u12s

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 1
Passing / Possession Warm Up

D

B

A
C

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Set up
14 Players in total (can adapt) 2 functions 7 players each station. Cones in a triangle with a
further cone extended.
Instruction
Players A and B play a bounce pass then A plays to C. Players C and B play a bounce pass then C
plays to D. D plays a bounce pass with B then pass it back to the start point. Player A moves to C
moves to B and B moves to D, D joins the start area.
Progression
Complete rotation with one touch
Support
Adjust distances between players.
Coaching Points
Weight of Pass firm, Angle of support, communication with players and. awareness of
organization,

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 1
Passing / Possession SAQ

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Set up
14 Players in total (can adapt) 2 functions 7 players each side, set out in a diamond with SAQ
Equipment to each side.
Instructions
Ball begins at one side with a bounce pass using inside of the foot then a long pass on the ground,
closest player then moves through SAQ equipment and joins new side. Various fast feet and strength
exercises performed.
Progressions
Challenge the players to play a lofted or driven pass. Use outside of the foot for short passes.
Support
Reduce the distance of the long pass
Coaching Points
Weight of Pass firm, Angle of support, quality of movement and explosive power in SAQ.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 1
Passing / Possession Stage 2

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Set up
14 Players in total (can adapt) 2 functions 7 players each side, set with 2 15x15 boxes. 4v2 with 1 end
player..
Instructions
Players play 4v2 possession in one half of the box unlimited touches, after 5 passes transfer ball to
target player in other half and side players move to top box pressing players also transfer. Defender
becomes Attacker if possession is won.
Progressions
Two touch max in possession
Support
Play 5v1 in each box for more success. Increase area if required.
Coaching Points
Weight of Pass firm, body shape when receiving, decision making, communication.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 1
Passing / Possession Stage 3

END ZONE

END ZONE

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Set up
6v6 plus two neutral players. 3-2-1 formation for both teams with 2 neutral players for overload,
playing area marked with 2 end zone areas.
Instructions
Players keep possession of the ball for a minimum of 5 passes using the neutral players for an overload.
After 5 passes a team score by playing a pass into their attacking end zone for a forward runner.
Progressions
Take out neutral players to create 7v7.
Support
Extend the size of the playing area to allow more time and space.
Coaching Points
Short passes when the opposition are deep, forward penetrating passes when there is space to play
behind, focus on decision making and movement to create space.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 1
Passing / Possession Stage 4

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Set up
7v7.Both teams set up in 1-2-3-1 formation. With a midway line using cones either side.
Instructions
Players play in a full 7v7 game situation with the condition of 5 passes minimum in their own
half before the ball can go forward.
Progressions
Limit players to two touch.
Support
3 passes in own half before it can go forward.
Coaching Points
Using alternative passing technique, when to play short or long,
Communication
Speed of play



Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 2
Finishing Warm Up

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Set up
Players split between both sides of the goal with 2 GKS

Instruction
Side one begin by passing up to edge of box where the player takes a touch with an inside foot
finish. Player who shoots joins other side.

Progression
Progress to a first time finish

Support
Reduce distance of initial pass.

Coaching Points
Adjust body, Good first touch to set, quick finish, composure to hit the target, look at gk
positioning.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 2
Finishing SAQ

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Set up
Players split into 3 groups 1 mannequin per group with mini goal, hurdles ladders and poles for each
group.

Instructions
Groups start together, pass to the player on the mannequin who turns and dribbles passed it, player
who passes the ball does SAQ function and joins mannequin.

Progressions
Perform move to beat mannequin and 2 touch maximum when finishing

Support
No touch limit when finishing

Coaching Points
Speed agility through SAQ. Hit the target, positive 1v1 against mannequin, quality of movement and
explosive power in SAQ.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 2
Finishing Stage 2

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Set up
Players split into two groups. Each group has one goal, two stations and three players at each station.
GK with each group.

Instructions
Players go 1 group at a time, facing each other 2 players pass the ball back and forward through the
cones, players with back to goal decides when to turn and shoot 2 touch maximum. Groups rotate
position after 3 repetitions.

Progressions
Player who passes the ball facing goal will now press to win the ball from shooting player

Support
Allow unlimited touches when shooting

Coaching Points
Direct towards goal when turned, explosive movement to turn and shoot, dealing with pressure, hit the
target.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 2
Finishing Stage 3

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Set up
3v3 penalty box game

Instructions
Players on outside keep possession 2 touch of the ball for a minimum of 5 pass using the neutral
players for an overload. After 5 passes the outside team can score.

Progressions
If the inside pressing team win the ball they can shoot to score instantly with the outside team now
having to press them.

Support
Unlimited touches in possession or use the extra GK as a 3rd Neutral player for easier possession.

Coaching Points
Creating space to get shot away, decision making when to pass or shoot, 1 touch or 2 touches to shoot.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 2
Finishing Stage 4

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Set up
6v6 with 2 neutral players with a midway line using cones either side.

Instructions
Play 6v6 with 2 neutral players that will allow more shooting opportunities. Team must shoot
within 5 passes.

Progressions
Remove neutral players to create 7v7.

Support
Lift conditions encourage forward play

Coaching Points
Looking at decision making when attacking to create chances, dealing with pressure from
defenders when finishing, hitting target and taking chances.



Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 3
1st Touch Warm Up

11

4 2
24

33

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Set up
16 Players split into 2 groups of 8, cones set out in a diamond shape with a player at each cone
and 4 players inside.

Instruction
Players move around each cone from 1-4 performing various ball manipulation exercise 1)
Passes 2) Volleys 3) Thigh Volley 4) Chest Volley. Player’s change positions after 1min.

Progression
First touch away from feed and play pass to another feeder

Support
Reduce distance between feeder and player.

Coaching Points
Relax when receiving the ball, eye on the ball, decide on surface area to use, recognize space to
take first touch into.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 3
1st Touch SAQ

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Set up
16 players split in to 4 groups of 4 stationed at 4 corners of the box, cones ladders, poles and hurdles at
each side.

Instructions
First player on each group performs SAQ exercise then technical exercise at the end delivered from the
top player, these players then change as shown in diagram. Exercises include 1) Passes 2) Volleys 3)
Thigh Volley 4) Chest Volley

Progression
First touch away from feed and play pass to another feeder

Support
Reduce distance between feeder and player.

Coaching Points
Relax when receiving the ball, eye on the ball, decide on surface area to use, recognize space to take
first touch into.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 3
1st Touch Stage 2

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Set up
16 Players in total 2 groups of 8 in a 12x12 box, 4 on the outside and 2 pairs in the middle. 1 Group
Practice shown above.

Instructions
Players play 2v2 in central area. Use teammates on outside to transition ball from one side to another.
Creating a 4v2 in possession.

Progressions
Reduce area size

Support
Increase size of the area.

Coaching Points
Relax when receiving the ball, eye on the ball, decide on surface area to use, recognize space to take
first touch into.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 3
1st Touch Stage 3

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Set up
Half Pitch Game.
Green Team 2-3-2
Black Team 1-2-3-1

Instructions
Game always begins from large goal with team wearing Black Kit building up play trying to score in the
small goals.
Green Team look to win the ball and score in the big goal.
Emphasis on first touch and playing under pressure from the back.

Progressions
The ball must go through each area of the field from GK, Def, Mid then to Att

Support
Defending team are not allowed to press on the first pass

Coaching Points
Angle of support for GK to create maximum space, effective first touch to utilise time and space,
decision-making and execution of technique.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 3
1st Touch Stage 4

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Set up
Both teams set up in 1-2-3-1 formation. On a full pitch with half of the balls at each goal. 3zones.

Instructions
A full game, with the condition that if you score a goal you get to begin with the ball from your
own GK, if the opposition kick the ball out of play you also begin from your GK. Encouraging
Build up play and receiving under pressure. Ball must be move through each zone before goal
can be scored.

Progressions
Only allowed 2 touches in your own half to encourage quality under pressure

Support
Passive defenders until final zone

Coaching Points
Looking at decision making when attacking to create space, dealing with pressure when taking
first touch and building play up.



Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 4
Transitions Warm Up

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Set up
Short, short, long

Instruction
RF

Progression
Both outside and inside players 2 touch limit, neutral players only allowed 1 touch for bounce
pass

Support
Allow teams to keep their own ball when transitioning change over.

Coaching Points
Quality of passing firm and direct, awareness of positioning when moving to transition, quick
decision making.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 4
Transitions SAQ

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Set up
Alternative SAQ with transition RF

Instructions
Attacking player 1 begins run and approaches the middle of the area defending player 1 also
approaches middle and mirrors attackers movement and tries to tag attacker if defender gets the
attacker the attacker now has to try and sprint to the opposite side cone looking at speed of transition

Progressions
Introduce a ball rather than just sprinting.

Support
Shorten Area for less sprinting distance

Coaching Points
Anticipate attacker’s movement, look to disguise attacking movement and use explosive power to beat
defender, quickness of transition from att to def

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 4
Transitions Stage 2

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Set up
14 Players in total set out in 2 groups of 7, coned off area with 2 small goals at either end.

Instructions
First attacking player dribbles 1v1 against opposite defender, if the attacker loses the ball or scores
they becomes the defender and the next attacker comes from the green team and so on, rotation
attack-defend then rest.

Progressions
Introduce same exercise as a 2v2 transition

Support
Allow a 3 second break in between each repetition for defender to recover and set.

Coaching Points
1. Direct towards goal when 1v1. 2. defensively look at body shape and positioning. 3. quickness of
decision making when transitioning from att to def

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 4
Transitions Stage 3

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Set up
Same set up as stage 1.

Instructions
Players on outside keep possession with any touch using 4 neutral players, if yellows on the inside win
possession of the ball they have to keep possession whilst taking up the outside green positions, green
team when they lose the ball look to press and win it immediately. Transition possession continues.

Progressions
2 touch possession to allow more transition opportunities.

Support
Extend the size of the playing area for easier possession.

Coaching Points
Quality of possession, continuous movement to get on the ball, quickness of pressing and possession
in transition.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 4
Transitions Stage 4

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Set up
Both teams set up in 1-2-3-1 formation.

Instructions
Players play in a full 7v7 game situation with the condition of when losing the ball your team
must try to press high to win the ball back in 5 seconds on the transition from attack to defence.

Progressions
If you do not win the ball back in 5 seconds you must drop and regain defensive shape to press
again.

Support
Play an open game and allow natural transitions to occur and coach within.

Coaching Points
Looking at decision making when to quickly press as a team when losing the ball and nonverbal
communication when pressing together.



Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 5
Moves to Beat an Opponent Warm Up

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Set up
16 Players split between 4 groups, with cones and a small target goal laid out in front
Instruction
Players begin by dribbling through cones and performing various skills instructed by the coach
at each marker
Progression
Add in a finish into the small goal at the end of the cones and then, a straight race and finish
between the 4 groups.
Support
Avoid skills and focus on dribbling technique to begin.
Coaching Points
Positive movements to get at defenders, use body as disguise, speed of movement, quality of
finish.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 5
Moves to Beat an Opponent SAQ

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Set up
16 Players split into 2 groups with SAQ equipment aligned either side of a goal
Instructions
1 Player from each side make their way through the SAQ Equipment player nearest the goal collects the
ball passes to the attacker and becomes the defender in a 1v1 towards the goal.
Progressions
Alternate SAQ Exercise’s
Support
Defending player can become passive in the 1v1 pressure
Coaching Points
Hit the target, positive 1v1 against defender, quality of movement and explosive power in SAQ.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 5
Moves to Beat an Opponent Stage 2

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Set up
16 Players in total set out in 4 stations of 4 players with small gates at both end of their square.
Instructions
2 players come into the box at the same time and try to perform as many 1v1 movements as possible in
30 seconds, players rotate.
Progressions
Progress to a 1v1 towards the goals and when a goal is scored the players return to their groups and
repeat.
Support
Ask the players to perform only 5 skills in 30 seconds.
Coaching Points
Direct towards gates when dribbling, explosive movement to dribble, and creativity in 1v1 situations.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 5
Moves to Beat an Opponent Stage 3

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Set up
Players set out in 2x 2-3-1 with 2 middle neutral players and 2 end players. Gated areas at 4 corners of
the area.
Instructions
Players play all in game looking to score by attacking in the wide areas and dribbling through gated area
Progressions
Take away 2 end neutral players and add them into each team with now only 2 middle neutral players
Support
Add in a 3rd gate in between the original pair to allow 3 dribbling 1v1 targets.
Coaching Points
Aggressive attacking in final area, positive in 1v1 situations and encourage creative 1v1 movements.

Celtic Online Academy U12’s – Week 5
Moves to Beat an Opponent Stage 4

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Set up
Both teams set up in 1-2-3-2 formation. With an end line either side.
Instructions
Players play in a full 8v8 game situation with the condition of having to drive into the zoned area
Progressions
Open up the game to no conditions and look at the tactical aspect of moves to beat an
opponent
Support
Play 7v7 with 2 neutral players that will allow more 1v1 opportunities
Coaching Points
Looking to be positive in attacking areas, aggression in 1v1 situations and look to score goals
from these situations in final 3rd.



Celtic Online Academy U12s - Week 6
Stage 1- Change of Direction

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Set up
Players are placed within a grid 25x25yards with a ball each.
Instruction
The players dribble around in their own time practising the skill, allowing them a chance to figure the
skill out and develop their own style. Encourage players to practice the skill with both feet.
Progression
Introduce gear change as you come out of the move and accelerate away.
Support
Break down skill in stages. Allow player to turn the ball with studs if too difficult
Coaching Points
Head up, Lots of touches, Keep the ball moving and disguise intentions

Celtic Online Academy U12s – Week 6
SAQ- Change of Direction

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Set up
20x20yd area. 4 different speed agility exercises set up on perimeter
Instructions
Players work in clock wise direction. One player from each corner works. Complete SAQ exercise.
Receive pass in skill box perform skill once with each foot. Once complete feed moves to next exercise
and working more takes his place.
Coaching Points
Complete at speed, light on feet, explosive movements.

Celtic Online Academy U12s - Week 6
Stage 2- Change of Direction

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Set up
20x20yd area. Mannequins spaced in 5yd diamond in centre
Instructions
Players dribble towards a mannequin and perform the skill before turning back towards the 2nd
mannequin and performing the skill with his other foot and then dribbling back to the start. Further
emphasis is placed on speed and body shape. Focus on the correct side. Progressions
A passive defender can be introduced at this stage running alongside the player with the ball.
Introducing the concept of keeping the ball safe side.
Support
Increase distance between working player and mannequin to increase margin for error before turn.
Coaching Points
Exaggerate movement, Disguise, Change of speed & Head up

Celtic Online Academy U12s - Week 6
Stage 3- Change of Direction

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Set up-
20x30yd area. 4 goals placed 2yds off the corners.
Instructions-
4v4 game using a GK or a support player
Players play a 3v3 in the middle area, in attack the player in the end zone becomes a support player
always offering an option to start again. In defence this player becomes gk behind goals opponents
cannot score if he has hand on the goals, this encourages players to turn away and attack other goal.
Play is continuous for 3 minutes rotate players after every goal. In attack team can only score inside the
end zone with a one touch finish
Progression-
support player can step in to the game and play.
Support
Can change to 2v2+2 floaters and 2 wide men (6v2) to encourage success in the wide areas with the
skill.
Coaching Points-
Exaggerate movement, Disguise, Speed

Celtic Online Academy U12s - Week 6
Stage 4- Change of Direction

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Set up-
40x60yd area, Halfway line clearly marked
Instructions-
Small Sided game. Condition of game is players cannot make forward pass in oppositions half. This will
encourage players to drive forward with the ball and check back to find pass.
Progression-
Lift conditions. Free play
Coaching points
Take ball away from pressure. Disguise intentions.



Celtic Online Academy U12s - Week 7
Stage 1- 2v2s Attacking

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Set up
2 12x12yd channels. Players lined up as shown
Instruction
Player 1 drives forward teammate makes a wide angled run pass is played wide and in front of
teammate. Complete 2 of these before hitting end line. Working pair join opposite line.
Progression
Overlap introduced. Player 1 drives infield. Player 2 Overlaps space created. Repeat once more before
end line.
Support
Increase area size
Coaching Points
Point, Angled run, shout

Celtic Online Academy U12s – Week 7
SAQ- 2v2s Attacking

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Set up
12x24yd area. 2 line with speed ladders in top half. Small goal at other end.
Instructions
2 attackers work through speed ladders. Once complete they receive a pass and form a 2v2 toward
goal. Players swap lines once finished. Next pair starts.

Coaching Points
Complete at speed, light on feet, explosive movements

Celtic Online Academy U12s - Week 7
Stage 2- 2v2s Attacking

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Set up
12x24yd Area. 2 small end goals. Half way line marked.
Instructions
2 attackers vs 2 defenders towards small goal. Once phase has finished players clear pitch and 2 new
attackers and defenders start play.
Progressions
2 players start up against defenders as strikers. Ball is passed into one of the attackers once 1st touch is
taken game is live. Same rotations
Support
Start with 2v1
Coaching Points
Quick decisions, quick movement, positive play, shield ball, work overlaps

Celtic Online Academy U12s - Week 7
Stage 3- 2v2s Attacking

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Set up-
20x20yd area. 4 small goals placed 5yds from corner,
Instructions-
2v2 centrally. Ball must be played off end player before goal can be scored.
Progression
All attacking players must be over half way line before goal is scored. Once ball is passed to target
player must pass to opposite player to create the triangle PASSER, RECIEVER & Support player.
Support
Playing off target end player optional.
Coaching Points-
Timing of runs, tempo, link play, encourage take ons and forwards passes.

Celtic Online Academy U12s - Week 7
Stage 4- 2v2s Attacking

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Set up-
60x40yd area. Three equal thirds clearly marked.
Instruction
2v2 in each zone. Players have to work the ball out of each third to goal.

Progression
Lift conditions. Free play.

Coaching points
Timing of runs, tempo, link play, encourage take ons and forwards passes.



Celtic Online Academy U12s - Week 8
Stage 1- 2v2s Defending

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Set up
12x12yd channels. Players lined up as shown
Instruction
Shadow play. Attacker drive or pass across. Defenders need to react to situation. Provide pressure and
cover to ball. Ball is worked to end line then players swap over.
Progression
Overlap introduced. How do defenders react?
Support
Decrease area size to 10x10yd to lessen pressing distance.
Coaching Points
Pressure, depth, cover, angle of body, jockey back

Celtic Online Academy U12s – Week 8
SAQ- 2v2s Defending

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Set up
12x24yd area. 2 line with speed ladders in top half. Small goal at other end.
Instructions
2 attackers work through speed ladders. Once complete they receive a pass and form a 2v2 toward
goal. Players swap lines once finished. Next pair starts.

Coaching Points
Complete at speed, light on feet, explosive movements.

Celtic Online Academy U12s - Week 8
Stage 2- 2v2s Defending

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Set up
12x24yd Area. 2 small end goals. Half way line marked.
Instructions
2 attackers vs 2 defenders towards small goal. Once phase has finished players clear pitch and 2 new
attackers and defenders start play.
Progressions
2 players start up against defenders as strikers. Ball is passed into one of the Strikers once 1st touch is
taken game is live. Same rotations
Support
Lessen area size to help defenders
Coaching Points
Reactions, High press?, Low press?, communication, Force back, wide or side.

Celtic Online Academy U12s - Week 8
Stage 3- 2v2s Defending

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Set up-
24 x 28yd pitch. 4 minute rotational game. Instructions-
2v2 at all times.
Yellow team attacks Red team for a period of 30secs. When the coach blows the whistle reds go off
behind the goal they were attacking and the white team enter play with a ball and attack the yellow
team. Rotation continues.
Progression
Once game ends transition occurs
Support
Decrease area size
Coaching Points
Reactions, High press?, Low press?, communication, Force back, wide or side.

Celtic Online Academy U12s - Week 8
Stage 4- 2v2s Defending

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Set up-
60x40yd area. Three equal thirds clearly marked.
Instruction
2v2 in each zone. Players have to work the ball out of each third to goal.

Progression
Lift conditions. Free play.

Coaching points
Reactions, Pressure & depth communication, Force back, wide or side.



Celtic Online Academy U12s - Week 9
Stage 1- Width

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Set up
Cones start 18yds from goal. Markers spaced 8yds apart.
Instruction
Pass follow pass. Ball into centre switched out to wide player who drives forward and passes into next
central player. Process repeats until ball reaches last player who cuts inside for finish.
Progression
Introduction of bounce, Work combination play in wide area.
Support
Allow 3 touches to complete turn and pass

Coaching Points
Keep width, Angled run, Positive touch.