Technical - Ball Mastery Turns (15 Mins)
CLOSE CONTROL
• When approaching the mannequin and cone, players should always be in control of the ball, to allow them to change direction quickly while having full control.
PUSHING INTO SPACE
• When space presents itself to the players, they must push the ball out of their feet into that space.
• This will allow them to travel over distance at speed.
DISGUISED MOVEMENT
• The players are challenged to add disguise to their technical actions.
• This can be seen when players are using tricks and turns to manipulate the ball around the mannequin or cone.
LIFT YOUR EYES
• The coach should encourage players to get the ball out of their feet once they have performed their turn.
• This will allow them to lift their eyes, to be able to see the ball and what’s around it.
CHANGE OF SPEED
• When approaching the mannequin or cone, players should slow down in order to complete their turn under full control.
• They must then explode away, at pace.
CREATING SPACE TO RECEIVE
• In the progression, players must make a quick movement towards the ball before receiving, in order to create space for them to turn on the ball.
SHOWING ONE SHOULDER
• When receiving the ball, the player receiving should be showing one shoulder to the passing player.
• This will ensure there is distance between the ball and the defender.
LATE MOVEMENT
• Players should look to adopt their position to receive as late as possible.
• The coach should encourage them to make a late, quick movement before receiving.
BODY SHAPE TO RECEIVE
• Players should receive on the back foot.
• They must open their hips as the ball is travelling towards them, to allow them to dribble forwards.
WEIGHT OF PASS
• To allow the receiving player to take a first-time touch around the corner, the pass must be firm and accurate.
Skills - 1v1 Duels (15 Mins)
COACHING DETAIL:
TECHNICAL STEPPING ACROSS TO INTERCEPT
• When challenging for a ball played in by the coach, both players should be trying to step across the opposing player.
• This is to get their body between the ball and defender to protect the ball.
BEING COMFORTABLE WITH BODY CONTACT
• The player who gets to the ball first should be ready to face heavy pressure from the defender.
• They should look to keep the ball on the safe side when and where necessary, and use their arms and body to keep the defender as far away from the ball as possible.
SOFT TOUCHES • Players should try to take soft touches when receiving from the coach, or when attacking.
• This should help them keep the ball close to their body when under pressure from the defender.
SEEING THE SPACE
• When initially attacking and after stealing the ball, players should try to see space they can exploit by driving the ball into.
• This will open up goalscoring chances.
TWIST & TURNS
• As the attacker will be attempting to beat the defender under heavy pressure, within a small area, the coach should encourage them to twist and turn away from the defender, while being in control of the ball.
QUICK SHOTS
• When the attacker has faced the defender up in a 1v1 situation, they should try and move the ball, quickly, either side of the defender to get a shot off. • Players should be looking to shoot into the corners of the goal.
Keep The Ball - Conditioned Game (15 Mins)
MAKING THE PITCH BIG
• The coach challenges the players to recognise when to stay away from the ball in order to make the pitch as big as possible.
• This will create space for an in-possession teammate to complete their chosen technical action.
CREATING PASSING ANGLES
• Players should constantly be creating passing angles. • If passing lanes are blocked, they should make a counter movement in order to create a new angle.
STAYING ON THE BALL
• If a forward pass is not available, the coach challenges the player in possession to stay on the ball, changing direction, to give time for their teammates to create another passing angle.
COACHING DETAIL: TECHNICAL TAKING THE SPACE
• If the player in possession of the ball has space in front of them, they should be encouraged to take the space by dribbling the ball into it.
• This will draw the opposition towards the ball, for them to either take the defender on, or play passes around