Pre Academy - Autumn Session 14
SESSIONS : U6s , U7s U8s & U9s Kirby & Desford (5:00pm - 7:00pm)
Warm-Up (5 Mins)
SESSIONS : U6s , U7s U8s & U9s Kirby & Desford (5:00pm - 7:00pm)
Ball Mastery - Traffic Light Dribbling (10 mins)
SESSIONS : U6s , U7s U8s & U9s Kirby & Desford (5:00pm - 7:00pm)
Overview:
The coach is to move around the area with three different colour cones in their hand (red, yellow and green) and each of the players have a ball to dribble with around the area. If the coach holds ‘green’, players have to dribble their ball. If the coach holds ‘yellow/amber’ players have to perform some ball mastery exercises with their ball i.e. toe taps, sole taps etc. Lastly, if the coach holds ‘red’ the players have to stop still with their foot on the ball and keep balanced.
Coaching Points:
Eyes Up: As the players are dribbling the ball around the area, they should keep their eyes up to identify the best space for them to move into as well as evading the other players as well. Players should be encouraged to also keep their eyes up to see the cone the coach is holding up to be able to quickly react to whatever colour is being shown.
Use of Both Feet: Encourage players to practice dribbling the ball on both feet. You may need to apply some constraints or challenges for the players to support and encourage them to use both sides for example: every time a colour is held up by the coach, you must change the foot that you are travelling with the ball on.
Surfaces of the Feet: Using different surfaces of the feet such as: laces, outside, inside and sole will help the players explore different ways of manipulating the ball as well as dribbling into the space too. When dribbling, players should try to keep the ball close to their body to allow them to change direction and speed quickly if needed.
Change of Speed: If there is little space for the players as they dribble, they may need to take smaller and slower touches to dribble to evade the other players and move out of the tight space. Alternatively, if there is space in front of them, players should be encouraged to dribble the ball with speed into that area.
Progressions:
- To progress this further, add a defender or defenders that the player have to try and avoid whilst they are dribbling around the area and also reacting to the colour of the cones that are held up by the coach.
Regression:
- Play without footballs; with players now moving in different ways around the area getting ready to react to whatever colour cone is held up by the coach. ‘Green’ can still be go; ‘Red’ can also still be stop. If ‘Amber’ is held up by the coach, you could ask the players to hold a balance or perform a movement skill such as jumping or hopping etc.