Session Focus: Dribbling and Tactical Awareness

Training Duration: 90 minutes

Training Structure

1. Warm-up (15 minutes)

• Dynamic Stretching: A series of movements targeting major muscle groups to prevent injury and improve flexibility.
  • Leg swings
  • Arm circles
  • Hip rotations
  • Light Jogging and Agility Exercises: To raise heart rate and strengthen muscles.
  • Jogging around the field
  • High knees
  • Ladder drills for agility
  1. Skill Focus: Dribbling (30 minutes)
  • Station-Based Drills:
  • Close Control Drills: Cones spaced closely together for tight dribbling, focusing on quick touches and ball control.
  • Change of Direction Drills: Using markers to practice sudden changes in direction while maintaining control of the ball.
  • Speed Dribbling Drills: Sprinting with the ball at varying speeds, emphasizing keeping the ball close.
  • Using Both Feet:
  • Inside Foot Dribbling: Practicing dribbling using the inside of both feet.
  • Outside Foot Dribbling: Drills focus on controlling the ball from the outside of both feet.
  1. Skill Focus: Tactical Awareness (20 minutes)
  • Discussion and Visual Aids:
  • Key Tactical Concepts: Use chalkboard diagrams or tablet presentations to introduce concepts such as maintaining width, supporting play, and creating space.
  • Small Group Exercises:
  • Maintaining Width Drills: Players position themselves along the width of the field and practice spreading out to create space.
  • Support Play Drills: Players work in pairs to support each other, learning when to pass and when to move into space.
  1. Small-Sided Games (20 minutes)
  • 3v3 or 4v4 Games:
  • Adjusted Rules: Encourage dribbling by awarding extra points for successful dribbles past an opponent.
  • Tactical Awareness: Players must apply concepts of width and support play in a game setting.
  1. Cool Down (5 minutes)
  • Static Stretching:
  • Lower Body Focus: Stretches targeting the legs and lower back to reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility.
  • Hamstring stretch
  • Quadriceps stretch
  • Calf stretch
  1. Feedback and Q&A (10 minutes)
  • Individual Feedback:
  • Provide personalized feedback on dribbling techniques and tactical performance.
  • Open Discussion:
  • Encourage players to ask questions or share insights from the session.
• Training Philosophy
  • Positive, Inclusive, and Fun Environment: Foster a passion for the game by creating an encouraging atmosphere.
  • Fundamental Skills: Emphasize the importance of basic skills as the building blocks for long-term success.
  • Diverse Activities: To accommodate different learning styles, incorporate a mix of individual, group, and team-based exercises.
  • Player Development: Focus on long-term growth over immediate results, aiming for continuous improvement.
  • Progressive Challenges: Implement training plans that match players’ current levels, promoting improvement while avoiding burnout.
  • Teamwork and Sportsmanship: Teach players the value of working together and respecting each other on and off the field.
  • Modern Methods and Technology: Use up-to-date coaching techniques and tools to enhance learning effectiveness.
• Sample Session Plan: Dribbling and Tactical Awareness
  1. Warm-up (15 minutes)
  • Dynamic Stretching: Leg swings, arm circles, hip rotations.
  • Light Jogging & Agility Exercises: Jogging, high knees, ladder drills.
  1. Skill Focus: Dribbling (30 minutes)
  • Close Control Drills: Tight dribbling through cones.
  • Change of Direction Drills: Quick directional changes with the ball.
  • Speed Dribbling Drills: Sprinting with ball control.
  1. Skill Focus: Tactical Awareness (20 minutes)
  • Critical Concepts Discussion: Using visual aids to maintain width and support play.
  • Group Exercises: Practicing width and support play in small groups.
  1. Small-Sided Games (20 minutes)
  • 3v3 or 4v4 with Adjusted Rules: Extra points for successful dribbles, focus on tactical awareness.
  1. Cool Down (5 minutes)
  • Static Stretching: Targeting lower body muscle groups.
  1. Feedback and Q&A (10 minutes)
  • Personalized Feedback & Open Discussion: Address individual performance and answer questions.
• Notes
  • This session aims to improve technical dribbling skills and tactical understanding.
  • Drills are tailored to challenge beginners while ensuring enjoyable participation.
  • Emphasis on using both feet and various dribbling techniques to develop well-rounded skills.
• Focusing on fundamental skills and tactical awareness, our training sessions aim to build a strong foundation for young players, promoting long-term growth and a deep love for the game. Join us for a comprehensive, enjoyable, and practical soccer training experience.