This is a game based session centered around 2v1s, 1v1s, and 2v2s.

(There are no 3v3s).

 

Zombie/scarecrow

 

Warm up : Zombie/scarecrow* [All players] : Emphasize the importance of 

• Keeping the ball close [so players can change direction /react quickly].
• Getting the head up [to see the Zombie's, the space, other players].
• Being aware of and use space [to escape the zombie]. 
  • (This will hopefully naturally develop touches to space, lateral touches, fakes, turns etc).
  • * Young players love imagery - so buy into the idea of a Zombie hunting the balls.

 

AVOID 'FFPs and isolated cone work'.

If players are ready for FFPs / cone work then they have possibly out grown the 2v2 level.

Nudge touches (dominant foot) and turns are ok.

 

Do some Foot-Shape Work : 5 mins after Zombie/Scarecrow.

• Players can start to work on basic 'foot-shapes' using exercises in the online resource / flip-books .
• Start at the most basic level and build as players develop.

 

Running with ball exercises should be :

1. Nudge Touches and 2. Turns.

In terms of running with the ball - Make it fun . Add goals. Do Races.

• Develop 'nudge touches (touch step touch step touch) and turns' initially.
• You could do things like use insides only, outsides only, right foot only, left foot only [if you wanted to make it more complicated].
• Play games like 'Racing cars : Slalom' etc. or just a something simple 

 

Develop good control, passing and finishing technique

Develop good control, passing and finishing technique (T-shape development) but use games (and gentle reminders on the run) to develop this amap.

• Dont do dry boring practice based exercises.
• Add control and pass into the races maybe.

 

Summary : Model session

Below is a very simple summary of what I would do*. (You can do your own games etc but it must look like a TST session).

• 1. Zombie scarecrow...add in the technical elements they will need in the 2v1. [All players together]
• 2. Develop running with the ball, control, passing etc - using fun races.
• 3. Play 2v1 games where each attacker can only score in 'their' goal. (They have a goal each).
  • Introduce the idea of it being a team game and about passing to players in a better position to score
• 4. Play pass and press (1v1) exercises to develop technique [Use something appropriate to open up the goals].
  • Develop pass, control, evasion techniques (turns, stop starts, pauses, fakes , explosive lateral movement etc).
  • Introduce the idea that it is a 'race to space'. Control the ball, try to get to a space, turn to get to another space tec until a scoring opportunity pops up.
• 5. Play 2v2s promo/relegation as the last part of the session. [All players]

 

If players are 'standing out' : they need to move up a group.

When players start to excel in the 2v2 games we would look to move them up to a 3v3 group.

 

Notes

If your sessions are not going well - remember it is your fault (so you need to fix your mistakes).

If you pitch it right, then session will be fine.

 

Massive TST tips 

• Avoid queues and periods of inactivity / downtime.
• Give players there own space if there are 4 players or less.
• No more than 2 players per space [if it is not possible to give each player their own space].
• Never have 3 players using the same space (3 players means as '1 works the other 2 will disengage').
• Don't give players a chance to disengage.

 

 

 

 

Text book session format :

Get on the same page :

1. All Players :  (One coach in charge) : Scarecrow / Zombie

• Emphasize the 3 key coaching points / learning opportunities =>
  • Keep ball close,
  • keep the head up,
  • Use the space to get away from the zombie.
• Tell players to
  • Not panic or rush.
  • Not try to beat (take on) the zombie -> 'zombies don't chase you if a players turn away to space'.

 

Then Split into groups :

2. TST foot shapes homework (do something on this) -

• 5 min max [Isolate Practice].
• Remind to tell them it is their homework (the resource link is on the website).

3. Introduce very basic footwork  (don't jump straight into FFPs). Do as a speed based exercise / race.

• 4.1. Less advanced : Just practice nudge touches and turns.
• 4.2 : Next level : Right only, Left Only, Inside only, outside only, bottom of the foot: Then
• 4.3 : More advanced : Practice key footwork Patterns (no cones) : Inside switch Outside : Inside step Outside : Inside Inside. (5 min max).
  • Do it as a race, but make winning the race about finishing 2nd or 3rd - not first.
  • This will slow the footwork down and to help them make sure they do it right).
• Add in a control touch and pass if possible - use this to practice passing.
• If basic 'pass/ control' tech needs work :'Through the gate' / ' hit a cone' game] that develops 'T-shape' control / passing.

4. Play a 2v1 game that's about passing and control and teamwork.

• A 2v1 (where each attacker has their own goal.
  • Re the defender. If they win the ball, they can score in any (all 4 if on a big pitch) goals.

5. Play pass and press 1v1 games

• This is all about the 'race to space'.
• Set up the game (add constraints so that it is all about finding the space).

6. Play 2v2b possession games  or can they keep possession away form the coach (a 3v1 maybe). [Teamwork !!].

7. All players : Play 2v2s (up and down)

 

 

TST Curriculum 2025 : Parts #1 - #6