Session 12: Defending

Session 12: Defending
Age Group: U10 (16 Players)
Duration: 1 Hour

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Close down the ball quickly, on first touch slow down
2. Body stance, side on and low down(bent knees)
3. Use the back foot and inside of foot to perform a block tackle

WARM UP: 15 MINUTES

- Grid size 24m x 24m
- Bib 8 players before start of warm up
- Players start without a ball
- Players move freely around the grid
- Coach introduces activity (Heels, knees, skips, shuffles, headers, etc)
- Coach increases tempo from slow to fast
- Progress to ball ber non bib and pair off with a bib player
- Players move freely again(non bibs dribble ball)
- On coaches command bibs close down their partner
- After a few swap over
- To increase tempo witch to oon command play a pass to your partner and as ball is moving close it down





MAIN ACTIVITY: 25 MINUTES
PART 1: 10 MINUTES

Part 1 of activity is passive and used to coach the correct body shape of defending
- Grid size 15m x 10m
- Set up 2 grids(8 players per grid)
- Balls placed in zig zag lay  out 3m apart
- Player approaches each ball performing the key factors from top of planner
- When 1st player reaches the 2nd ball the next player should start







PART 2: 15 MINUTES
Progression 1 v 1 Defending
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Close down the ball quickly, while it is moving
2. Body shape side on and low(bent knees)
3. Use the back foot and inside of foot to perform a block tackle
4. Assess the attackers 1st touch
   - Bad touch, nick the ball
   - Good touch, delay approach
5. Threaten the ball using the key factors
6. Jockey and delay

- Grid size 15m x 10m
- Set up 2 grids (8 players in each)
- 4 players at end of each grid
- Balls at defenders end
- Defender plays ball out to attacker(good accurate pass) who then attacks the space
- Once the ball is played the defender will close it down using the key factors
- Swap over on coaches command







CONDITIONED GAME: 20 MINUTES
The focus of the end of session game should be on good body stance when players are defending, the coach should observe plenty of situations where good defending practice is used. Corner kicks and throw ins again should be used to give a real match feel for the players.
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This is a great session for teams who need a bit of defensive work, it is basic but covers everything a young player needs to know in basic 1 v 1 defending.

Session 11: Heading

Session 11: Heading
Age Group: U10 (16 Players)
Duration: 1 Hour

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Bodyshape
2. Relaxed and balanced
3. Mouth closed, eyes open
4. Head center of ball with forehead
Progression
1. Arch back
2. Adjust body position to hit ball at favourable height
3. Accuracy

WARM UP: 15 MINUTES

Use the first 4 key factors in the warm up so they will be fresh in their minds moving onto the main activity.
- Grid size 24m x 24m
- Bib 8 players before start of warm up
- Ball per player
- Players move freely around the area
- Coach instructs players to do an activity(drag back, stepover etc)
- Coach increases tempo from slow too fast
- Coach takes balls from bibs
- Bibs now must receive a header of non bibs(use key factors)
- After couple minutes swap over to non-bibs being servers





MAIN ACTIVITY: 20 MINUTES

- Grid size 15m x 20m
- Players work in pairs across the grid to get 1st key factors
- Progress to groups of three with player in middle as server
- Player heads over server to player at other end of grid (defensive header)
-Progress to downward headers between servers legs (attacking header)
- Progress again to cushion headers back to server

If a spare player rotate them in and out of the session



CONDITIONED GAME: 25 MINUTES
The coach should only stop the game if there defensive oppurtunities or attacking oppurtunities to head the ball, these might only occur from corner kicks. Again corner kicks and throw ins are in play.

Session 10: Possession Game

Session 10: Possession Game
Age Group: U10 (16 Players)
Duration: 1 Hour

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Create space(Width and depth)
2. Head up when on the ball
3. Good passing and control
4. Good decisions(timing and selection of pass)

WARM UP: 15 MINUTES

Again the topic being possession I have used the same warm up as session 9 to get the players focussed on passing in preparation for the possession game
- Bib 8 players before warm up
- Non bibs with a ball each
- Non bibs dribbling (plenty of touches, right foot, left foot)
-  Bibs without ball free movement performing activities(Heels, knees, headers, shuffles etc)
- On coaches command bibs recieve a pass from a non bib and proceed to dribble
- Non bibs now perform activity
- Coach increases tempo by more frequent change of passing
- Finish warm up with dribblin players taking 5 or 6 touches and then getting a pass off



MAIN ACTIVITY: 20 MINUTES

- Grid size 30m x 20m, goal at each end, cones marking halfway line
- 3 teams(3 bib colours), 4 players each team and 2 goalkeepers
- Spare balls in each goal to keep game flowing
- Players on outside can only pass to team they received ball off( they must move up and down and not stand still)
- One player must stay in attacking half
- If ball goes dead start from goalkeeper
- Coach can progress to awarding goals for certain number of team passes

Coach encourages short passing, support and continuous movement
Swap the outside players in every few minutes


CONDITIONED GAME: 25 MINUTES
Very similar to the main activity, the coach encourages short passing and good support and movement, the coach should stop  the game if width and depth are not been used(demonstrate width and depth to players). Corner kicks and throw ins are enforced to give real match situation for players.
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It is important in all possession drills or games that the coach focuses on the players quality of passing. The coach should also makesure that the players understand width and depth, don't just demonstrate to players give them a reason why they are doing it aswell.

Session 9: Possession in 3 v 0 and in 3 v 1

Session 9: Posession in 3 v 0 and in 3 v 1
Age Group: U10 (16 Players)
Duration: 1 Hour

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
-3 v 0
1. Open body shape
2. Accuracy
3. Weight
4, Timing
5. Control
-3 v 1 (non tackle)
1. Angle of support (option left and right)
2. Distance of support
-3 v 1 (with tackle)
1. Create space by moving the ball
2. Time of pass
3. Disguise of pass

WARM UP: 15 MINUTES

*Because the topic is possession I have used a passing based warm up here to get the players used to moving the ball between them before the main activity. The coach should be refreshing the players on the key factors of passing during the warm up in preperation for the progression.
 Grid size 24m x 24m
- Bib 8 players before warm up
- Non bibs with a ball each
- Non bibs dribbling (plenty of touches, right foot, left foot)
-  Bibs without ball free movement performing activities(Heels, knees, headers, shuffles etc)
- On coaches command bibs recieve a pass from a non bib and proceed to dribble
- Non bibs now perform activity
- Coach increases tempo by more frequent change of passing
- Finish warm up with dribblin players taking 5 or 6 touches and then getting a pass off

MAIN ACTIVITY: 20 MINUTES

- Grid size 12m x 12m (4 grids)
- 4 players in each group, ball per group, 1 player per group with a bib(defender)
- Coach has extra balls to keep the session flowing
- Players have free movement in 3 v 0, swap in player every 30 seconds
- Progress to  3 v 1 defender standing in middle but not tackiling, again swap defender every 30 seconds
- Progress to 3 v 1 defender being active and allowed to tackle
- Follow key factors at top of planner


CONDITIONED GAME: 25 MINUTES
The focus in the end game is to keep good possession of the ball, the coach should be strict on good passing and should wncourage the players to support left and right of the player on the ball at all times. Again corner kicks and throw ins are enforced.

Session 8: Running With The Ball

Session 8: Running With The Ball
Age Group: U10 (16 Players)
Duration: 1 Hour

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Play ball out with laces
2. Keep ball out from under feet
3. Accelerate with head up
4. Take few touches on the ball
5. Run straight to exploit space
6. Give an end product

WARM UP: 15 MINUTES

For warm up use the key factors on dribbling from session 6 and 7
- Grid size 24m x 24m
- Ball per player
- Players move freely around the grid
- Coach introduces an activity(stepover, dragback, Ronldinho, inside turn, outside turn)
- Although warm up coach refreshs key factors to ensure good technique
- Coach increases the tempo from slow to fast








MAIN ACTIVITY: 20 MINUTES

- Grid size 30m x 8m, 5m zone at each end (2 grids)
- 4 Players behind each end line
- Players run with the ball and pass when they get to the green cone to the next player
- Key factors as at start of planner









CONDITIONED GAME: 25 MINUTES
The coaches focus during the end of session game is focussed on the key factors of running with the ball, the coach should identify to the players the importance of a good end product when running with the ball(ie a cross, a good pass or a shot on target). Again corner kicks and throw ins should be enforced at all times.

Session 7: Dribbling Continued

Session 7: Dribbling Continued (To beat an opponent)
Age Group: U10 (16 Players)
Duration: 1 Hour

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Stepover (Ronaldo)
1. Keep ball close to body
2. Assess opponents movement
3. Disguise your body movement by steping over ball
4. Push ball away with outside of opposite foot
- Roll One Way Push The Other (Ronaldinho)
1. Roll inside of foot over ball
2. Use outside of same foot to push ball away
3. Attack the space

WARM UP: 15 MINUTES

For warm up use the key points of session 6: dribbling allowing you to progress onto dribbling to beat an opponent in the main activity
- Grid size 24m x 24m
- Ball for each player
- Players moving freely in the grid
- Coach encourages plenty of touches(right foot, left foot, inside, outside)
- Coach progresses tempo of session by introducing calls to perform an activity(drag back, inside of turn, outside of foot turn)
- Although a warm up reinforce the key factors from previous session to allow progression

KEY FACTORS
- Slow to fast
- Use space
- Good coordination

MAIN ACTIVITY: 20 MINUTES

- Grid size 12m x 12m (4 Grids)
- Ball per player, 4 players in each grid
- Randomly place 2 small cones beside each other around the grid to act as passive opponents
- Players dribble around square and use various manouevres to go by the cone
- Key factors at top of planner to be used










CONDITIONED GAME: 25 MINUTES
The focus in the conditioned game is to get the players to attack an opponent and try beat them, the coach should observe the game and stop where necessary and demonstrate where a skill could have been used, again demonstrate then let the player give it a go. Corner kicks and throw ins are enforced to replicate a real match feel for the players.
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With this particular age group I like to use a long game at the end as this is where a coach can really learn about his players and what they are learning, players need plenty of match situations at this age to express what they have learned in the session. Don't be afraid to do the same session a couple of times if you think the players technique needs to be worked on, repitition is the only way players will get the chance to improve.

Session 6: Dribbling

Session 6: Dribbling
Age Group: U10 (16 Players)
Duration: 1 Hour

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Soft touches at all times
2. Head up
3. Change direction
4. Change pace

WARM UP: 15 MINUTES

- Grid size 20m x 10m
- 16 Players start without a ball
- Players work in pairs
- Players work down the outside of cones and back up the inside
- Players only perform the technique on way up not on the way back down(ie on outside)
- Leave space in between each player
- Coach demonstrates exercise for players to perform(Dynamic straetching, headers, side to side etc)
- Coach increases difficulty as warm up progresses
- Coach introuces a ball each, players perform activity(drag backs, stepovers, toe taps etc)




Ensure
- Slow to fast tempo
-Increase blood fow
- Good mechanics

MAIN ACTIVITY: 20 MINUTES

- Grid sizes 12m x 12 m (4 grids)
- 4 players in each grid with a ball each
- Players move freely in each grid
- Coach encourages plenty of touches, right foot only, left foot only
- Progress to changes of direction with key factors below

DRAGBACK
1. Close Control
2. Standing foot planted beside the ball
3. Sole of foot on top of ball
4. Drag ball behind standing foot
5. Turn and move away


INSIDE OF FOOT
1. Close control
2. Standing foot behind the ball
3. Disguise kicking action
4. Wrap foot around the ball
5. Move away

OUTSIDE OF FOOT
1. Close control
2. Get level with the ball
3. Push ball away with outside of foot
4. Move away

CONDITIONED GAME: 25 MINUTES
The coaches focus in the end of session game is on the players technique of dribbling on the ball when they have space, if there is space to run into the coach should encourage the players to attack it using the techniques learned in the main activity. Again a real match situation should be enforced by using corner kicks and throw ins.
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The best way for a player to become comfortable with a ball is to maximise their contact time with a ball. A session on dribbling is great for players as for most of the session they get a ball each and can express themselves in a passive environment.

Session 5: Ball Control On The Move

Session 5: Ball Control On The Move
Age Group: U10 (16 Players)
Duration: 1 Hour

*Note do not progress to unless happy with technique of players after session 4

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Get into line of flight of ball
2. Decide on surface
3. Offer surface
4. Use surface to control ball for next move
5. Work off balls of feet to get into position for return pass(ie on toes at all times)

WARM UP: 15 MINUTES

- Grid size 20m x 10m
- 16 Players start without a ball
- Players work in pairs
- Players work down the outside of cones and back up the inside
- Players only perform the technique on way up not on the way back down(ie on outside)
- Leave space in between each player
- Coach demonstrates exercise for players to perform(Dynamic straetching, headers, side to side etc)
- Coach increases difficulty as warm up progresses
- Coach introuces a ball each, players perform activity(drag backs, stepovers, toe taps etc)

Ensure
-Slow to fast tempo
- Increase blood flow
- Good mechanics (work off balls of feet)

MAIN ACTIVITY: 20 MINUTES

- Grid size 12m x 12m
- 16 players, 4 per grid in pairs, ball between pair
- Two gates are placed in opposite sides of grid 1m wide
- Players work in pairs across grid
- Server passes ball through the gate to receiver who touches ball into space to return pass
- Progress by lifting gates and allowing players to move freely
- Key factors as at top of planner








CONDITIONED GAME: 25 MINUTES
The focus in the end of session game should be on ball control on the move. The coach should observe the game and use the key factors were possible to demonstrate where players could have controlled the ball on the move. Again don't stop the game for the sake of it, let the players play.
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I have put a different warm up into this session just to introduce somthing a little different for the players, again the key factors of the warm up are the same as the previous sessions, the layout being the only change.
This session should only be used by a coach who is satisfied that the players took in the key factors of Session 4: Ball Control and are executing the technique adequately.

Session 4: Ball Control

Session 4: Ball Control
Age Group: U10 (16 Players)
Duration: 1 Hour

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Get into line of flight of ball
2. Offer surface
3. Withdraw surface to control the ball

WARM UP: 15 MINUTES

- Grid size 24m x 24m
- Bib 8 players before the warm up
- Start warm up with a ball each
- Coach introduces activity (Stepover, drag backs, Toe taps etc)
- At halfway point bibs remain with ball only
- Non bibs receive pass and lay it back(focus good touch although only warm up)
- After couple mins swap over to bibs receiving pass
Progression
-Take a chest and lay it back
- Take it on thigh and lay it back
Coach to increase tempo from slow to fast as warm up progresses




MAIN ACTIVITY: 25 MINUTES

- Grid sizes 12m x 12m (4 grids)
- 4 players in each grid in pairs
- Ball between each pair
- Players work across the grid
- Players control the ball using required surface
- Players progress to free movement around grid in their pairs
- Many variances can be performed as per coach in this drill (ie control with right foot, left foot, inside, outside, control to pass, control to dribble, control on the move)
- Key factors as at top of planner





CONDITIONED GAME: 25 MINUTES
The key focus for the coach in the end of session game should be on ball control, encourage the players to get a good touch and then get their pass away if they have time to do so. Again corner kicks and throw ins should be enforced to replicate a real match situation for the players, don't unnecessarily stop the game, let the players express themselves.
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A similar session to passing in week 1 in terms of layout, the focus for the coach here being on a good first touch. If the coach the players are progressing well on first touch they can then use different variances(ie touch to beat a player, touch to create space, outside of the foot, touch to dribble, touch to pass).
There is no need to use complicated drills that the players won't understand, simple drills are easy to understand and mean the players get more ball contact time and can focus on the key factors of the topic.

Session 3: Passing (Long)

Session 3: Passing from Distance
Age Group: U10 (16 Players)
Duration: 1 Hour

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Eye on the ball
2. Plant standing foot
    -to side of ball(driven pass)
    -behind ball(lofted pass)
3. Use the instep (Toe down, heel up)
4. Striike through the middle of ball
5. Follow through

WARM UP: 15 MINUTES

- Grid size 24m x 24m
- Bib 8 players before warm up
- Non bibs with a ball each
- Non bibs dribbling (plenty of touches, right foot, left foot)
-  Bibs without ball free movement performing activities(Heels, knees, headers, shuffles etc)
- On coaches command bibs recieve a pass from a non bib and proceed to dribble
- Non bibs now perform activity
- Coach increases tempo by more frequent change of passing
- Finish warm up with dribblin players taking 5 or 6 touches and then getting a pass off





MAIN ACTIVITY: 20 MINUTES

- Grid size 30m x 8m with 5m end zone(4 grids)
- Ball between each pair (2 pairs per grid)
- Players work across grids holding their position in the end zone
- Players can move forward or back in the end zone
- Players strike alternatively between them practising both driven and lofted passing
- Progress to one ball per grid with one player setting up the player beside him for a pass
- Key factors at top of planner should be coached
- End zone should be used for players to practise passing from a standing position, on the move and also whilst dribbling




CONDITIONED GAME: 25 MINUTES
Players should be allowed to play freely. The coach should stop the game where he feels an oppurtunity for a driven or lofted pass could have been performed by the player, Again the coach demonstrates the pass using the key learning outcomes and then lets the player perform it. The coach should not try and force the topic into the game, let the players play and ONLY stop it if the driven or lofted pass was on.
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The key with coaching young age groups is to keep it basic and repitition, introducing scores in any of the main activity is always an option to create a competitive and fun environment for the players.

Session 2: Passing Continued

Session 2: Passing
Age Group: U10 (16 Players)
Duration: 1 Hour

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Eye on the ball
2. Standing foot planted beside the ball
3. Lock the kicking foot
4. Head up Head Down
5. Strike the middle of the ball
6. Bodyweight over the ball

WARM UP: 15 MINUTES

- Grid size 24m x 24m
- Bib 8 Players before starting warm up for later
- Ball each, player moves freely, left foot, right foot, inside foot, outside foot.
- Coach demonstartes activity (drag backs, stepovers, ball taps, change ball on call etc)
- Coach increases tempo
- Take out footballs from bib players leaving ball between two
- Players continue free movement
- On coaches command non-bibs go and receive pass(take touch head up, lay it back)
- Continue for 2 mins and swap balls to non-bibs
- Coach increases tempo by not using a call and letting free players receive a pass whenever there is a free player with a ball
KEY FACTORS
1. Slow to fast
2. Spacial awareness
3. Coordination

*Although only a warm up the coach should encourage good technique in the passing phase of the warm up, dont stop it but make players aware of the key factors

MAIN ACTIVITY: 20 MINUTES

-Cones 6m x 6m apart

-1 player at cones B,B1,C,C1 que of players at A1 and B1

-Player A passes to be B

-B Lays ball back to A, A passes across to C1

-A Replaces B, B replaces C1 and C1 dribbles back to A1 and start again

At Same Time

-Player A1 passes to B1

-B1 lays back to A1, A1 passes across to C

-A1 Replaces B1, B1 replaces C and C dribbles back to A and start again

KEY FACTORS

- As at start of planner

CONDITIONED GAME: 25 MINUTES

Again the focus in the end of session game should be on the technique of passing, by now an improvement in passing should be seen and players will be more comfortable on the ball.

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It is important at the end of each session the coach gathers the players in to have a quick question and answer session on the topic, this makes players aware of the factors and gives the coach an indication that the information is been picked up by the players.

Session 1: Passing

Session 1: Passing (Push Pass)
Age Group: U10 (16 Players)
Duration: 1 Hour

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Eye on the ball
2. Standing foot planted beside the ball
3. Lock the kicking foot
4. Head up Head down
5. Strike the middle of the ball
6. Bodyweight over the ball

WARM UP: 15 MINUTES

- Grid size 24m x 24m
- 16 players
- Players move freely throughout area
- Coach demonstartes an activity (Heels, Knees, Shuffles, Side to Side, Headers etc)
- Coach increases tempo, improving focus and maintaining fun
- Coach introduces balls (Plenty of touches, Left foot, Right foot, Stepovers, Drag backs etc)
- Introduce dynamic stretching

KEY POINTS
1. Slow to Fast
2. Spacial Awareness
3. Coordination



MAIN ACTIVITY: 20 MINUTES

- Grid size 12m x 12m, 4 grids
- 16 Players in groups of 4
- Players in pairs with ball between each pair
- Start with push pass to develop accuracy (progress to using both feet)
- Progress to free movement around area passing to same partner(take touch get head up)
- Progress to using other parts of foot (Inside, outside)
- Key learning outcomes to be coached as at top of page



CONDITIONED GAME: 25 MINUTES
The end of session game should be used to practice the technique of passing, the coach should observe oppurtunities in the game where it could have used and stop where necessary. When stopping the coach should ask the question could you have performed the pass?, demonstrate to the player and then give the player the oppurtunity to perform the pass. The coach should allow the players play and not stop the play too often or unnecessarily, Corner kicks and throw ins should be enforced to replicate a true match feel for the players.
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The above session is very basic and is essential in the development of young players passing abilities, the key is repitition and maximum ball contact for each player during the session. Remember give the players the oppurtunity to learn and practice as much as possible.

Welcome to The Youth Coaching Development Blog

Hi
Welcome to the youth football coaching sessions blog in which I will be logging the details of coaching sessions done with players aged u10 to u16.
The blog will focus purely on how to coach kids the proper technical aspects of playing football whilst making it fun and giving the players the opportunity to express themselves.
All feedback and ideas are welcome as a good coach is learning all the time.
Thanks
SC