#8 to 12

From building possession to goal-scoring

FIFA, 02 Aug 2022

FIFA
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The session starts with a game of volleyball with a footballing twist. The second exercise is a 6v6 possession game. To wrap up the session, players partake in a 7v7 match that gifts teams a numerical advantage when in the attacking half.

Warm-up: Volleyball and catching

Organisation

  • Organise two teams of up to six players in an area with a free middle zone and two end zones, one per team
  • Each team takes turns to volley the ball into the opponents’ area. It should try to land the ball somewhere difficult to catch, so the other team cannot score points
  • A team wins two points if it catches the ball directly, and one point for catching it after one bounce
  • The first team to reach a certain number of points (e.g. 11 or 21) is the winner

Ways to make the exercise easier

  • The players can start by throwing the ball underarm

Ways to make the exercise harder

  • Do not award a point for catching the ball after a bounce: only direct catches count
  • Make the pitch bigger
  • Teams lose a point if their player’s serve misses the target area

Great questions to ask the players

  • Can you try to land the ball in a free space?
  • Can you dive to make a catch and win two points for your team?
  • Can you take turns to serve the ball?

Safety tips 

  • Make sure only one person tries to catch the ball at a time to avoid collisions
  • Create a safe space to play

Skill development: 6v6, ball possession game

Organisation

  • Organise two teams of up to six players each
  • Teams have to complete ten consecutive passes to win a point
  • Once a point is scored, the ball is then given to the other team
  • If you have an odd number, then one player can always play for both teams

Ways to make the exercise easier

  • Give one team more players

Ways to make the exercise harder

  • Give one team fewer players
  • Increase the number of passes required to score the point, or set a target of keeping the ball for one minute, etc.

Great questions to ask the players

  • Can you spread out as a team and try to use all the space available?
  • Can you call for the ball?
  • As the defending team, can you try to win the ball back as quickly as possible?

Safety tips

  • Create a safe space to play

Game application: 7v7, numerical advantage when attacking

Organisation

  • Organise the players into teams with equal numbers and create mini-pitches for games of no more than 7v7
  • Each team starts with three outfield players in each half
  • When a team has the ball and enters the attacking half, one of its defenders can join in, moving forward to make a 4v3
  • Restart with 3v3 in each half after each attack
  • Let the players referee their own games

Ways to make the exercise easier

  • Give a team one or more extra players if you have uneven numbers or a weaker team
  • Two players can enter the attacking half when in possession to make a 5v3

Ways to make the exercise harder

  • Limit the number of touches
  • Give one team fewer players

Great questions to ask the players

  • Can you take advantage of the extra player in the attacking half?
  • Can you get the ball into the attacking half as often as possible?
  • How can you defend as a team when you are outnumbered?
  • How did this activity make your body feel?
  • How did it make your mind feel?

Safety tips

  • Create a safe space to play

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