Session 14
If you have a small number of players, such as 2-4, start with very small-sided games like 1v1 or 2v2 and add players to each of the teams as they arrive at your session. If you have more players, divide them into multiple small teams ensuring as much balance as possible in terms of skills and physical attributes. Once the majority of players have arrived make trades and switch players if you need to in order to make the teams more balanced or to get like with like.
Relays
Players are in teams of 3 at the most. One player at a time, they run/dribble there and back, then the next player goes until they all have gone. Players can take a knee when they are done or do something so they do not go a second time by accident. When it says ‘run’ that means no ball, ‘dribble’ means with a ball.
- Run there and back, slap hands with the next player before they go.
- Run there and backpedal back, slap hands with the next player before they go.
- Side Shuffle there and back facing the same way.
- Dribble past the line, turn and dribble back and stop on the ball to leave it for your next teammate.
- Dribble there and halfway back and pass it to the next player.
- Dribble past the line and pass it all the way back.
- Dribble there and do drag backs, drop it off for the next player.
- Run there, receive a pass from the next person in line and dribble it back.
Field Setup: Outline a rectangular playing area and designate two endzones at either end of the grid. The size of the grid should be large enough to allow multiple teams to operate simultaneously without interference.
Teams: Divide players into teams of 3 or 4, with each team assigned one ball. Teams will work within the same grid but will be focused on moving their ball from one endzone to the other.
Activity: Each team starts in an endzone and aims to pass the ball as a unit to the opposite endzone while navigating through the other teams doing the same. Players are not allowed to dribble; they must receive the ball and remain stationary before passing. The goal is to reach the far endzone with controlled and consecutive passes.
Field Setup: Designate a square playing area suitable for a small group. This is the central zone in which the defender will operate. Mark out clear boundaries for this square. Assign each of the four players to one side of the square where they are allowed to move laterally along their assigned side but not enter the square. Size of your square is key. For beginners you want to make the square large enough to give the players some time and space to have success, you want to be careful not to make the square too big that they players are struggling with making a long pass across the Rondo.
Teams: Form groups of five players, with four players working as a team to keep possession and one player acting as a defender. The defender is restricted to the square, while the four players are limited to their designated side.
Activity: The four players on the outside attempt to maintain possession by passing the ball around and across the square, avoiding the central defender. The defender’s goal is to intercept or block a pass. If the defender succeeds, the player who made the last pass becomes the new defender. The primary objective is for players to receive the ball with an open body stance and using the foot furthest from the incoming ball.
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Finish your session with Winner Stay On games.
“Winner Stays On” is a dynamic format for organizing soccer games involving three teams. In this setup, two of the teams compete in a match where the victory condition is set at scoring either one or two goals, depending on the preferred pace of the game. A single goal makes for a faster, more intense match, while a two-goal requirement allows for a slightly longer and strategic play. Additionally, to ensure that the matches don’t extend indefinitely, a time limit is imposed. If the game ends in a tie within this period, both teams are rotated out, allowing the third team to play. The winning team of each match stays on the field to face the next team, fostering a competitive yet fun environment. This cycle continues, offering each team multiple opportunities to play and compete.