By Sean Reed -
Objective
This session continues on from the last session, focusing on protecting the ball under pressure in front of goal. This session can be progressed in a number of different ways which allows the coach to make it specific to the needs of their attacking players.
Session 1
Diagram 1
Set Up
- Working within penalty area: width of the 6yd box
- Players include GK, 1x Defending Player, 1x Attacking Player and 2 players serving (resting)
- Objective for the attacking player is to score
- Objective for the defending player is to prevent the attacking player from scoring
- Servers start the game, they are restricted to 1 or 2 touch
- The attacking player can use the servers but can not immediately play back to the same player who played the pass into them
- Initially the servers are looking to play into feet of the attacking player
- 5-6 attempts then switch
- Change the starting position of the servers, playing a range of different types of passes into the attacking player
- Encourage the defending player to prevent the attacking player turning – tight and apply pressure
- Offside line
Coaching Points
- Movement to receive the ball
- 1st Touch to protect or create initially opportunity
- Manipulation of the ball
- Distance from the ball – getting between man and ball
- Body shape (balance + strength)
- Use of body to protect the ball
- Adjustment and movement
- Awareness of opposition player
- Managing space and area
- End product on goal
Session 2
Diagram 2
Set Up
- Working within penalty area: to the right of the goal within a channel. See diagram 2
- Players include GK, 1x Defending Player, 1x Attacking Player and 2 players serving (resting)
- Objective for the attacking player is to score
- Objective for the defending player is to prevent the attacking player from scoring
- Servers start the game, they are restricted to 1 or 2 touch
- The attacking player can use the servers but can not immediately play back to the same player who played the pass into them
- Initially the servers are looking to play into feet of the attacking player
- 5-6 attempts then switch
- Change the starting position of the servers, playing a range of different types of passes into the attacking player
- Encourage the defending player to prevent the attacking player turning – tight and apply pressure
- Offside line
Coaching Point
- Movement to receive the ball
- 1st Touch to protect or create initially opportunity
- Manipulation of the ball
- Distance from the ball – getting between man and ball
- Body shape (balance + strength)
- Use of body to protect the ball
- Adjustment and movement
- Awareness of opposition player
- Managing space and area
- End product on goal – Left foot across the goalkeeper
- End product on goal – Right foot open out far post or near post depending on the position of the GK
Session 3
Diagram 3
Set Up
- Working within penalty area: to the right of the goal within a channel. See diagram 3
- Players include GK, 1x Defending Player, 1x Attacking Player and 2 players serving (resting)
- Objective for the attacking player is to score
- Objective for the defending player is to prevent the attacking player from scoring
- Servers start the game, they are restricted to 1 or 2 touch
- The attacking player can use the servers but can not immediately play back to the same player who played the pass into them
- Initially the servers are looking to play into feet of the attacking player
- 5-6 attempts then switch
- Change the starting position of the servers, playing a range of different types of passes into the attacking player
The servers can play between each other - Encourage the defending player to prevent the attacking player turning – tight and apply pressure
- Offside line
Coaching Points
- Movement to receive the ball
- 1st Touch to protect or create initially opportunity
- Manipulation of the ball
- Distance from the ball – getting between man and ball
- Body shape (balance + strength)
- Use of body to protect the ball
- Adjustment and movement
- Awareness of opposition player
- Managing space and area
- End product on goal – Right foot across the goalkeeper
- End product on goal – Left foot open out far post or near post depending on the position of the GK
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.
Web - www.seanjreed.com
Twitter - @SeanJReed
