In the first lesson, my priority is to evaluate the player’s skills in relation to their age and years of playing experience. This helps me understand where they are in their development and how to structure future lessons to best support their growth.
During this session, I will focus on the fundamentals, including:
• Dribbling – ball control and movement under pressure
• Passing – accuracy, timing, and decision-making
Tight-Space Dribbling Grids – small boxes with defenders applying pressure, forcing players to shield and change direction.
• 1v1 Challenges – encouraging creativity while also learning when to beat a defender vs. when to pass.
• First Touch into Space – receiving the ball with purpose (not stopping it dead, but moving into an open lane).
• Passing Triangles/1–2 Combinations – practicing quick give-and-go’s with movement off the ball.
• Shooting on the Move – finishing after a dribble, a pass, or a quick turn, simulating real game flow.
• Technical: Dribbling, passing, shooting, defending under pressure
• Tactical: Positioning, awareness, transitions, small-sided strategy
• Shooting & Finishing
• Shooting technique with both feet
• Finishing in small-sided situations
• Decision-making in front of goal