races: Instead of racing each other, players race against the clock, aiming to improve their own time.
  • Relay Format: Create a team relay where players pass the ball to a teammate after completing their circuit.

Skills - 1v1s Stay On The Ball (15 mins)

Setup:
This practice takes place in a 20x20-yard area and is designed to enhance players' ability to retain possession and beat defenders in 1v1 scenarios.

  • Two 8x8-yard zones are created within the area.
  • In each round:
    • One player starts in possession of the ball (Gold 9).
    • One player acts as the defender in the same zone (Blue 6).
    • Another player waits on the sidelines in the opposite zone (Red 8).
  • The objective for the possession player is to keep the ball for 5 seconds and then attempt to dribble past the defender into the opposite zone.
  • Once the possession player enters the next zone, the waiting player (Red) becomes the active defender.
  • If the defender wins possession, they must dribble into the opposite zone and become the possession player.

Key Coaching Points

  1. Strength to Hold Off Defenders:
    • Objective: Teach players to use their arms and body to maintain possession when under pressure from the defender.
    • Coaching Tip: Encourage players to lower their center of gravity and use their arms legally to create distance from the defender while shielding the ball.
  2. Individual Skill to Beat Defenders:
    • Objective: Players should use 1v1 moves such as body feints, step-overs, and quick turns to outmaneuver the defender.
    • Coaching Tip: Encourage creativity and confidence when using skills to change direction or unbalance the defender.
  3. Using the Body to Protect Possession:
    • Objective: Players must keep their body between the ball and the defender to protect possession.
    • Coaching Tip: Reinforce the importance of side-on body positioning to keep the ball on the safe side and out of the defender's reach.
  4. Head Up to Assess Space and Defender's Positioning:
    • Objective: Players should develop awareness of their surroundings by keeping their head up to assess where space is available and where the defender is positioned.
    • Coaching Tip: Encourage players to scan the field before and during possession to plan their next move effectively.
  5. Short, Sharp Movements to Evade Defenders:
    • Objective: Quick changes in direction and speed are key to escaping defensive pressure.
    • Coaching Tip: Emphasize the use of small, controlled touches and sharp movements to evade the defender and create space to dribble into.

Group Adjustments: If the defender wins the ball, they have stay on the ball for 5 seconds before moving to the other square rather than a coach feeding the ball in.

Game (15 mins)

Mini Stars (5:00pm - 6:00pm) - Put players in a realistic game with retreat rules, kick-ins

Pre-Academy (6:00pm - 7:00pm) - No Retreat, give social ownership for players to choose their own positions.

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