Attacking Sessions

This is an example of coaching a UEFA B, Level 3 Small Sided Game, Coach Support Play.

The ability for players to receive the ball, to pass accurately and quickly over short distances and to move to support the player on the ball are basic fundamentals of football.

We continue to look at ways in which we can coach players to improve their techniques. Dribbling is one of the hardest techniques to master. It requires and understanding of when and where to dribble. Players need to be positive and brave, as the easy option is always to pass to a team mate, rather than take a chance. If the dribble goes wrong, too often the player attempting the dribble is blamed for being too greedy or not passing. As football coaches, we need to provide a positive environment where players are encouraged to dribble. But, we also need to ensure players have a good understanding of the techniques involved in dribbling and to have lots of opportunities to practice these basic techniques. So that when they are in a position to dribble in a game situation and they have all the basic technical tools to succeed.

Good players play with their heads up. They are aware of where the space is on the pitch, where their players are, where the opposition are. They know what they want to do next with the ball, they have pictures in their heads. They play one, sometimes two or three steps ahead of everyone else.

Being able to master basic football techniques is the foundation for improving players.

Grassrootscoaching.com has designed a series of player skill competitions, which are accessible to members of Grassrootscoaching.com. The idea is for the players themselves to facilitate the organisation of the competition and self learn as they participate.

There are two animated football coaching drills to watch.

There are three phases of football, when a team has the ball, when they don’t have the ball and when the ball changes hands from one team to another, the transition in play.