Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): U15's 15.09.22

Reaction to losing possession

BREAKING LINES

 Playing through / around / over. Understand when and how to play through, around or over the opposition based on the type of pressure applied.

- Area size - 24x16m with a half way line.

- 4 v 4 with the 4 common players ( Black ).

- Each working block lasts 90 seconds 

FUNCTION

• When a team regains possession, their aim is to settle possession by playing out to either of the end neutral players. The team that loses possession must attempt to prevent the opposition from doing so. We are looking at how they react to losing possession. 

• Each working block lasts 90 seconds, after which the neutral players change roles. 

1. Teams get 3 points for playing through the lines, 2 for playing around and 1 for playing over.

2. Challenge teams in a time limit to achieve all 3 principles of breaking lines - Can they go through, around and over in a set time. I may need to adjust the area size and make it slightly bigger to allow balls over the top - They can not play from the yellow end player to the other end play in one pass.

3. Limit touches of team in possession.

4. On the 3rd pass the ball must be played forward ( can not play back ) - Can adjust the number of passes based on age and ability

5. Depending on the way the session is going I may decide to include all black players - The wide ones are now in play in order to play around. They would be managed with a countdown to ensure realism.

COACHING DETAIL:IN POSSESSION 

BODY POSITION

The players whose team is in possession should have an angled body position – either half or quarter- turned – to allow them to receive and play forward where appropriate.

SPACING

The team in possession should try to occupy as much of the area as possible. length width and depth, which is how they can create various passing lines.

COACHING DETAIL: ATTACKING TRANSITION

SETTLING POSSESSION

• When a side regains the ball, their aim is to play to one of the two end neutral players.

• This is I can encourage them to play away from the opposition’s immediate pressure and settle possession for themselves.

COACHING DETAIL: OUT OF POSSESSION

SPACE & PLAYER PROTECTION

• If the opposition are able to settle possession after winning the ball, the defensive team should try to protect space and cut off passing lines between the ball-carrier and their teammates.
  
• This is the set-up from which they will seek to press the ball aggressively when an opportunity arises.

On loss of possession, each team should aim to win it back immediately. This entails changing their mindset accordingly – they should react with real intent and aggression.