Pre Academy - Winter Session 9
SESSIONS : U6s , U7s & U8s (5:00pm - 7:00pm)
Warm-Up - Reaction Game (5 Mins)
SESSIONS : U6s , U7s & U8s (5:00pm - 7:00pm)
Ball Mastery - Dribble Gates (15 Mins)
SESSIONS : U6s , U7s & U8s (5:00pm - 7:00pm)
Overview:
Each player has their own ball to dribble around the area. For each gate a player dribbles through they get one point. Coach can set the timer for 30 seconds and players must count their score to either compete against each other or to set themselves a target for next time.
Coaching Points:
Eyes Up: Players should look to keep their eyes up in order for them to be able to see what space they have in front of them and how/what type of touches and turns they need to use as they travel around the area.Keeping their eyes up will also allow them to see the opposition as well.
Dribbling: Smaller touches with the laces will help the attacker to keep the ball close to their body but they may need to take bigger touches with their laces to move into space if it opens up for them to move into. Players should be encouraged to dribble with the ball on both feet using different surfaces of either foot.
Turns: As players approach the gates they should know where they are going to dribble to next before so need to know how they can manipulate the ball to reach that gate. This can be done by a range of different turns or 1 v 1 moves which players should be encouraged to try.
Protect The Ball - Pairs Game (10 mins)
SESSIONS : U6s , U7s & U8s (5:00pm - 7:00pm)
Overview:
Players compete against each other in pairs and have one ball between them. One is the defender and one is the attacker. The attacker has to protect the ball and not allow the defender to put their foot on top of the ball for a point. The attacker isn’t moving with the ball just protecting using their body and strength.
Coaching Points:
Using The Arm: The attacker should use the arm closest to the defender slightly bent to stop them from getting close to the ball. This will also enable them to know where and how close the defender is to the ball to adjust their position.
Bend The Knees: Players should bend their knees to create a strong base and become balanced so they are not pushed off the ball. With the arm against the defender and knees bent, this will make it hard for the defender to get through or around the attacker.
Staying On The Ball: As the practice progresses, attacker will need to move with the ball and keep it on the furthest foot away from the defender. They will have to change direction but at the same time hiding the ball and keeping their body in between the ball and the defender.
Progressions:
- On the command of the coach, the player who is protecting the ball dribbles and tries to keep the ball away from their partner who is chasing.
Regressions:
- Balance the ball on the cone and instead of putting their foot on top, defenders have to knock the ball off for a point.
1 v 1 SAQ Game (15 mins)
SESSIONS : U6s , U7s & U8s (5:00pm - 7:00pm)
Overview:
Setup an area with one goal at one end with a goalkeeper and two goals at the opposite end with a goalkeeper in each of those goals. Organise two teams along either side of the pitch with cones/ladders laid out. The defender has to move through the ladders/cones and recover ready to defend 1 v 1 against the attacker who moves through the ladder/cones to receive the ball to then play against the defender. Rotate the attackers and defenders around.
Coaching Points:
Ball Manipulation: When the attacker has the ball, they should look to use different surfaces of their feet to help them to manipulate the ball. Players may need to take larger touches if they’re attacking the space at speed but if they have a smaller amount of space, they may need to take smaller touches.
1 v 1 Moves: Players should look to use a variety of 1 v 1 moves to beat their opponent on either side. Players should try different types of moves players could use to beat their opponent when forward facing such as single and double scissors, chops, drop the shoulder.
SAQ: Players should show good form as they move through the equipment. They should keep their body upright and drive their arms from their eye socket to pocket and drive their legs up.
Finishing: Once the attackers are in and around the goal, they should look to take their opportunity to get their shots away quickly. Players should be encouraged to use both feet to help them to get their shots away.
Progressions:
- Players can stay on the pitch afterwards to support their team mates to create overloads. This is played until eventually everyone is on the pitch.
Regression:
- Remove the cones/ladders for the attacker and they simply have to receive the ball and attack against the defender who does move through the equipment.