By Sean Reed -
Objective
This session focuses on the player’s awareness and movement. This is a session that can be used within the warm – up, as part of the session and / or when working with individual players.
The cones and areas used in the exercises represent the 4-corners of the pitch (hence the term corner-flagging). They are a point of reference to encourage the player to scan before making their decision and movement.
Session 1
Diagram 1
Set Up
- Focusing on awareness, decision-making, reaction and movement
- The area is set up 5-10yds x 5-10yds with the player working, starting in the middle of the area. The coach is positioned on the outside of the area serving and providing the instruction
- The area is made up of 4 different colored cones (Red, Yellow, White, Blue) see diagram 1. If you do not have a range of colors the a number of cones can be used in each corner (i.e. 1, 3, 4, 3)
- The player working (in the middle) is always facing the coach.
- The player is prepared, scanning, on their toes, body shape set and reacts to the call of the coach for example ‘blue’. The player then moves towards that cone. See diagram 1
- To start the player can travel to the cone in any form they wish to (backwards, forwards, sideways etc). Then the coach can instruct the player to move as quickly as possible but always facing the coach.
- The player can then be instructed to move to the cone, turn and return to the middle
- The player can work for 4-6 reps then switch / rest
Coaching Points
- Scanning / awareness of the cones (four corners)
- Body shape (preparation before 1st movement)
- Speed of reaction / 1st step – reduce time between thought and movement
- Acceleration / speed of movement
- Small steps to change direction
Session 2
Diagram 2
[wpsharely id="1204"][/wpsharely]
Set Up
- The set up is as with the previous session
- The progression is; the coach can now move around the area. The player must continue to face the coach. In doing this, the colored cones will change. See diagram 2
Coaching Points
- As within the previous session
- Importance on the player scanning as the coach moves around the area
Session 3
Diagram 3
Set Up
- As within the previous session (coach remains in one position)
- Within this session a ball is included. The coach and player will pass back and forth to each other. Then coach will then call a color. The player then travels toward the cone selected. See diagram 3
- The coach can work on different skills for example, 1 touch, 2 touch, volleys, headers etc. It is for the coach to use their imagination in order to challenge the player
- Encourage the player to scan / be aware between each pass / skill
- Receiving and playing the ball on angles where possible
Coaching Points
- As with the previous sessions
- Focus on the quality of the ball work
- Manage the 1st step after a pass is played (on the ground / in the air)
Session 4
Set Up
- As within the previous session
- The coach has the option to move around the area with the ball or between movements. The player as in session 2 must always be facing the coach. They need to be aware of everything changing and focus on their scanning
Coaching Points
- As with the previous sessions
- Focus on the scanning and reducing the time between thought and movement
- Focus on the quality of the ball work
- Manage the 1st step after a pass is played (on the ground / in the air)
Session 5
Set Up
- As within the previous session (coach remains in one position)
- The coach and player pass the ball back and forth. When the coach calls a color the player will then receive the ball and travel to the selected cone with the ball (either dribble past or turn and return to the middle – this can be a progression)
- As within session 3 + 4 different types of passing / skills can be used for the initial part. Then the ball has to get the ball under control to then travel to the selected cone
Coaching Points
- As with the previous sessions
- Awareness of selected cone – body shape and 1st touch to take the player toward the cone
- Small steps on the turn with the ball (limited touches)
- Change of pace when driving out
Session 6
Set Up
- As within the previous session
- The coach has the option to move around the area with the ball or between movements. The player as in session 2 + 4 needs to be aware of everything changing and focus on their scanning
Coaching Points
- As with the previous sessions
- Awareness of selected cone – body shape and 1st touch to take the player toward the cone
- Small steps on the turn with the ball (limited touches)
- Change of pace when driving out
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
