Session Plan (COACHES VIEW) – London Football School

Entries

Unopposed Start Time: 09:30 am End Time: 09:45 am Duration: 15 mins Treasure Island Practice Description Game Theme: Running with the ball and control How It Works Players are split into teams, each with a corner “home zone” All cones/bibs start in the middle On the whistle, players dribble to the middle, stop the ball, collect an item, and return it to their zone Once the middle is empty, players can raid other teams’ zones If tagged while raiding, players must drop the item and return home Play for a set time, then count items Progressions Add a rule to use a specific stop (sole, inside) in the zone Condition players to use weaker foot when dribbling Competition / Game 1 point for each item in your zone Bonus point for a controlled stop in the zone Team with most items at the end wins Coaching Points Take bigger touches when running into space Stop the ball under control before picking up items Keep your head up to see space and opponents Coach Behaviours Drive intensity and energy throughout Reinforce difference between speed and control Encourage awareness during the raid phase
Unopposed Start Time: 09:45 am End Time: 09:55 am Duration: 10 mins Old McCoach Had a Farm Practice Description Practice Description Game Theme: Ball mastery and reactions How It Works All players dribble freely inside the grid with a ball Coach calls out different “animals” during the game Each animal links to a specific football action Players must react instantly and perform the action Return to dribbling until the next command Progressions Increase speed of transitions between actions Add combination commands (e.g. two actions in a row) Reduce space to increase pressure and awareness Competition / Game 1 point for fastest correct reaction Bonus points for perfect execution of actions Team bonus if all players perform action together Penalty: losing control = complete a task Coaching Points Keep the ball close to react quickly Head up to see space and avoid collisions Stay balanced and ready to move Use both feet for all actions Coach Behaviours Keep energy high and engaging Vary timing and commands to challenge players Reinforce quality of movement and control Use clear cues (“Quick”, “Control”, “React”, “Balance”)
Tag Game Start Time: 09:55 am End Time: 10:05 am Duration: 10 mins Volcanoes and Craters Tag Game Practice Description Game Theme: Agility, reactions and movement How It Works Cones are scattered across the area (some upright, some upside down) Two teams are set different tasks (flip cones one way or the other) On the whistle, players sprint to flip as many cones as possible On “Freeze,” all players stop immediately Team with the most cones in their target position wins Progressions Add a ball so players must dribble before flipping a cone Reduce time to increase intensity and speed of decisions Competition / Game Team with the most correct cones at the end wins Bonus points for clearing all opponent cones Play in short, timed rounds Coaching Points Stay low and balanced when changing direction Scan to find the next closest cone quickly Move explosively between actions Coach Behaviours Drive intensity with short, high-energy rounds Encourage quick decisions rather than hesitation Manage work and rest to keep quality high
Unopposed Start Time: 10:05 am End Time: 10:15 am Duration: 10 mins Cross The River Practice Description Game Theme: Dribbling, awareness and reactions How It Works Players start on one side with a ball each Coach calls “Cross the river if…” (e.g. wearing blue) Those players dribble across to the opposite side Coaches/servers try to pass balls to hit players below the knee If hit, players join the outside as additional servers The last player remaining wins Progressions Increase number of servers to add pressure Add a condition to perform a skill or change of direction while crossing Competition / Game Last player remaining wins the round Bonus challenge for players who cross without being hit Play multiple quick rounds Coaching Points Keep your head up to see danger and space Use quick changes of direction to avoid balls Keep the ball close to stay in control Coach Behaviours Vary calls to keep players thinking and reacting Adjust speed and difficulty of passes for safety and challenge Keep energy high with quick resets between rounds
Unopposed Start Time: 09:30 am End Time: 09:50 am Duration: 20 mins Treasure Island Practice Description Practice Description Game Theme: Running with the ball and control How It Works Players are split into teams with a corner “home zone” All cones or bibs start in the middle On the whistle, players dribble to the middle, stop the ball, collect an item, and return it to their zone Once the middle is empty, players can raid other teams’ zones If tagged while raiding, players must drop the item and return home Play for a set time, then count items Progressions Must use a specific stop in the zone (sole or inside) Dribble with weaker foot only Limit touches when running into space Competition / Game 1 point per item in your zone Bonus point for a controlled stop in the zone Team with most items at the end wins Penalty: tagged while raiding = drop item and reset Coaching Points Use bigger touches when space is open Keep the ball close when approaching zones Stop the ball fully before picking up items Scan to find space and avoid defenders Coach Behaviours Drive intensity and urgency Reinforce balance between speed and control Encourage awareness during raid phase Use clear cues (“Drive”, “Control”, “Stop”, “Scan”)
Tag Game Start Time: 09:50 am End Time: 10:00 am Duration: 10 mins Volcanoes and Craters Tag Game Practice Description Game Theme: Agility, reactions and movement How It Works Cones are scattered across the area (some upright, some upside down) Two teams are set different tasks (flip cones one way or the other) On the whistle, players sprint to flip as many cones as possible On “Freeze,” all players stop immediately Team with the most cones in their target position wins Progressions Add a ball so players must dribble before flipping a cone Reduce time to increase intensity and speed of decisions Competition / Game Team with the most correct cones at the end wins Bonus points for clearing all opponent cones Play in short, timed rounds Coaching Points Stay low and balanced when changing direction Scan to find the next closest cone quickly Move explosively between actions Coach Behaviours Drive intensity with short, high-energy rounds Encourage quick decisions rather than hesitation Manage work and rest to keep quality high
Unopposed Start Time: 10:00 am End Time: 10:20 am Duration: 20 mins The Colour Scanning Circuit Practice Description Practice Description Game Theme: Scanning → reaction → speed with the ball How It Works Players dribble freely inside the grid with a ball Four coloured zones are placed around the area Coach calls a colour at random Players must scan, react, and dribble into that zone Players stop the ball under control inside the zone Progressions Add combination calls (e.g. “Red then Blue”) Limit touches before entering the zone Add a rule to perform a skill before entering Competition / Game First three into the zone = 1 point Clean entry (no collisions or cones hit) = 1 point Last player performs a task before rejoining Team race: first team all in zone wins Coaching Points Head up to scan before the call Small touches in traffic, big touches in space Accelerate quickly once decision is made Stop the ball under full control Coach Behaviours Vary timing of colour calls Demand quick reactions and sharp decisions Reinforce scanning habits constantly Use sharp cues (“Scan”, “Go”, “Drive”, “Stop”)
Matches Start Time: 10:20 am End Time: 10:35 am Duration: 15 mins Numbers Game Practice Description Practice Description How It Works Two teams line up behind opposite goals, each player numbered Coach calls a number That player from each team sprints to the opposite post Both players touch the post and immediately react Coach plays a ball into the pitch Players compete in a live 1v1 to score Progressions Call two numbers to create 2v2 Add a 5 second finish rule to increase tempo Condition the 1v1 (e.g. must use a skill or weak foot finish) Competition / Game Win the sprint = 1 point Score = 2 points Win the ball and dribble out = 2 points 1-2 combination in 2v2 = +1 point Losing team performs a physical forfeit Coaching Points Sprint: Explode low and powerful over first 5 metres Transition: Touch post and react instantly, no pause First Touch: Positive touch toward goal or space 1v1: Commit the defender, then accelerate away Coach Behaviours Drive intensity in the sprint phase Demand instant reaction after post touch Reinforce attacking intent on first touch Use sharp triggers (“Go”, “React”, “Attack”, “Commit”)
Matches Start Time: 10:35 am End Time: 10:55 am Duration: 20 mins Conditioned Matches Practice Description Practice Description How It Works Play a 4v4 or 5v5 match with goalkeepers in the main area A second group plays small games (1v1 or 2v2) in a side area After each round, teams rotate between areas Matches are short and high intensity (4–6 minutes) Quick restarts (kick-ins or dribble-ins) to keep tempo high Game Theme: Applying specific technical skills from the session in match play Progressions Condition the game to reward a specific technical focus (e.g. extra points for using a skill) Limit touches or add rules to increase speed of play Competition / Game Teams score through normal match play Bonus points for applying the session’s focus Winning team stays on or progresses, losing team rotates Coaching Points Stay active and available to receive the ball Recognise when to use the session’s technical focus in the game Transition quickly between attack and defence Coach Behaviours Keep interventions short and relevant to the game Reinforce the session theme during play Maintain high intensity with quick rotations and restarts
Unopposed Start Time: 12:30 pm End Time: 12:50 pm Duration: 20 mins The Colour Scanning Circuit Practice Description Practice Description Game Theme: Scanning → reaction → speed with the ball How It Works Players dribble freely inside the grid with a ball Four coloured zones are placed around the area Coach calls a colour at random Players must scan, react, and dribble into that zone Players stop the ball under control inside the zone Progressions Add combination calls (e.g. “Red then Blue”) Limit touches before entering the zone Add a rule to perform a skill before entering Competition / Game First three into the zone = 1 point Clean entry (no collisions or cones hit) = 1 point Last player performs a task before rejoining Team race: first team all in zone wins Coaching Points Head up to scan before the call Small touches in traffic, big touches in space Accelerate quickly once decision is made Stop the ball under full control Coach Behaviours Vary timing of colour calls Demand quick reactions and sharp decisions Reinforce scanning habits constantly Use sharp cues (“Scan”, “Go”, “Drive”, “Stop”)
Tag Game Start Time: 12:50 pm End Time: 01:00 pm Duration: 10 mins Volcanoes and Craters Tag Game Practice Description Game Theme: Agility, reactions and movement How It Works Cones are scattered across the area (some upright, some upside down) Two teams are set different tasks (flip cones one way or the other) On the whistle, players sprint to flip as many cones as possible On “Freeze,” all players stop immediately Team with the most cones in their target position wins Progressions Add a ball so players must dribble before flipping a cone Reduce time to increase intensity and speed of decisions Competition / Game Team with the most correct cones at the end wins Bonus points for clearing all opponent cones Play in short, timed rounds Coaching Points Stay low and balanced when changing direction Scan to find the next closest cone quickly Move explosively between actions Coach Behaviours Drive intensity with short, high-energy rounds Encourage quick decisions rather than hesitation Manage work and rest to keep quality high
Overload Start Time: 01:00 pm End Time: 01:20 pm Duration: 20 mins Overload - Continuous Overloads Practice Description Game Theme: Transitions and numerical overloads How It Works Play starts with 1 attacker going 1v0 to goal As soon as the attack ends, 2 opponents enter to create a 2v1 Next, 2 teammates join to create a 3v2 Then 1 more opponent joins to create a 3v3 Play continues until the final phase ends All players rotate out and a new group enters Progressions Add time limits to each phase to increase tempo Condition phases (e.g. pass before scoring in overloads) Competition / Game 1 point for scoring in 1v0 2 points for scoring in 2v1 3 points for scoring in 3v2 5 points for scoring in 3v3 Bonus for defenders winning and carrying the ball out Coaching Points React quickly when the phase changes Attack directly when you have an overload Use movement and passing to create space Coach Behaviours Reinforce quick transitions between attack and defence Encourage forward play and decision making Keep intensity high with quick rotations
Matches Start Time: 01:20 pm End Time: 01:50 pm Duration: 30 mins Conditioned Matches Practice Description Practice Description How It Works Play a 4v4 or 5v5 match with goalkeepers in the main area A second group plays small games (1v1 or 2v2) in a side area After each round, teams rotate between areas Matches are short and high intensity (4–6 minutes) Quick restarts (kick-ins or dribble-ins) to keep tempo high Game Theme: Applying specific technical skills from the session in match play Progressions Condition the game to reward a specific technical focus (e.g. extra points for using a skill) Limit touches or add rules to increase speed of play Competition / Game Teams score through normal match play Bonus points for applying the session’s focus Winning team stays on or progresses, losing team rotates Coaching Points Stay active and available to receive the ball Recognise when to use the session’s technical focus in the game Transition quickly between attack and defence Coach Behaviours Keep interventions short and relevant to the game Reinforce the session theme during play Maintain high intensity with quick rotations and restarts
Unopposed Start Time: 09:30 am End Time: 09:40 am Duration: 10 mins Old McCoach Had a Farm Practice Description Practice Description Game Theme: Ball mastery and reactions How It Works All players dribble freely inside the grid with a ball Coach calls out different “animals” during the game Each animal links to a specific football action Players must react instantly and perform the action Return to dribbling until the next command Progressions Increase speed of transitions between actions Add combination commands (e.g. two actions in a row) Reduce space to increase pressure and awareness Competition / Game 1 point for fastest correct reaction Bonus points for perfect execution of actions Team bonus if all players perform action together Penalty: losing control = complete a task Coaching Points Keep the ball close to react quickly Head up to see space and avoid collisions Stay balanced and ready to move Use both feet for all actions Coach Behaviours Keep energy high and engaging Vary timing and commands to challenge players Reinforce quality of movement and control Use clear cues (“Quick”, “Control”, “React”, “Balance”)
Tag Game Start Time: 09:40 am End Time: 09:50 am Duration: 10 mins Olly the Octopus Practice Description Practice Description Game Theme: Dribbling control and chasing movement How It Works Coach stands in the middle with bibs tucked in (tentacles) Players start around the outside of the grid On the whistle, players chase the coach to pull a bib Once all bibs are taken, the round ends Players count bibs and reset for the next round Progressions All players must dribble a ball while chasing Players can only take a bib if their ball is under control Add a rule to perform a move before taking a bib Competition / Game 1 point for each bib collected 2 points for collecting a bib while performing a move Team challenge: collect all bibs within a time limit Penalty: leaving ball behind = bib does not count Coaching Points Keep the ball close when changing direction Accelerate quickly when space opens Slow down as you approach to stay in control Watch movement to anticipate direction Coach Behaviours Move unpredictably to challenge players Reinforce control before speed Encourage creativity and confidence Use cues (“Close”, “Go”, “Slow”, “Take it”)
Unopposed Start Time: 09:50 am End Time: 10:05 am Duration: 15 mins Honey Bear Practice Description Practice Description Game Theme: Ball control and stop-start reactions How It Works All players start at one end with a ball (the Hive) On “GO”, players dribble toward the opposite end (Honey) When the coach turns around, players must freeze with foot on the ball If caught moving, players return to the start and go again When players reach the Honey, they collect an item and dribble back Progressions Add a rule to use a specific stop (sole, inside) Reduce space or increase distance to challenge control Add a defender or moving coach to increase pressure Competition / Game 1 point for each item returned 2 points for a perfect freeze (ball completely still) First player to return a set number wins Penalty: moving when caught = restart Coaching Points Keep the ball close to allow quick stops Use the sole to stop the ball instantly Stay balanced when freezing Keep head up to react early Coach Behaviours Vary timing of turns to challenge reactions Reinforce quality of stop, not just speed Keep energy high and players engaged Use clear cues (“Stop”, “Freeze”, “Control”)
Unopposed Start Time: 10:05 am End Time: 10:15 am Duration: 10 mins Traffic Lights Practice Description Practice Description Game Theme: Ball mastery and reactions How It Works All players dribble freely in the area with a ball each Coach holds up different coloured signals Players must react instantly to each colour: Green = dribble at speed Yellow = ball mastery (small touches/skills) Red = stop the ball under control Continue with random signals to keep players reacting Progressions Add combination signals (e.g. two colours at once) Assign specific skills to each colour Competition / Game 1 point for reacting correctly and quickly Bonus points for fastest reactions on stop commands Lose a point or complete a task for wrong reactions Coaching Points Keep your head up to see the signal early Stop the ball fully under control on command Change speed quickly between movements Coach Behaviours Vary timing to challenge reactions Reinforce scanning while dribbling Keep energy high and players engaged
Turning Skill Start Time: 09:30 am End Time: 09:50 am Duration: 20 mins Dragback Practice Description Practice Description Game Theme: Shielding and change of direction How It Works See Video Coaching Points Use the sole to control the ball, not kick it back Rotate body quickly to face the ball after the drag Keep body between defender and ball while turning First touch out must be strong and into space Coach Behaviours Emphasise control and balance during the turn Reinforce shielding technique under pressure Build speed once technique is secure Use cues (“Drag”, “Turn”, “Shield”, “Go”)
Beat a Player Skill Start Time: 09:30 am End Time: 09:50 am Duration: 20 mins Stepover Practice Description Practice Description Game Theme: 1v1 deception and lateral exit How It Works See Video Coaching Points Sell the fake with body lean and weight shift Step-over must be big and convincing Plant foot firmly to commit the defender Exit touch must be sharp and away from pressure Coach Behaviours Emphasise quality of deception over speed initially Encourage players to fully commit to the fake Reinforce explosive exit after the move Use cues (“Sell it”, “Step”, “Plant”, “Go”)
Alphabet Challenge Start Time: 09:30 am End Time: 09:50 am Duration: 20 mins A - Step Ons Practice Description Practice Description Game Theme: Ball mastery and control How It Works See Video Coaching Points Touch the ball lightly with the sole, do not press down Keep the ball stationary and under control Stay on the balls of your feet with knees bent Head up to scan, not fixed on the ball Coach Behaviours Emphasise rhythm and consistency of touches Encourage light, quick contact with the ball Progress speed only when control is secure Use cues (“Light”, “Quick”, “Bounce”, “Scan”)
Tag Game Start Time: 09:50 am End Time: 10:00 am Duration: 10 mins Dribbling Tag Game Practice Description Practice Description Game Theme: Ball control under pressure and evasion How It Works All players start with a ball inside a 20x20 grid (Reds) Two players (Blues) are “Hunters” and must also dribble a ball Hunters attempt to tag players while keeping control of their own ball When tagged, players swap roles and become the new Hunter Players must stay in control of their ball at all times Progressions Introduce specific escape turns (Cruyff, sole pivot, etc.) Award points for successful turns to evade tags Reduce space to increase pressure and decision-making Competition / Game 1 point for every 30 seconds a player avoids being tagged 2 points for successfully escaping using a turn 5 points for the Hunter with the most successful tags Penalty: leaving the grid or losing control = become the Hunter Coaching Points Keep head up to scan for Hunters Use small, controlled touches in tight spaces Shield the ball using body position when under pressure Explode out of turns into open space Coach Behaviours Drive intensity and engagement throughout Reinforce quality of turns under pressure Encourage creativity and confidence in evasion Use clear cues (“Scan”, “Shield”, “Turn”, “Go”)
Unopposed Start Time: 10:00 am End Time: 10:20 am Duration: 20 mins Traffic Lights Practice Description Practice Description Game Theme: Ball mastery and reactions How It Works All players dribble freely in the area with a ball each Coach holds up different coloured signals Players must react instantly to each colour: Green = dribble at speed Yellow = ball mastery (small touches/skills) Red = stop the ball under control Continue with random signals to keep players reacting Progressions Add combination signals (e.g. two colours at once) Assign specific skills to each colour Competition / Game 1 point for reacting correctly and quickly Bonus points for fastest reactions on stop commands Lose a point or complete a task for wrong reactions Coaching Points Keep your head up to see the signal early Stop the ball fully under control on command Change speed quickly between movements Coach Behaviours Vary timing to challenge reactions Reinforce scanning while dribbling Keep energy high and players engaged
Matches Start Time: 10:20 am End Time: 10:40 am Duration: 20 mins Numbers Game Practice Description Game Theme: Explosive transition → 1v1 duel How It Works Two teams line up behind opposite goals, each player numbered Coach calls a number That player from each team sprints to the opposite post Both players touch the post and immediately react Coach plays a ball into the pitch Players compete in a live 1v1 to score Progressions Call two numbers to create 2v2 Add a 5-second finish rule to increase tempo Condition the 1v1 (e.g. must use a skill or weak foot finish) Competition / Game Win the sprint = 1 point Score = 2 points Win the ball and dribble out = 2 points 1–2 combination in 2v2 = +1 point Losing team performs a physical forfeit Coaching Points Sprint: Explode low and powerful over first 5 metres Transition: Touch post and react instantly, no pause First Touch: Positive touch toward goal or space 1v1: Commit the defender, then accelerate away Coach Behaviours Drive intensity in the sprint phase Demand instant reaction after post touch Reinforce attacking intent on first touch Use sharp triggers (“Go”, “React”, “Attack”, “Commit”)
Matches Start Time: 10:40 am End Time: 10:53 am Duration: 13 mins Conditioned Matches Practice Description Practice Description How It Works Play a 4v4 or 5v5 match with goalkeepers in the main area A second group plays small games (1v1 or 2v2) in a side area After each round, teams rotate between areas Matches are short and high intensity (4–6 minutes) Quick restarts (kick-ins or dribble-ins) to keep tempo high Game Theme: Applying specific technical skills from the session in match play Progressions Condition the game to reward a specific technical focus (e.g. extra points for using a skill) Limit touches or add rules to increase speed of play Competition / Game Teams score through normal match play Bonus points for applying the session’s focus Winning team stays on or progresses, losing team rotates Coaching Points Stay active and available to receive the ball Recognise when to use the session’s technical focus in the game Transition quickly between attack and defence Coach Behaviours Keep interventions short and relevant to the game Reinforce the session theme during play Maintain high intensity with quick rotations and restarts
Beat a Player Skill Start Time: 12:30 am End Time: 12:50 am Duration: 20 mins Roll & Stepover Practice Description Practice Description Objective: To unbalance a defender using lateral ball movement (the Roll) and a body feint (the Step-over), creating a clear path for an explosive exit. The Technical Breakdown The Approach: Dribble toward the defender. As you enter the "Engagement Zone," slow your pace slightly to lure the defender into a stationary or "closing" stance. The Roll (The Bait): Use the sole of your dominant foot to roll the ball across the front of your body. The roll must be deliberate enough to make the defender believe you are changing lanes. The Step-over (The Orbit): As the ball rolls across your midline, instantly swing your non-dominant foot around the front of the ball in an "Inside-to-Outside" motion. Do not touch the ball during this orbit. The Nudge (The Exploit): As your non-dominant foot plants, immediately use the outside of that same foot to nudge the ball forward and past the defender. The Burst: Accelerate at 100% intensity into the space you have created.

Unopposed

Treasure Island

Practice Description

Unopposed

Old McCoach Had a Farm

Practice Description

Tag Game

Volcanoes and Craters Tag Game

Practice Description

Unopposed

Cross The River

Practice Description

Unopposed

Treasure Island

Practice Description

Tag Game

Volcanoes and Craters Tag Game

Practice Description

Unopposed

The Colour Scanning Circuit

Practice Description

Matches

Numbers Game

Practice Description

Matches

Conditioned Matches

Practice Description

Unopposed

The Colour Scanning Circuit

Practice Description

Tag Game

Volcanoes and Craters Tag Game

Practice Description

Overload

Overload - Continuous Overloads

Practice Description

Matches

Conditioned Matches

Practice Description

Unopposed

Old McCoach Had a Farm

Practice Description

Tag Game

Olly the Octopus

Practice Description

Unopposed

Honey Bear

Practice Description

Unopposed

Traffic Lights

Practice Description

Turning Skill

Dragback

Practice Description

Beat a Player Skill

Stepover

Practice Description

Alphabet Challenge

A - Step Ons

Practice Description

Tag Game

Dribbling Tag Game

Practice Description

Unopposed

Traffic Lights

Practice Description

Matches

Numbers Game

Practice Description

Matches

Conditioned Matches

Practice Description

Beat a Player Skill

Roll & Stepover

Practice Description