SESSION PLAN

BUILDING INTO A GAME

To maximise playing time, use the same area for each practice and keep your changes simple.

1 ARRIVAL ACTIVITY
2

1v1 DRIBBLING GAME 2V2 LINE BALL GAME

Pair each yellow player with a blue player – they’re going to be Organise four areas next to each other and play 2v2
playing 1v1. The yellow player in each pair starts with the ball and
the blue player has to try and win it off them. Players can move
in each of them. To score, players have to run the
anywhere as long as they stay in the area. Whoever has the ball ball over the opposition’s end line. Play four, five-
after 30 seconds gets a point, and whichever team has the most minute games. Each yellow team should play each
points at the end wins. blue team once, or you can play a ladder system
(move up a pitch if you win).
Progression:
Give each team their own area. Some blues and some yellows
have footballs. To win a ball a yellow player should travel into the
blue area, win a ball and return to their area. On losing a ball, the
blue player can travel to the yellow area and try to win a ball from
another player.

3 4

4V4 FOUR-GOAL GAME 8v8 GAME

Split your area in half and place two goals at either
end of each smaller area. Then play a 4v4 match
using normal rules. Players can score in either of
the opponent’s goals.
This is a normal match with some bonus rules. For
every player that is dribbled past before scoring,
award an extra goal. So, if a player dribbles past
two opposition players and then scores, they get
two extra goals.
SESSION OBJECTIVES
During this session, players will develop their understanding of:
• being creative
• hiding the ball
• communicating with teammates.

YOUR ACTIONS STEP

ORGANISATION SPACE
• Players: start in teams and bibs. Big areas make it easier to dribble.
• Equipment: set up an area for players to collect and
return footballs, cones and bibs. TASK
• Area: make a separate area for drinks. Move the ball at different speeds
and in different directions. Use
your body to protect the ball.
OBSERVATION
• Is it safe?
EQUIPMENT
• Is my organisation ok?
Bibs near the area.
• Do the players understand how to play?
• Do the players need support on how to dribble?
PLAYERS
Match players up by size and
MANAGEMENT ability. Change the ratios (1v1
• Have the players had enough time to play? dribbling game could be 1v2, 4v4
• Are they still engaged? If not, use STEP. four-goal game could be 5v3).
• Use ladder/points system to create competition.

COMMUNICATION WHAT IS SUCCESS?

• Praise individuals for close control.
• Praise individuals for effort. Success is when players:
• Use players demonstrations to show good • keep the ball close to their feet
examples. • are able to hide, protect and
• Ask players what helps them keep the ball or reveal the ball
change direction. • have chance to show their
• Praise individuals for using creative ways to protect skills
the ball. • enjoy themselves.
• Praise individuals for stealing the ball and keeping
it for their team.