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Session 15

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. 

  1. Run there and back, slap hands with the next player before they go. 
  2. Run there and backpedal back, slap hands with the next player before they go. 
  3. Side Shuffle there and back facing the same way. 
  4. Dribble past the line, turn and dribble back and stop on the ball to leave it for your next teammate. 
  5. Dribble there and halfway back and pass it to the next player. 
  6. Dribble past the line and pass it all the way back. 
  7. Dribble there and do drag backs, drop it off for the next player. 
  8. Run there, receive a pass from the next person in line and dribble it back. 

Field Setup: Set up a square or rectangular playing area suitable for the size of the group. Position one player on each side of the playing area to maintain the shape of the grid.

Teams: There are six players involved – four on the outer edges of the playing area, one additional central player who plays with the outer players, and one defender inside the playing area.

Activity: The four outer players, along with the central additional player, work together to keep the ball away from the central defender. If the defender intercepts or steals the ball, the player responsible for the turnover becomes the new defender. The central player is critical in facilitating possession, providing constant support and options for passing.

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Field Setup: Set up a small-sided pitch with a goal at each end. Along each sideline, designate an area for the sideline bumpers – these are neutral players who will always support the team in possession, turning the game into a 5v3 in favor of the attacking team.

Teams: Create two teams of three players each. Additionally, select players to act as sideline bumpers, ensuring they understand their neutral role and are positioned on both sides of the pitch.

Activity: This is a straightforward 3v3 game with the added twist of sideline bumpers. The bumpers are to play the ball back to the team that passed to them, providing a numerical advantage to the team in possession. The game’s objective is to score goals, but the use of bumpers encourages smart possession and width. Rotate sideline bumpers regularly to ensure all players experience different roles in the game.

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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.