Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): SSG: Attacking in Final third

SSG - Attacking in the Final Third (40 mins)

Goals: Full-size goals at both ends of the half pitch.

Starting Point: Ball starts with the attacking team (from a CB or CM).

Scoring: Both teams aim to score in the opposing big goal.

Problem 1: Compact, Narrow, and Deep Defense

The defending team remains compact and narrow, prioritizing protecting central areas and defending deep.

Solution 1: Create Overloads in Wide Areas

Tactic: Use the wide areas to stretch the defensive line.

• The wingers (No. 7 and No. 11) stay high and wide to pull the full-backs out of position.
• A central midfielder (e.g., No. 8) overlaps or underlaps the winger to create a 2v1 situation.
• Deliver early crosses into the box, targeting the strikers (No. 9 and No. 10).

Coaching Points:

• Timing of the runs from wingers and midfielders is critical to creating the overload.
• Ball speed and accuracy to switch play are essential to exploit spaces quickly.
• Strikers should position themselves between defenders to attack the cross effectively.

Solution 2: Quick Ball Circulation to Break Compact Shape

Tactic: Move the ball quickly between defenders and midfielders to force defensive shifts.

• The ball starts centrally, and players circulate it laterally to provoke defensive movement.
• A CB (No. 5 or No. 6) or deep CM (No. 4) switches the ball into space on the opposite flank.

Coaching Points:

• Focus on ball speed to prevent the defense from resetting.
• Encourage off-the-ball runs into pockets of space as the ball is switched.
• Communication and scanning are key to identifying when to switch the play.

Problem 2: Aggressive Pressing in the Midfield

The defending team presses high, targeting central midfielders and defenders to disrupt build-up play.

Solution 1: Use Quick Combination Play

Tactic: Play one-touch passes in triangles to bypass the press.

• A striker (No. 9) drops deeper to create a numerical advantage in midfield.
• Use short, sharp passes between CBs, CMs, and the striker to move the ball forward.
• A winger or striker then runs into space behind the pressing line to receive a through ball.

Coaching Points:

• Ensure players scan the field and anticipate defensive pressure.
• The dropping striker must create space for others by dragging defenders out of position.
• Emphasize quick decision-making and accurate passing under pressure.

Solution 2: Exploit Space Behind the Defensive Line

Tactic: Play direct, diagonal balls into the channels behind the press.

• The CBs (No. 5 and No. 6) look for opportunities to bypass the midfield with well-placed passes.
• Wingers (No. 7 and No. 11) make diagonal runs into the channels to receive the ball and drive forward.
• Strikers (No. 9 and No. 10) stay central, ready to attack cutbacks or second balls.

Coaching Points:

• Timing of the runs into space is crucial to avoid offsides.
• Encourage wingers to exploit gaps left by pressing full-backs.
• Focus on accurate delivery and ensuring the receiving player has time to control the ball.

Blended Solution for Problem Adaptation

In the final block, the defending team alternates between compact defending and high pressing. The attacking team should:

• Recognize the defensive strategy early (compact or pressing).
• Apply the corresponding solution (wide overloads, quick combinations, or direct play).
• Maintain patience and discipline to capitalize on defensive weaknesses.