An Introduction to the Scottish FA s Developing Talent Programme

Transcription

1

2

3 An Introduction to the Scottish FA s Developing Talent Programme The Scottish FA, in consultation with international player/athlete development expert Istvan Balyi, has developed a phased model of long-term player development. Throughout the consultation exercise, Balyi was clear that competition that focuses on outcome and not process is highly detrimental to the development of young players. Coaches should gauge success in terms of player progress and not by the results of matches. The Scottish FA has outlined the stages of development as follows: 1. Desire to Play Phase age: Males 6-9/ Females 6-8 (4v4) 2. Learning to Play phase age: Males 9-12/Females 8-11 (4v4 + 7v7) 3. Developing the Player phase -: Males 12-16/Females (7v7 + Dev 11v11) 4. Preparing to Compete Males16-18/Females ( 11v11) 5. Preparing to Win Males 18+/ Females 17+ (11v11) Each phase of the Developing Talent Programme has an associated game format that is designed to allow the player to develop in a playing environment that is most suited to their age and stage of development. The aims of the Developing Talent Programme are to introduce the football community in Scotland to this model of long term planning in respect of youth development and, consequently, the benefits to be accrued from it. The process emphasises the delivery of programmes that are matched by key criteria relating to individual development The underpinning philosophy is one that focuses on performance over the long term, rather than promoting winning as a short-term objective.

4 Coaching Plan: This coaching pack provides a programme of activities for coaches to use to teach children the fundamentals of the game and while helping them to develop essential motor skills. The pack should be used as a reference to help plan appropriate practice sessions for children between ages 8 and 9, practices may also be valuable to older children as well. We encourage coaches not to coach or direct during the games rather allow children to problem solve for themselves. The principle aim at this stage is about developing technique and skill with all sessions having this emphasis. Week No. Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6 Session 7 Session 8 Session 9 Session 10 Session 11 Session 12 Theme / Session title 4 v 4 Games Developing a Creative player Session Skills practice: Dribbling and Shooting Coaching in the Game: Penetration 4 v 4 Games Skills Practice: Passing and Control Coaching in the Game: Support (Attacking) 4 v 4 Games Skills practice: Shooting and Goalkeeping Coaching in the Game: Width (Attacking) Developing a Creative player Session 4v4 Games Why 4v4 for Phase 1 of the Developing Talent Programme? 4v4 is a great learning tool and can be used with children of all ages as 4v4 provides the minimum numbers needed for all of the principles of play. One player is up top for penetration. Two are needed for width and one holds back to supply depth. In 4v4 the responsibilities are very clear. All tasks are covered and all players learn to defend and attack. Four v four is the optimum number for teaching in small-sided games, and is a simple game for young players to learn to make decisions and develop football skills.

5 Notes for Coaches Conduct During Games: 1. Be a role model for the children you are coaching. 2. Use language that children will understand. 3. Provide encouragement to players when they are performing well and encourage those who are not equally. 4. The result of the game is not important at this age, the focus is on enjoyment and developing the skills required for the future. 5. Do not dispute decision s. 6. Create a fun environment and do not create additional pressure by shouting or using threatening language. 7. During games it is sometimes better to let the children play without noise from the side. Session Preparation: 1. Plan session and equipment needed in advance. 2. Try to get to the training area first to set up and check for obstacles. 3. Create an exciting atmosphere. 4. Focus on coaching position and if required kneel to the height of the children that you are coaching. 5. Adapt sessions to challenge those who are finding to straight forward and support those who are struggling. Ideal Shape for 4v4 with possession of ball. As shown in the Scottish FA small sided games DVD the ideal shape for a 4v4 game is a Diamond Formation with 2 players wide and 1 up and 1 deep as shown in the diagram opposite. Team should start narrow and short and break wide and long when player 1 receives the pass. Try to encourage the players to create this shape however do not over coach shape, use appropriate language, make the pitch big, just come closer to the side line, go closer to their goal, move closer to our goal.

6 Training Session Planner (Session 1) Warm Up: Football Specific Theme: 4 v 4 games Age Group: 8-9 Years 1) In pairs one ball. Player in front with ball at his feet, when coaches shout out a number. The players face each other and play that number of passes before continuing. Progression: Player in front with ball in hand and continue with volley s or control and pass, on coaches shout. Coaching Points: Awareness of space, quality of passes. 4V4 Game: Line Ball Objective: To encourage dribbling and creative play. Set Up: 1) Dribble ball over the line and trap to score point. 2) Basic shape of diamond emphasis on penetration, dribbling, wall pass. 3) Progress to pass over line and trap to score.

7 Session Planner (Page 2) 4v4 Game with no goalkeepers 1) Concentrate on players being allowed to express themselves. 2) Encourage a Diamond Shape, but do not over coach team shape. 3) Main coaching points are depth - length - width. 4 Goal Game Wide Set Up: Four goal game, Directional teams can score in any 2 of the goals they are facing.. Encourage width of play and change of direction.

8 Session Planner (Page 3) 4 Goal Game. 4v4 Game 4 Goals Dribble to Score 1/ Concentrate on players being allowed to express themselves. 2/Main coaching points are depth - length - width. Cool Down - Half the group dribble freely in a defined area, whilst the other half follow static stretching activity. Switch group every 60 seconds. Players in possession can attempt to nutmeg or pass round and retrieve players performing stretches. Objective : To gradually decrease heart-rate and to calm group. Progression: The exercise should be done at Jogging pace then slowed to walking pace to lower the heart rate.

9 Training Session Planner (Session 2) Football Specific Theme: Creative Player Age Group: 8-9 Years Warm Up - Touch & Technique Activities Players with a ball each dribble freely inside the defined playing area. Coach provides instruction on various conditioned movements with the ball as follows. a) inside-inside; b) inside-outside; c) turn-in; d) turn-out; f) change g) toe-taps. Players perform the conditioned activity for a set-time before moving freely again. Coaching Points: encourage players to take soft touches, lift head for awareness and control speed of movement. Coaching Points: Awareness of space, head up, look for space to dribble into, use both feet. Activity 1: Creative Player 1 v 1's Set up: Rectangle with 2 gates on each side. Objective: Yellow player 1 iniatiates move (without ball) and sprints through either of the side gates without being tagged by Red player 1. Repeat with player 2 then 3 etc. Progression 1. Introduce ball Progress to 4 v 4 game - score in any goal / min 5yd distance before permitted to score / add side players and introduce switches of play Coaching Points: Use a change of direction if required, take touch to protect ball from defending player, put body between ball and defender.

10 Training Session Plan (Page 2) Activity 2: Creative Player - Berkamp Twist off in 3's Set up: In 3's across the area marked with 1 ball per group Objective: Player 1 (with ball) is opposed by player 2 and performs Berkamp move to beat opponent, once completed, player 1 passes to player 3 who repeat move by beating player 1 prior to passing to player 2 whom had replaced player 1 at opposite end. Variations: Drag bag and hook / Inside cut / Outside cut / Cruyff / Step over onto double step over. Progression: Execute moves within 3 v 3 / 4 v 4 game. Coaching Points: Small sided Game End line game Depending on numbers 3 v 3 games. Players must dribble into end zone to score goal for team. Progression: Man for man marking to encourage players to be creative and go by opponents. Coaching Points: Create 1 v 1, good first touch, change of direction, change of pace

11 Training Session Plan (Page 3) D. SMALL-SIDED 4v4 GAMES Top Left: End line game - dribble over endline to score. Top Right: Keep Ball - e.g. 5 consecutive passes = 1 goal Bottom Left: 4v4 with or without Gk's Bottom Right: 4 goal game - score in any of opponents two goals - emphasis on width. All games kick in from side to re-start and are 5 minutes in duration. Cool Down - Opposites Set up: Area suitable for free movement. Players move freely around area responding to commands from coach e.g. stop, go, change direction, jump up, hands down etc. Once group are familiar with commands coach then asks for opposite movements from which are called. E.g. change direction = don t change direction. Objective : To gradually decrease heart-rate and to calm group. Progression: 1. Low intensity fun exercise for players do not follow the coaches command. (eg. Standing on one leg touching nose) 2. A ball can also be used and players can dribble while they follow commands. Coaching Points: Ensure the players slow the work rate down over the course of the cool down and decrease their heart rate. Players should also be encouraged to do some static stretches 2 hours after the end of the training session

12 Training Session Planner (Session 3) Football Specific Theme: Dribbling and Passing Age Group: 8-9 Years Warm Up Windows Set up: 20x30 Square, 12 players. 6 players (feeder) are situated in the windows between the cones on the perimeter. Players in the middle move to a feeder, receive and then return a pass before moving to another feeder. Objective: Dynamic activity, set tone for sessions, gradually raise heart rate, ball familiarity. Progression: 1. Receive, turn and dribble before passing back 2. Receive and play ball to different feeder 3. Pass back and overlap 4. Pas back and change places with feeder 5. Volley, thigh, head back, 2 touch variations. Skills Practice 1 Coaching Points: Awareness of available feeders, quality of passes, movement to receive ball. Dribble and change direction player dribble to markers then do various turns to change direction. Finish with competition see what team can complete first. Core: Small touches Support: Slow down when turning, stop ball first. Extension: weaker foot. Progression Ball between 2, Dribble through gates partner shouts what colour of gate you dribble through next. 30 sec each. Competition to finish dribble through as many gates in 30 seconds. Partner tries to beat. 1. Green 2. Blue 3. Yellow Core: Small touches Support: Slow the pace down Extension: Outside of foot only. Coaching Points: Head up, plenty of touches, awareness of spare gates.

13 Training Session Planner (Page 2) Fun Game Gladiators Number of players have ball and one defender tries to stop them getting into safety zone. If he gets a touch of ball attacking player becomes a defender. As the number of players with the ball get less make defenders go as crabs. Coaching Points: Encourage different types of dribbling, tapping ball with front of foot for a fast dribble. Instep dribbling to avoid trouble, encourage the use of the body to protect ball from defending player. Skills Practice 1 (15 mins) Shooting Set Up: Player 1 passes to player 2 who controls the ball before having a shot on goal. Player 1 then goes and joins in the line of 2 s. Support: Player 2 can control the ball taking a number of touches before having a shot. Extension; Player 2 can hit the ball first time with no control. Place bibs in top corner of goal and ask players to try to hit that. Coaching Points: Focus on technique and not power at this stage, for a strike with front of foot ensure plant foot is straight and flat next to the ball, for a straight shot make sure the striking foot is straight on the follow through. The back should be straight on impact with the ball. For a side foot shot ensure body is balanced and the plant foot is facing the direction the ball is intended to go.

14 Training Session Planner (Page 3) Small Sided Game (10 mins) Set Up: 5 v 5 (With GK) Maximum otherwise play 2 small pitches. 1) Concentrate on players being allowed to express themselves. 2) Encourage a Diamond Shape, but do not over coach team shape. Encourage lots of shooting. Rotate goalkeepers constantly if the are being used. If goal keepers are not used place a cone close to each post and give 2 points for a goal between the post and the goal. Give 1 point for a goal scored in the area between the 2 cones in the centre of the goal. Cool Down - Opposites Set up: Area suitable for free movement. Players move freely around area responding to commands from coach e.g. stop, go, change direction, jump up, hands down etc. Once group are familiar with commands coach then asks for opposite movements from which are called. E.g. change direction = don t change direction. Objective : To gradually decrease heart-rate and to calm group. Progression: 1. Low intensity fun exercise for players do not follow the coaches command. (eg. Standing on one leg touching nose) 2. A ball can also be used and players can dribble while they follow commands. Coaching Points: Ensure the players slow the work rate down over the course of the cool down and decrease their heart rate. Players should also be encouraged to do some static stretches 2 hours after the end of the training session

15 Training Session Planner (Session 4) Football Specific Theme: Penetration Age Group: 8-9 Years Warm Up 5 to 10mins Set Up: Mark-out boxed area for activity. Team divided into 4 teams of different colours. All colours have opportunity to do different roles detailed below. One colour act as chasers and try tig other players, players once caught must stand still and lift hand. They are freed by being touched by team-mates (the 3 colours not chasers). Progression: (1) 2nd colour has ball each (cannot be caught). They will move around area with ball and will free caught players by play passes through their legs. (2) Players with ball cannot be caught. Caught players are freed by receiving a pass KEY: ----> Ball Path Coaching Points: Emphasis throughout this warm-up is placed on accuracy of pass to free players, weight of pass (too slow through legs/too fast), timing of pass (proximity of chaser - will player be caught again quickly?). When caught comments can made about non-verbal gestures to team-mates to get free or to shout for help. Speed and Agility 10 to 15 mins Aim - To develop fast feet, speed and agility. This circuit will also develop coordination and advance knowledge of other players and decision making. Description - Players start at point 1 & 6. They work through each task moving into touch the centre cone (point 2) before moving in a clock wise direction through the circuit. Players always jog between stations. KEY: ----> Ball Path Route from point 1: Point 1 - Multiple jumps, Point 2 - Centre cone has to be touched after each exercise. Point 3 - Fast feet through ladders, Point 4 - Zigzag through flags/cones Point 5 - Jog back through gate, Point 6 - Multiple Jumps Point 7 - Fast feet through ladders, Point 8 - Zigzag through, Point 9 - Jog through gate and restart at point one

16 Training Session Planner Page 2 Bedding Down Penetration (10-15mins) (Bib players up) Objective: To show 3 penetrative options in a 2v1 scenario. Bedding Down: 2v1 in Channel 10m x20m, First touch can determine how the play develops: Option 1. 1st Attacker (Player 1) passes to 2nd Attacker (Player 2), and attacking player turns to make a penetrating run at the first defender with a dribble. Coaching Points: Player must make a movement to create space to be able to turn and face the defender, Player one needs to move the ball to signal to 2nd Attacker to make the move. Option 2. Player 1 passes to player 2, player 2 takes the ball and shields to ball then plays the ball back to player 1 who has made a penetrating run, timing of the run is important, the weight and angle of the pass played from player 2 is important. Ball must be played ahead of player 1 so he/she can run on to it. Alternatively player 2 can fake a pass to player 1 and take the ball on himself. Option 3. player 1 drives forward dribbling the ball, he should drive towards the defender, player 2 should move to ensure he stays onside and provide a supporting run to allow the 1st attacker to either use player 2 as a decoy or to play him the ball. For support, the supporting player must never go beyond the ball. Game Related mins Penetration Set up: 1 V 1 with goalkeepers in one half. 3 v 3 with floater in other half. Attacking team play 3 passes then can play pass to striker. Player who played the pass supports striker, then change to make the closest player supports to make a 2v1. If defenders win possession they can score by passing into any of the 3 gates at the other end of the pitch. Progression: Allow 1 defender to support and 2 midfielders creating a 3v2 in favour of the attacking team. Coaching points: enforce points made in channel. Timing of run of player making a penetrating run, weight of pass played to player. signal intent to play pass, penetrating pass can be made in the 2nd phase of play. Player receiving the ball should create space between himself and the defender so he can turn and dribble past.

17 Training Session Planner Page 3 4 v 4 Games: 15-20mins Set-Up: Set up multiple pitches for large numbers, pitch size should vary based on size of players. 25m x30m is a good base. Start Players in Diamond formation, When team as the ball tell them to make pitch big by asking players to go long and wide, when not with the ball make the pitch small, by coming in from the side and coming short. Always reiterate the points asked for in the bedding down and game related practice. Cool Down (5 mins) Set Up: Half the group dribble freely in a defined area, whilst the other half follow static stretching activity. Switch group every 60 seconds. Players in possession can attempt to nutmeg or pass round and retrieve players performing stretches. Coaching Points: It is good for young children to develop good habits although warm ups and cool downs are not necessary at young age it is good to encourage good habits. Ensure the players slow their running down over the course of the cool down and decrease their heart rate. Players should also be encouraged to do some static stretches 2 hours after the end of the training session

18 Training Session Planner (Session 5) Football Specific Theme: 4 v 4 games Age Group: 8-9 Years Warm Up: 1) In pairs one ball. Player in front with ball at his feet, when coaches shout out a number. The players face each other and play that number of passes before continuing. Progression: Player in front with ball in hand and continue with volley s or control and pass, on coaches shout. Coaching Points: Awareness of space, quality of passes. 4V4 Game: Line Ball Objective: To encourage dribbling and creative play. Set Up: 1) Dribble ball over the line and trap to score point. 2) Basic shape of diamond emphasis on penetration, dribbling, wall pass. 3) Progress to pass over line and trap to score.

19 Session Planner (Page 2) 4v4 Game with no goalkeepers 1) Concentrate on players being allowed to express themselves. 2) Encourage a Diamond Shape, but do not over coach team shape. 3) Main coaching points are depth - length - width. 4 Goal Game Wide Set Up: Four goal game, Directional teams can score in any 2 of the goals they are facing.. Encourage width of play and change of direction.

20 Session Planner (Page 3) 4 Goal Game. 4v4 Game 4 Goals Dribble to Score 1/ Concentrate on players being allowed to express themselves. 2/Main coaching points are depth - length - width. Coo l Down - Half the group dribble freely in a defined area, whilst the other half follow static stretching activity. Switch group every 60 seconds. Players in possession can attempt to nutmeg or pass round and retrieve players performing stretches. Objective : To gradually decrease heart-rate and to calm group. Progression: The exercise should be done at Jogging pace then slowed to walking pace to lower the heart rate.

21 Training Session Planner (Session 6) Football Specific Theme: Passing & Control Age Group: 8-9 Years Warm Up Set Up:. Mark-out boxed area for activity. Team divided into 2/3 teams of different colours. All colours have opportunity to do different roles detailed below. One colour act as chasers and try tig other players, players once caught must stand still and lift hand. They are freed by being touched by team-mates (the 3 colours not chasers). Progression: (1) 2nd colour has ball each (cannot be caught). They will move around area with ball and will free caught players by play passes through their legs. (2) Players with ball cannot be caught. Caught players are freed by receiving a pass Coaching Points: Emphasis throughout this warm-up is placed on accuracy of pass to free players, weight of pass (too slow through legs/too fast), timing of pass (proximity of chaser - will player be caught again quickly?). When caught comments can made about non-verbal gestures to team-mates to get free or to shout for help. Skills Practice (Drill Passing) Set Up: Organise the group so that they are in pairs. Players play short passes with preferred foot to pass to each other over short distance using 2 touches. By organising into small groups these practices give the players plenty of opportunities to practice the skill of passing.. Progression: Use of alternative foot/outside of foot (B) After playing pass player runs round partner (C) Utilising cones, players move ball from one side to the other and pass up the side (D) Players move ball and make diagonal passes between markers. Coaching Points: The key points to make during these practices is the accuracy and weight of pass being made by the players throughout the different exercises. Comments can also be made about non-verbal and verbal communication when looking to receive a pass.

22 Training Session Planner (Page 2) Fun Game Set Up: Organise 4 coloured groups into areas opposite target. Target can be cones or balls placed on top of disk markers. To be the first team to knock down all their targets. Poor passes will hand advantage to other teams in the race to be first to complete the task. Progression: Change layout of cones to make it more changing or put and end-line and use balls the winning team is the team who has hit or the balls passed the end line. Coaching Points: Focus on quality and accuracy of the pass, ensure players stay the set distance from the cones to avoid conflict. Skill Practice (Control) Set Up: Red passes to yellow, control and pass back 3x then switch roles. Work both right/left foot. Progression Red passes to yellow who is standing behind the cone. Yellow to control and move the ball around the cone and pass back 3x then switch roles. Work both right/left foot. Extension: Red throws to yellow so you have to control a bouncing ball/control with outside of foot or thigh. Support: Decrease distance of pass/feed can be a roll/increase number of touches allowed. Coaching Points: Relax, open body, inside of foot to control, cushion pass, use first touch to move the ball in the direction you want to go.

23 Training Session Planner (Page 3) Small Sided Game Set Up: 4v4/3v3, Allows for more touches on the ball. Depending upon ability, play with no goalkeepers. If Goalkeepers then rotate consistently. Use soft balls. Coaching Points: At this stage try not to coach too much. Allow the children to enjoy the game. Possible points could be to stop bunching or maybe emphasise a point from your session. Coaching Points: Timing and angle of runs to receive possession. Weight, angle and timing of passes. Timing and angle of support runs. Cool Down Set Up: Each player gets a ball and copies the action of the coach when he says coach says. If the player copies the actions of the coach without the coach saying coach says then they are out and must sit on the ball. Last pair playing is the winners. Follow this game with debrief and review of session before allowing children to depart.

24 Training Session Planner (Session 7) Football Theme: Support: Age: 8 to 9 Years A. WARM-UP Warm-Up: create a circle with markers, 2 players on each marker, players dribble ball in to the centre area and go round several markers/flags/poles. Upon leaving the centre area the player plays a short pass to his partner. While the partner is waiting he can perform some dynamic stretches. This can be progressed to passing the ball to any free player. Coaching Points: Emphasis on looking for free area, close control, and change of direction. Speed and Agility: Aim - To develop fast feet, speed and agility. Player start behind gate A. Jog up to ladders (B) and fast feet (single run). jog on to cones (C) side skip to each cone. jog over to hurdles (D) multiple jumps. After the last hurdle sprip through gate E. Jog back through gate F and down to gate G. Start circuit again. NOTE - Once stage C is reached the next player can go. Coaching Points: Focus on the technique of the players and not the speed. This is not a race but rather an opportunity for players to develop good technique that will develop speed later in their sporting lives.

25 Training Session Planner Page 2 Bedding Down - Support Support (Bib players up) The ball is played up to the striker from the defender; Striker moves wide to create space between himself and defender. Supporting player waits for striker to have first touch before deciding where to support. 1 - If the defender is tight behind the striker, a pass may be played across to the supporting player. (Shown at side) 2 - If the defender is tight behind but also coming around the inside of the striker, the support should drop back in line with striker. (Shown at side) 3 If the striker manages to get away from the defender and the supporting player has drawn the defender towards them, the striker should drive towards the goal. For support, the supporting player must never go beyond the ball. Game Related 10 minutes Support Objective: to demonstrate how to support players in varying positions in different areas of the park. Goal is scored by dribbling over the end line. Set Up: 2v1, 2v2, 1v2, 1 addition player can support in the middle area but only when their team is in possession. There can never be more than a 3v2 in the middle box. Coaching Points: Support based on body shape of player, support runs, timing of run, weight and angle of pass. Always reiterate the points asked for in the bedding down. Progress by only allowing 1 touch for players in Middle Zone. This means the support must be even quicker and sharper.

26 Training Session Planner (Page 3) 4 v 4 Game Always reiterate the points asked for in the bedding down. Common mistakes with Support. Being lazy in support. Being caught narrow and not giving a good angle. COOL-DOWN Half the group dribble freely in a defined area, whilst the other half follow static stretching activity. Switch group every 60 seconds. Players in possession can attempt to nutmeg or pass round and retrieve players performing stretches.

27 Training Session Planner (Session 8) Football Specific Theme: 4 v 4 games Age Group: 8-9 Years Warm Up: 1) In pairs one ball. Player in front with ball at his feet, when coaches shout out a number. The players face each other and play that number of passes before continuing. Progression: Player in front with ball in hand and continue with volley s or control and pass, on coaches shout. Coaching Points: Awareness of space, quality of passes. 4V4 Game: Line Ball Objective: To encourage dribbling and creative play. Set Up: 1) Dribble ball over the line and trap to score point. 2) Basic shape of diamond emphasis on penetration, dribbling, wall pass. 3) Progress to pass over line and trap to score.

28 Session Planner (Page 2) 4v4 Game with no goalkeepers 1) Concentrate on players being allowed to express themselves. 2) Encourage a Diamond Shape, but do not over coach team shape. 3) Main coaching points are depth - length - width. 4 Goal Game Wide Set Up: Four goal game, Directional teams can score in any 2 of the goals they are facing.. Encourage width of play and change of direction.

29 Session Planner (Page 3) 4 Goal Game. 4v4 Game 4 Goals Dribble to Score 1/ Concentrate on players being allowed to express themselves. 2/Main coaching points are depth - length - width. Coo l Down - Half the group dribble freely in a defined area, whilst the other half follow static stretching activity. Switch group every 60 seconds. Players in possession can attempt to nutmeg or pass round and retrieve players performing stretches. Objective : To gradually decrease heart-rate and to calm group. Progression: The exercise should be done at Jogging pace then slowed to walking pace to lower the heart rate.

30 Training Session Planner (Session 9) Football Specific Theme: Shooting and Goalkeeping Age Group: 8 9 Warm Up (5 Mins) Players dibble freely with ball in defined area. Players perform a number of task in the square as asked by the coach. 1. Toe Taps 2. Do a turn 3. Change ball 4. Change of pace When number / colour is called, players dribbles out of square and has a shot at goal. Player should not s hoot at a goal that has already been u sed. Skills Practice 1 (15 mins) Shooting Set Up: Player 1 passes to player 2 who controls the ball before having a shot on goal. Player 1 then goes and joins in the line of 2 s. Support: Player 2 can control the ball taking a number of touches before having a shot. Extension; Player 2 can hit the ball first time with no control. Place bibs in top corner of goal and ask players to try to hit that. Progression: Before player 1 joins player 2 s group, they become the goalkeeper or defender. Coaching Points: Place standing foot next to the ball. Point foot in the direction of the shot. Arm s out for balance. Shoot into corners.

31 Training Session Planner (Page 2) Fun Game (10 mins) Shooting Relay. Create teams with 3 on each team. One team dribbles round the goals while the other team try s to score. The distance for shooting can be altered based on the players ability. Cones can also be used to at each post and a goal scored in th e corner can count as 2 and a goal in the middle can count as one. The red team try to get as many goals as possible before the yellow team can dribble the ball around the back of the goal and back to their team. Once all yellow players have dribbled around the goal, the red team stop counting their goals. Skill Practice 2 (15 mins) (Goalkeeping) Set Up: Area 1 - Core Skill Practice Yellow player feeds the ball to their red partner by playing an underarm through. The red playe r must catch the ball in the following positions. Midriff - Basket catch. Chest and above - 'W' Catch Along the ground - Scoop the ball up Support - Instead of goalkeepers being in the 'ready' gorilla position, goalkeepers are told to have their hands in a position to do the catch required. i.e. Hands are already out to meet the ball for a basket catch. Extension - The feeder can volley the ball to their partner, the feeder can bounce the ball to their partner. Area 2 - Progression of skill Partners still feed the ball to the goalkeeper however the goalkeeper working faces away from their partner. Just before the ball is released, the partner calls "Turn", which means the goalkeeper turns and makes the save.. Coaching Points: GK s in the ready position. Body weight forward. Head still. Soft hands don t snatch at the ball.

32 Training Session Planner (Page 3) Small Sided Game (10 mins) Set Up: 5 v 5 Maximum otherwise play 2 small pitches. Hand ball to start before progressing on to football. Encourage lots of shooting. Rotate goalkeepers constantly. Cool Down (5 mins) Set Up: Half the group dribble freely in a defined area, whilst the other half follow static stretching activity. Switch group every 60 seconds. Players in possession can attempt to nutmeg or pass round and retrieve players performing stretches. Coaching Points: Ensure the players slow the work rate down over the course of the cool down and decrease their heart rate. Players should also be encouraged to do some static stretches 2 hours after the end of the training session

33 Training Session Planner (Session 10) Football Theme: Width. Ages 8-9 Years Warm Up Set Up: change of Direction: Players form a circle, box in the centre, players dribble into the box perform a move to change direction then dribble the ball out play a short pass and take the place of the player that they have just played the pass to. Progression: Progression can be made by adding more balls, increasing the size of the circle and asking players to play a longer pass afte r they have performed a change of directio n. Coaching Points: Head up, communication with other, player, observe other players in the box, turn away from other players, Generic Activity: Handball Handball: Accelerations, chaotic movement, reactions, decision making. Conditions: players can t run with the ball and can score by throwing in the goal. Optional add line 6/8 yards from goal to prevent long throws at goal. Coaching Points: Focus on movement and awareness of space, good for re-introducing goalkeeper handling technique.

34 Training Session Planner (Page 2) Bedding Down (5 mins) Ball is played to attacking 3 to start. Attackers should start together and move wide to CREATE width, or overlap, if ball is played to wide player of the 3, encourage him to drive inside or up the line if it is one. Attackers without the ball should get high and wide. Go long and come short again to create space and an angle to get onto ball. Don t go past last defender. Player in possession should attack with the ball and drive towards the defenders, creating a 2 v 1. Try to attack but if it s not on, come back insid e and try the other side. Use middle man as the point to switch attack. The opposite wide man should stay wide, keeping t he covering defender away but also as an option if the ball needs to change sides. Game Related Practice (10 Mins) Reds play east, yellows play west. Teams can attack both goals that they are facing. If team goes down one side to find that move is not on, encourag e a switch of play to attack the other side. Always reiterate the points asked for in the bedding down. Can be progressed by adding in a gate at either end between goals so as there is also the option to drive inside.

35 Training Session Planner (Page 3) 4 v 4 Game Always reiterate the points asked for in the bedding down. Common mistakes with Width. When team has ball, not taking player away to create space before checking back in to collect ball. Not receiving the ball on the back foot and coming inside with the ball. If in trouble, play ball back in and use middle man as a point to switch the attack. Must be done quickly to get s uccess. Cool Down - Opposites Set up: Area suitable for free movement. Players move freely around area responding to commands from coach e.g. stop, go, change direction, jump up, hands down etc. Once group are familiar with commands coach then asks for opposite movements from which are called. E.g. change direction = don t change direction. Objective : To gradually decrease heart-rate and to calm group. Progression: 1. Low intensity fun exercise for players do not follow the coaches command. (eg. Standing on one leg touching nose) 2. A ball can also be used and players can dribble while they follow commands.

36 Training Session Planner (Session 11) Football Specific Theme: Creative Player Age Group: 8-9 Years Warm Up - Touch & Technique Activities Players with a ball each dribble freely inside the defined playing area. Coach provides instruction on various condition ed movements with the ball as follows. a) inside-inside; b) inside-outside; c) turn-in; d) turn-out; f) change g) toe-taps. Players perform the conditioned activity for a set-time before moving freely again. Coaching Points: encourage players to take soft touches, lift head for awareness and control speed of movement. Coaching Points: Awareness of space, head up, look for space to dribble into, use both feet. Activity 1: Creative Player 1 v 1's Set up: Rectangle with 2 gates on each side. Objective: Yellow player 1 iniatiates move (without ball) and sprints through either of the side gates without being tagged by Red player 1. Repeat with player 2 then 3 etc. Progression 1. Introduce ball Progress to 4 v 4 game - score in any goal / min 5yd distance before permitted to score / add side players and introduce switches of play Coaching Points: Use a change of direction if required, take touch to protect ball from defending player, put body between ball and defender.

37 Training Session Plan (Page 2) Activity 2: Creative Player - Berkamp Twist off in 3's Set up: In 3's across the area marked with 1 ball per group Objective: Player 1 (with ball) is opposed by player 2 and performs Berkamp move to beat opponent, once completed, player 1 passes to player 3 who repeat move by beating player 1 prior to passing to player 2 whom had replaced player 1 at opposite end. Variations: Drag bag and hook / Inside cut / Outside cut / Cruyff / Step over onto double step over. Progression: Execute moves within 3 v 3 / 4 v 4 game. Coaching Points: Small sided Game End line game Depending on numbers 3 v 3 games. Players must dribble into end zone to score goal for team. Progression: Man for man marking to encourage players to be creative and go by opponents. Coaching Points: Create 1 v 1, good first touch, change of direction, change of pace

38 Training Session Plan (Page 3) D. SMALL-SIDED 4v4 GAMES Top Left: End line game - dribble over endline to score. Top Right: Keep Ball - e.g. 5 consecutive passes = 1 goal Bottom Left: 4v4 with or without Gk's Bottom Right: 4 goal game - score in any of opponents two goals - emphasis on width. All games kick in from side to re-start and are 5 minutes in duration. Cool Down - Opposites Set up: Area suitable for free movement. Players move freely around area responding to commands from coach e.g. stop, go, change direction, jump up, hands down etc. Once group are familiar with commands coach then asks for opposite movements from which are called. E.g. change direction = don t change direction. Objective : To gradually decrease heart-rate and to calm group. Progression: 1. Low intensity fun exercise for players do not follow the coaches command. (eg. Standing on one leg touching nose) 2. A ball can also be used and players can dribble while they follow commands. Coaching Points: Ensure the players slow the work rate down over the course of the cool down and decrease their heart rate. Players should also be encouraged to do some static stretches 2 hours after the end of the training session

39 Training Session Planner (Session 12) Football Specific Theme: 4 v 4 games Age Group: 8-9 Years Warm Up: 1) In pairs one ball. Player in front with ball at his feet, when coaches shout out a number. The players face each other and play that number of passes before continuing. Progression: Player in front with ball in hand and continue with volley s or control and pass, on coaches shout. Coaching Points: Awareness of space, quality of passes. 4V4 Game: Line Ball Objective: To encourage dribbling and creative play. Set Up: 1) Dribble ball over the line and trap to score point. 2) Basic shape of diamond emphasis on penetration, dribbling, wall pass. 3) Progress to pass over line and trap to score.

40 Session Planner (Page 2) 4v4 Game with no goalkeepers 1) Concentrate on players being allowed to express themselves. 2) Encourage a Diamond Shape, but do not over coach team shape. 3) Main coaching points are depth - length - width. 4 Goal Game Wide Set Up: Four goal game, Directional teams can score in any 2 of the goals they are facing.. Encourage width of play and change of direction.

41 Session Planner (Page 3) 4 Goal Game. 4v4 Game 4 Goals Dribble to Score 1/ Concentrate on players being allowed to express themselves. 2/Main coaching points are depth - length - width. Cool Down - Half the group dribble freely in a defined area, whilst the other half follow static stretching activity. Switch group every 60 seconds. Players in possession can attempt to nutmeg or pass round and retrieve players performing stretches. Objective : To gradually decrease heart-rate and to calm group. Progression: The exercise should be done at Jogging pace then slowed to walkin g pace to lower the heart rate.