On Saturday 8th June I delivered this session at the “BCD COACHING CONFERENCE” in Leamington FC.
Initially I had planned to coach a group of U14’s and focus on how they work together to score. On the day I was given a group of U10’s so I’ve adapted it slightly. I would love to hear your feedback POSITIVE and NEGATIVE, so please feel free to let me know your thoughts!
This session will help players;
Play out from the back
Use space more effectively
Allow for repetition of decisions such as when to play forwards, when to shoot and when to support
SET UP
Small sided pitch suitable for age group
2 goals
Plenty of balls
2 sets of bibs
Cones / flat markersAs below, the pitch is split by a SAFE ZONE where I have placed 2 floaters, or as I like to call them MAGIC MEN!
Let the players play for 5 minutes to work out the dimensions and get a feel for the practice.
After this I "LOCK" the players in to zones, as below.
GOALKEEPER, 2 DEFENDERS AND 1 ATTACKER
2 MAGIC MEN
GOALKEEPER, 2 DEFENDERS AND 1 ATTACKER
Now we focus on distributing the ball from the goalkeeper through the thirds to score!
Initially I ask my defenders to "SPLIT", I ask the players "What does that mean?" and "Why do we try and do that?"
For me this means getting them as HIGH and WIDE as they feel is safe to receive the ball from the goalkeeper.
This gives the defenders lots of opportunities to receive the ball...Once they have done that challenge them to make the right decision. What is the right decision?
It could mean:
Dribble into space
Pass forwards
Maintain possession using GK or Defender
Shoot!
In the ideal scenario the defender can play forwards either into the YELLOW players or the striker. If not he can turn and maintain possession.
As the session develops, I allow the YELLOW players to roam, so they can support the goalkeeper or strikers, when they see fit.
This session allows for a repetition of a few key pictures...
SPLIT
When the goalkeeper gets the ball, use the full width of the pitch. When in possession, try and make a positive pass forwards.
SUPPORT
For the magic men....When do I need to come and help the defender? Or goalkeeper? When the ball is played forward what decision do I make? Shoot, dribble, pass or maintain possession?
SHOOT
When they have opportunity are the players working the goalkeeper? Is a teammate in a better position to score?