By Sean Reed -
Objective
This is a session that focuses on possession with some high speed running.
Set Up – Sprinting into the empty area
The session is set up within an area approx 15yds x 20yds with a 5v5 inside the area. There is an additional area that is left empty for the players to sprint into. See Diagram 1.
Unlimited touches, the coach can stipulate the number of passes for a goal (i.e. 5 passes). On the whistle both teams will leave the ball and accelerate / sprint into the empty area, where the first player to get there receives the ball to continue playing. The length of time / number of sprints is decided by the coach and the objective of the session.
Progressions
• Restrictions on the number of touches
• The ball in the new area is given to the team who gets ALL there players into the new area first
Set Up – Running with the ball
The session is set up as the previous session. Both teams are looking to maintain possession of the ball and on the whistle they are looking to sprint into the new area. However, within this session the player in possession will run with the ball at their feet to get into the new area. That team retains possession. See Diagram 2.
Progressions
• The player running with the ball can play a pass from outside the area into a teammate as soon as the team mate gets into the area
Set Up – Forward Pass
The session is set up as the previous session. Both teams are looking to maintain possession of the ball and when required they are looking to sprint into the new area. However, within this session it is 4v4 in the area and 1 player from either team will stay in the new area waiting to receive the ball. Either on the whistle or after a specific number of passes made the ball is played into the spare player in the new area and both teams will sprint across to support the player in possession. See Diagram 3.
Progressions
• Restriction on the number of touches
Some Coaching Points
• Movement to receive the ball
• Quality of passing
• Creating space for self and others
• Angles of support
• Acceleration and sprinting from one area to another
• Forward runs
• Awareness of next touch / pass / movement
By Sean Reed
Former First Team Coach of Championship team 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.
Web - www.seanjreed.com
Twitter - @SeanJReed
