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The Name Game
By Sean Reed –
Objective
This session can be included within the warm-up, as an engagement exercise focusing on movement, awareness and communication. It was a game I came across when visiting a Serie A team and was used as part of their warm-up. There are many ways to adapt and progress according to the objectives you wish to achieve from it.
Set Up – 1st Part
The session is set up as a 7v7 within an area of approx 50yds x 25yds. This area can be changed depending on the physical outcome. See Diagram 1. The team in possession (the player) starts on the end line. Calling a teammates name passes possession. The objective is the team in possession to have a player to cross the end zone line. The team out of possession can gain possession by making contact with the player in possession.
When the player is in possession the must keep one hand in the air to let people know who has possession.
When a goal is scored the team who conceded starts with possession, but must allow for the opposition to regain their shape.
Progressions
• Possession is turned over only when a player has made contact with both hands
• Number of passes made before a goal can be scored
• Time limit to score a goal
• Make 2 gates as goals as oppose to the end line
Set Up – 2nd Part
The next part of the session continues from the previous one, but the pitch is now divided into 3 zones. A pass must be made through the zones. It cannot miss a zone out
Progressions
• Limit the number of people in each area (for example no more than 3 players in one area
Set Up – 3rd Part
This part of the session continues from the last however within this session the line in the final zone is an offside line. See Diagram 3.
Some Coaching Points
• Awareness of player in possession and player to mark
• Body shape for 1st and 2nd movement
• Change of direction and speed
• Timing of movement
• Tracking runners (body shape prepared)
• Communication
• Recognizing space to run into
By Sean Reed
Former First Team Coach of Championship team Fulham FC. Sean is a UEFA A Coach with a Masters in Sport Coaching. He has over 15 years of experience working in professional football from Academy through to First team in the Premiership and Championship.
Web – www.seanjreed.com
Twitter – @SeanJReed