Activity 1
Technical Warm-Up
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 20W x 30L. Players should be in groups of (4-5) with (1) ball between them. Horizontal players (A,B) provide off ball support, while penetrating players (C,D) make penetrating passes. A-B-C-D (A,B move off ball in support of D) - Repeat pattern & combinations for 90 seconds. Rotate position, roles, and combination pairs.
Stay & Play - "If you play the ball down, you stay put"
Coaching Points
- Keep head up to direct first touch with the inside of your foot into open space
- Move towards the player with the ball with “open” body shape to play in multiple directions
- Run without the ball with a curve path to provide a large window for teammate to pass into
Activity 2
Small-Sided Activity
3v3 Knock Over the Cone
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Set up (2) tall cones on each end-line, representing (2) targets/goals.
Score by passing the ball into the cone. Knock both cones over to win the game.
Coaching Points
- Time the run to support the ball as it travels towards your teammate
- Position yourself at an angle so the player with the ball can see you & the defender
- Move feet, and up on your toes as you prepare to receive the ball
- Who: The player(s) without the ball
- How: Move towards my teammate with the ball so that my body is open to the field
Activity 3
Expanded Small-Sided Activity
Setup: TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Place (1) goal on each end-line for the group to attack.
4v4 to 1 goal
Play 4v4. Score by passing the ball into the goal. The goal is equal to the number of successful consecutive passes before the goal is scored.
Coaching Points
- Pass into space in front of teammates so they can run onto the ball - non-kicking foot/plant foot should point to the space the ball will travel
- Toes down, heel up to drive the ball across the space - to move the ball quickly
- What: Knowing when to move to support the ball
- When: If there is a defender near the ball and I am closest to the ball
Activity 4
Game
Play 7v7 with specific formations for each team. Reinforce all points above