A player has their foot on the ball and is about to be challenged

Session

Turning session: dynamic turning to play forward

Session

England Football Learning

2 mins - Sep 23, 2024

Session intentions

This is week four of the turning and dribbling session programme for 12-16s. Check out the whole six-week programme here.

The session aims to teach players how to use different types of turns when under pressure. It will also help them to learn when and how to play forward. The focus is on scanning, deception, and decision-making in in-game scenarios.

It will help players:

improve their ability to turn with the ball in different situations
enhance decision-making skills
learn to play the ball forward.

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

In our example, this is what we’ve used to set up this session. But adapt it to suit your team and the space available to you.

One pitch

6 players

Flat cones

Bibs

Dynamic turning to play forward

The arrival activity is handball. Set up a square area for your players with goals at either end. Split your players into two teams. Our example uses a 3v3. The aim is to throw or pass the ball to each other and then score in the opposition's net.
Add an end zone at both ends of the area. Mark out a diamond in the middle. Have one player from each team in each section of the area. Both players in the end zone bounces it into their teammate in the middle. They then move around the diamond, turn and pass to their teammate in the other end zone.
Use a pitch with goals at both ends and a halfway line marked out. Have two players start with a ball each, standing either side of the halfway line. Then, have one player in each half. The ball is fed into one of the players, and they have to try to turn and get past the opposing player to score.
Change one end of the pitch to have two goals in each corner. In one half of the pitch, there is a 2v1 with a goalkeeper and a 3v2 on the side with two goals. The ball starts with the goalkeeper, who plays it into one of the defenders. The aim is to turn and score in one of the opposing goals.

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Tactics board

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

How to make it easier

Using the STEP framework (Youth Sports Trust, 2002) can help keep things fun, engaging, and appropriate. For this session, an example would be to make the area bigger to give your players more space for turning.

How to make it harder

You could try limiting the number of touches your players can take. Or try increasing the number of turns before they can play the ball forward.

Have your players turn to change direction to ensure repetition of the skill.

Make every player touch the ball before scoring in the practices with goals.

Coaching points

Work on the technique of each turn. Ensure players use correct body positioning, footwork, and timing.

Encourage players to scan the pitch to assess their options. This will help them anticipate pressure and identify passing opportunities.

Promote quick decision-making based on the location of opponents and teammates. This will help players to choose the most effective turn or pass to keep possession or advance the play.

Highlight the importance of smooth transitions from defence to attack. Emphasise the role of turning in initiating offensive opportunities.