Session 12
Session
Dillsburg Polar Club Academy
12
Objectives:
Develop field awareness and the ability to know the difference when to dribble and when to pass
HINTS:
Whenever possible, help your players recognize the importance of sportsmanship and reinforce what it means to be a good team member. Celebrating the success of others and using kind words are two strong examples. Activity 1- “PACMAN”
Warmups:
Duration: 10 MIN
Hold a quick team meeting to welcome players to practice and tell them the focus tonight will be on knowing when to dribble and when to pass the ball. One player starts with a ball in a grid (usually one of the better players). All the others start in the grid without their balls (placed just outside the grid within easy reach). On command the player with the ball must dribble the ball under control while attempting to tag others. Tagged players join PacMan in tagging with their ball.
2 vs. 1
COACHING DEMONSTRATION Begin by having players line up at two cones at midfield and facing the goal. Only one player has a ball. Tell players that soccer is a constant game of decision making. Does it make sense to dribble into space or pass the ball to a teammate? Demonstrate when it makes sense to keep the ball and dribble or pass the ball to a teammate. Coaching points should include: dribble (when there is no pressure from an opponent) or pass the ball to a teammate (when pressure is applied by an opponent). The coach stands facing the two players and applies pressure to one of the two players. If pressure is applied to the player without the ball, the player with the ball should dribble to the goal and score. If pressure is applied to the ball handler, a pass should be made. Repeat several times. Offer praise and reinforce the good habits you are observing. Activity 2- 2 vs. 1
Duration: 8 MIN
Individual players now replace the coach; Have one player play defense. The defender should now operate similarly applying pressure to one of the two offensive players. Make sure all players rotate through the defensive position. If pressure is applied to the player without the ball, the player with the ball should dribble to the goal and score. If pressure is applied to the ball handler, a pass should be made. Repeat several times. Offer praise and reinforce the good habits you are observing. Activity 3- DRIBBLE OUT & PASS
Duration: 8 MIN
Adding a second passing option is the goal here. One player enters the field of play with the ball and dribbles out from one of the edges. The coach applies pressure and closes off one of the two passing options forcing the ball handler to pass the ball to the open player positioned on one of the ends of the field. The player must decide which of the two passing options makes better sense. The coach closes down one of the two options to make the choice more obvious. Repeat a time or two and set up a player rotation so all players participate in each role. Continue to offer praise and celebrate good decision making. REPEAT COACHING DEMONSTRATION Use this to check for players’ understanding, to measure growth and to target players who may need additional help. Activity 4- SMALL SIDED GAME 4 v 4
(Keep the focus on tonight’s objectives!)
Duration: 20 MIN
End practice with a short team meeting to review the session objectives and highlight the good things seen and observed.
Dillsburg Polar Club Academy
12
Objectives:
Develop field awareness and the ability to know the difference when to dribble and when to pass
HINTS:
Whenever possible, help your players recognize the importance of sportsmanship and reinforce what it means to be a good team member. Celebrating the success of others and using kind words are two strong examples. Activity 1- “PACMAN”
Warmups:
Duration: 10 MIN
Hold a quick team meeting to welcome players to practice and tell them the focus tonight will be on knowing when to dribble and when to pass the ball. One player starts with a ball in a grid (usually one of the better players). All the others start in the grid without their balls (placed just outside the grid within easy reach). On command the player with the ball must dribble the ball under control while attempting to tag others. Tagged players join PacMan in tagging with their ball.
2 vs. 1
COACHING DEMONSTRATION Begin by having players line up at two cones at midfield and facing the goal. Only one player has a ball. Tell players that soccer is a constant game of decision making. Does it make sense to dribble into space or pass the ball to a teammate? Demonstrate when it makes sense to keep the ball and dribble or pass the ball to a teammate. Coaching points should include: dribble (when there is no pressure from an opponent) or pass the ball to a teammate (when pressure is applied by an opponent). The coach stands facing the two players and applies pressure to one of the two players. If pressure is applied to the player without the ball, the player with the ball should dribble to the goal and score. If pressure is applied to the ball handler, a pass should be made. Repeat several times. Offer praise and reinforce the good habits you are observing. Activity 2- 2 vs. 1
Duration: 8 MIN
Individual players now replace the coach; Have one player play defense. The defender should now operate similarly applying pressure to one of the two offensive players. Make sure all players rotate through the defensive position. If pressure is applied to the player without the ball, the player with the ball should dribble to the goal and score. If pressure is applied to the ball handler, a pass should be made. Repeat several times. Offer praise and reinforce the good habits you are observing. Activity 3- DRIBBLE OUT & PASS
Duration: 8 MIN
Adding a second passing option is the goal here. One player enters the field of play with the ball and dribbles out from one of the edges. The coach applies pressure and closes off one of the two passing options forcing the ball handler to pass the ball to the open player positioned on one of the ends of the field. The player must decide which of the two passing options makes better sense. The coach closes down one of the two options to make the choice more obvious. Repeat a time or two and set up a player rotation so all players participate in each role. Continue to offer praise and celebrate good decision making. REPEAT COACHING DEMONSTRATION Use this to check for players’ understanding, to measure growth and to target players who may need additional help. Activity 4- SMALL SIDED GAME 4 v 4
(Keep the focus on tonight’s objectives!)
Duration: 20 MIN
End practice with a short team meeting to review the session objectives and highlight the good things seen and observed.
