Techniques and skills

Here are some key techniques and skills to focus on in a season:

•    1v1 Defending
•    2v1 Attacking
•    First Touch
•    Passing
•    Wall pass
•    Shooting

1v1 Defending

Decision – Can you intercept the ball.
Decision – Which path do you run to close the space
Marking distance – Just more than an arms length
Body position angled and low aware of the ball.
Hold up and shadow
Block and nick, but don’t tackle.


2v1 Attacking

Decision pass or dribble past
Disguise your intentions
Crossing and angled runs

First Touch

All ways keep the ball moving
All surfaces of the feet
Receive on the far foot to open out
Head, Chest and Thighs
In control, away from the defender

Passing

Push passing over bigger distances
Inside and Outside of both feet
Lofted passing
Coach movement, receive on the move and pass and move again.

Wall pass

Sometimes called a one two pass
First touch and pass on the correct foot
Timed and measured pass

Shooting

Instep drive
Use the instep or top of the boot.
Knee and shoulders over the ball
Transfer weight from the plant foot to the shooting foot
Coach the moving ball. Shoot on the run from a cross or back pass.