By Sean Reed -
The focus for these sessions will look at players working within 2 teams, combining and linking play.
Objective: Session 1
Working on individual movements on the ball with an end product of a pass / combination
Set Up
- The group is split into 2 teams (3 players from each team start in the middle + this will leave 5 players around the outside of the area). Alternate the players from each team See Diagram 1
- If have a small number you can work with just 1 team or if you have a large number you can then either have 2 separate circles or 3 teams within 1 circle
- Size of area can change (bigger area will increase space and range of passing and the smaller area will limit the space, and challenge the players)
- 3 balls for each team. The ball start with the players in the middle of the circle
- Players in the middle 4-5 quick touches on the ball – play a pass the a team mate on the outside and switch places
- Duration of time will be down to the coach and objective
Progression
- Looking for the players to put a turn in first before they play their pass to the outside
- As above but player on the ball plays 1st pass is to a player from the opposite team and gets it back. Then plays out to the outside to their own teammate and switches places. Can encourage
- When playing to the outside player look to play a combination (1-2’s / takeovers)
Coaching Points
- Positive in possession
- Change of direction / change of pace
- Tempo and quality of passing
- Awareness before receiving the ball
- Body shape
- Players preparation on the outside
- On the outside – take 1st touch off line and chase down 2nd touch (change of pace)
- Accelerate once the ball has been played when switching places
Objective: Session 2
Looking to play the spare man to combine or to play the pass. The spare player needs to work hard to provide an option and give a good angle
Set Up
- As within the previous session, but this time each team starts with 2 balls. In the middle. Therefore, there is a spare player in the middle
Players starting with the ball, looking to play a pass to the spare player or combining before it is played to a player on the outside - If the player plays a pass into the spare man and they take the ball, the spare man then plays to the outside and the player who passed the ball becomes the spare man
Coaching Points
- As within the previous session
- Spare player identifying areas to receive the ball
- Body shape to receive the ball (combine or allow it to come across the body)
- Decision to combine or take the ball
- Recognizing the switch to become spare man (awareness of 2 balls)
- Playing in the future
- Change of pace from 1st to the 2nd
Objective: Session 3
Looking to create and combine as a 3 in the middle
Set Up
- Same set up us the previous session, but this time each team only has 1 ball
- The play starts in the middle, every player must touch the ball before it can be played on outside. The player who plays the ball outside, then switches with that player
- When the ball is played from a player on the outside, that player cannot be the one to play the final pass out in that 1st sequence. (In other words they can’t come into the circle then be the 1st one to go out again)
- Encourage players to be creative (linking the play)
- Progression, when the ball is played out, players can combine
- When the ball is played in from the outside the 1st pass must be off a player from the opposite team (either side of the player receiving the ball)
Coaching Points
- As with the previous sessions
- Movement to encourage the pass (running forward)
- Balance off (Low, Medium + High)
- Decision-making to play 1 or 2 touch
- Clever link up play
- Awareness from players on the outside
By Sean Reed
Former First Team Coach of Championship side Fulham FC. Sean is a UEFA A Coach with a Masters in Sport Coaching. He has over 15 years of experience working in professional football from Academy through to First team in the Premiership and Championship.
Linkedin - www.developmentofplayers.com
Twitter - @SeanJReed
