In this session filmed exclusively for CV Academy, Arsenal Under-14 head coach Simon Copley leads a group of youth development phase players through a series of practices designed to reinforce key tactical and technical principles around creating attacks.

The session was delivered in the build-up to a game against local rivals Tottenham. It begins with a warm-up and activation circuit in which Copley leads two intense rondos and head of academy performance Perry Stewart takes the players through some dynamic movements and sprints. The first practice splits the group in two: assistant technical coach Danny Granville leads one set through an unopposed passing pattern, while Copley leads a related and opposed passing practice. The groups then come back together for an 11v8 positioning practice designed to work on the principles coached in the first two practices; the session then ends with a 2v2 wave game featuring high repetition of attacking, finishing and counter-attacking.

It’s a fascinating session featuring a lot of excellent technical and tactical coaching. We hope you enjoy it!

Please also click below to download the accompanying session plan in PDF form.