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Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Stopping the No 10

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FAW Coach Ed

Craig Nelson

Profile Summary

Craig Nelson
Name: Craig Nelson
City: Kent
Country: United Kingdom
Membership: Adult Member
Sport: Football/Soccer
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Description

Main Focus of the Session

  • Preventing the #10 from receiving freely between the lines.

  • Training the midfield & defensive units to recognise and react to the opposition’s build-up patterns.

  • Forcing the ball wide where it’s easier to defend.

Main Defensive Principles

  • Deny space between the lines

    • Compactness vertically (reduce the gap between defence & midfield).

  • Screen and block passing lanes

    • Midfielders position themselves to block the line into the #10.

  • Be aware of the #10’s movement

    • Track drops into midfield or runs beyond.

  • Press on the receiving touch

    • Immediate pressure if the #10 receives facing forward.

  • Communication & cues

    • Defenders and midfielders communicate who engages, who covers.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Screen 1

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Screen 1
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Screen 1 (10 mins)

Specific Practice Plan

 

Organisation

Area: Half pitch with five lanes horizontal zones and tappered as above. 2 Mini Goals and 1 Big goal

Time: 10 mins (2 Blocks of 4 mins)

Players:

  • Attacking Team (Blue): 2 CBs, 2 CM, #10, CF and 2 Wingers (8 players).

  • Defending Team (Red): GK, 2 CBs, 2 FBs, 2 CM and #10 (8 players) 

 

 

Conditions

  • Attacking team must attempt to play through the #10 before they can score
  • Attacking Team CBs are locked into their are (Block 1)
  • 1 CB can come out of their area in block 2)
  • Defending team must start with a high line (white line as above)

Challenges

For Defenders:

  • Keep a high line under pressure without being caught by runs in behind.

  • Maintain compactness but still be ready to cover wide threats.

  • Communicate and pass marking responsibilities when the #10 drifts.

For Attackers:

Use movement and rotation to free up the #10.

Break defensive lines with timing and disguise in passing.

Drag defenders out of position to open space for others.

Targets

 

Defending Team:

  • 3 points for intercepting a pass into the #10.

  • 2 points for forcing play wide and regaining possession.

  • 1 point for every minute they do not concede a goal.

    1 point for scoring in mini goals or big goal

Attacking Team:

3 points for finding the #10 in central zone who then plays forward within 3 touches.

2 points for bypassing the defensive block without using the #10.

1 point for winning a free kick or corner in final third

1 point for scoring + 2 points if the #10 scores or assists

 

 

How it Works (1) - Central Areas

  • Attacking Build-Up starts with Blue CBs (5/6). The ball must be passed between CBs to start the game.
  • Attacking team must attempt to play into the #10 in the central zone before entering the final third.
  • This can be achieved by Blue 4/8 rolling out to create space centrally when the opposite CB receives the ball.
  • Defenders must hold a high line and limit space in between the lines
  • If defending team wins the ball, they counter into mini-goals in
  • Block 2 - #10 Must attempt to receive the ball by making a third man run

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Screen 2

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Screen 2
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Screen 2

(1) Limiting the #10 from Receiving Centrally

Defensive Solutions:

  • Screen the Passing Lane

    • Nearest central midfielder adjusts body shape to block the direct pass while staying side-on to see both the ball and #10.

    • CB steps slightly higher if needed to compress space between lines.

  • Force Play Wide

    • Angle pressure from the first defender on the ball to show outside.

    • Full-back ready to engage wide player, cutting the chance of an inside ball.

  • Compact Distance Between Units

    • Keep distance between midfield and defensive lines within the central zone to stop the #10 operating in a free pocket.

  • Pre-Trigger Communication

    • CBs and CMs communicate early (“Screen 10”, “Hold high line”) so the shape is set before the pass option appears.

  • Press Triggers

    • Slow, square pass in midfield → step up together and close the lane to #10.

    • Attacker receiving with back to goal → immediate pressure from behind with cover in place.

(2) If the #10 Makes a Third-Man Run Beyond the Defensive Line

Defensive Solutions:

  • Track the Runner Early

    • Nearest CB or FB tracks the #10 as soon as they release the ball and spin.

    • Opposite CB tucks in to cover space behind.

  • Cover & Delay

    • If beaten by the pass, covering defender drops and angles body to force wide before #10 can shoot.

  • Offside Trap

    • With a high line, CBs step up together the moment the ball is played into a supporting player, catching the #10 offside on the run.

  • Goalkeeper Positioning

    • GK starts higher when defending a high line, ready to sweep balls played in behind.

  • Rotation of Responsibility

    • If the tracking CB is pulled out of shape, the nearest CM drops into the back line until the defence resets.

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