Moving with the ball session: end zone to end zone

SESSION

England Football Learning

2 mins - May 17, 2024

Session overview

This session will help players:

make decisions on when to dribble or run with the ball
develop scanning skills
explore and learn techniques to deceive opponents.

If you like this idea, download the session plan and give it a go. And don't forget to share your experience on the England Football Community. We'd love to know how you got on.

Session setup

Set up an area with a goal at each end. Split your players into two teams. Our example uses a quarter of a full-sized pitch and 14 players.

End zone to end zone

As players arrive, split them into two teams. Run a standard game, but if a player moves the ball through opponents and scores a goal, it is worth more points. For example, moving between two opponents and then scoring could be worth three points.
Progress the session by splitting the pitch in half and adding two end zones down the width of the pitch. Add a middle zone through the centre. Start with all your players on one pitch and give each player a ball.
The players dribble the ball from one end zone to the other. You could add a rule for running with the ball where players can't touch the ball in the middle zone. You could add cones into the middle zone for dribbling with the ball. Get your players to perform a skill around them.
Move on by splitting your players into attackers and defenders. The attackers go on as before but receive one point by going from one side to the other. The defenders must stay between both end zones holding a bib. They aim to throw the bib on top of the ball to return the attacker's points to zero.

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Tactics board

Looking for a bit more detail? Check out Lee's tactics board video for this session.

Coaching tips

Get your players to think about slowing down as they move towards an opponent. Have them try executing a skill such as a stepover. Your players could use a skill they've seen from their favourite player.

Change your session to fit what you want the focus to be. Keep the players on one pitch if you want them to focus on dribbling with the ball. Move the players into two pitches to create more space and allow for more repetition of running with the ball.

Add a final progression to the session where the defenders can now tackle the ball. This will give players a chance to move with the ball in an opposed practice.