Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): General Practice - Defending the lines

Screen 1 (20 mins)

the FAW / UEFA B - General Session - Defending the Lines

Mode: Possession

Welsh Way Principles:

 Understand when and how to stop the opposition playing around,through & over.

Organisation & Area Size:

 60yd x 40yd and a halfway line.

6 v 6 + 3 common players,2 on the goal line and 1 in the middle.

4 x 6 minutes with a 1.5 minute break.

Coaching the BLUE team in 'Defending the Breaking of Lines' out of possession.

Explanation - How

I will be coaching the BLUE team and the RED team will be 'breaking lines' in possession as much as possible. 

I won't be coaching the BLUE team and I want them to recognise and revert to the Welsh Principles of breaking lines in possession and test my BLUE team in defending.

The BLUE team will try and play through,around or over the oposition at every chance and get the ball to common player on the goal line and then play back up the pitch to the other common player.

The BLUES are to use the middle common player as much as possible to make a 7 x 4 situation.

Working with the RED team outf possession explain the understanding  and detail aroun 'defensive' thinking based on the welsh way principles.The REDS need to work hard to break the passing lines and make it difficult for the opposition.

The REDS are to press and close down the opposition.

The REDS are to leave the furthest players as they are the least threatening and it will exhaust the players trying to cover everyone.

Continue to ensure that the BLUES adhere to the realism of the session and play in the correct way with breaking lines.

We want the BLUES to have as much time as possible on the ball in possession,this is because I am coaching the REDS in defending breaking lines and I want coach them correctly in what they need to do.This will help the REDS in repetition and understanding of the session.

When the BLUES are out of possession they will recognise the out of possession defensive principles and practice them but I won't BE coaching them.

Conditions,Challenge & Targets:

 1. BLUE team (In possession) must try and break lines by passing through with split passes or around by width or over via high balls.

2. REDS must press at every opportunity giving the opposition little time to achieve their goal of getting the ball to the bye line common players.

3.The BLUES are to have limited touch on the ball- 2 touches then pass,this will give the the REDS an opportunity to press and win the ball more often which will also give the coach opportunity to coach own team/players more frequently.

4.BOTH teams will get 3 points for a 'goal' a pass to the goal line common player if the the pass is 'centrally' through the middle.2 Points are for a 'goal' from breaking lines around.

5. REDS will have an extra 1 point if they intercept a pass from the 'central' common player.This will be a really good challenge as it will interupt the opposition and enable REDS to break in transition.

Key Points:

Out of Possession:

- Defending narrow

- Protect all space behind

- Stop forward passes if possible

- Always leave the furthest players (opposition)

- Force the opposition wide at all times

- Break and block all passing lines

- Stop & prevent split passes

- Keep in Units with team mates

Organisation