Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending the lines (Start Time: 2024-12-09 16:30:00)

specific practice (20 mins)

Objective: Work on defensive organisation in midfield when the In Possession team starts from central circle and builds into the middle third.

Organisation:

Area: Half pitch from the centre circle up to the big goal.

Players (Out of Possession): GK, LB, LCB, RCB, RB, LCM, RCM.

Players (In Possession): LWB, RWB, LCM, RCM, LF, RF, CS.

Ball starts at the In Possession team’s LCM/RCM in the centre circle.

Block 1 (8 minutes) → Rest (2 minutes) → Block 2 (8 minutes)

Conditions, Targets, Challenges (Short Sentences):

Challenge (Out of Possession): Stay compact in central areas.

Condition (Out of Possession): Block or intercept any forward pass through central channels.

Target (Out of Possession): If the ball is won, transition quickly and score in the mini goals.

Danger Scenario (Example):

In Possession tries a quick combination between LCM and RCM, looking to slide a through pass to the CS behind LCB and RCB.

Defensive Solution: LCM (defensive) tracks the runner, RCB steps forward to press, LCB drops to cover. LB and RB pinch in slightly to block any wide pass option. GK communicates and prepares to sweep.

Specific Practice Learning Objectives

Recognise when to apply fast pressure on the ball in midfield.

Maintain defensive shape to protect the central areas and stop split passes.

Understand how to quickly recover shape after the ball is played wide or back.

Coaching Points (Technical & Tactical)

Fast Pressure on Ball: Nearest midfielder closes down quickly to reduce time on the ball.

Protect the Middle: LCM and RCM screen passing lanes to CS; LCB and RCB communicate and shift accordingly.

Stay Narrow & Compact: Full-backs tuck in, maintaining small distances between defenders.

Stop Split Passes: Work as a unit to block channels into CS.

Protect Space Behind: Defensive line drops if a forward runner threatens in behind.

Coaching Interventions

Freeze: Stop the play when shape is lost or marking is incorrect; highlight where defenders should move.

Walkthrough: Slowly reposition defenders to show how to stay narrow and press the ball at the correct angle.

Concurrent Coaching: Coach from the sidelines with quick reminders about shape and spacing.

Bullet-Point Feedback: Immediately praise successful blocks or correct defensive shape.

SP into LSG (20 mins)

Objective: Combine structured defensive work (specific practice) immediately transitioning into a live small-sided game.

• Organization:

  Start with a structured wave attack: In Possession plays from the center circle into final third.

  Once that wave finishes (shot, goal, or defending team recovers), immediately continue into a live SSG situation.

• Block 1 (8 minutes) → Rest (2 minutes) → Block 2 (8 minutes)

Two Possible Plays (Wide & Central) by In Possession & Defensive Solutions

• Wide Play Execution:

  In Possession: RWB overlaps, receives from RCM, looks to combine with RF.

  Defensive Movement: LB and LCM shift to block the wide channel; LCB covers near post zone. RCB shifts slightly inwards to mark CS, RB drops to protect space behind.

• Central Play Execution:

  In Possession: LCM feeds CS centrally, who looks to set LF running diagonally behind RCB.

  Defensive Movement: RCB steps in front of CS to intercept; LCB slides across to cover any immediate forward pass; LCM screens the pass into LF.

• Conditions, Targets, Challenges (Short Sentences):

  Challenge (Out of Possession): Anticipate central or wide attack.

  Condition (Out of Possession): Move as a block when the ball is switched or played inside.

  Target (Out of Possession): Score quickly into the mini goals once possession is regained.

Specific Practice into Small-Sided Game Learning Objectives

• Recognise the trigger to transition from a structured defensive shape into open-play defending.
• Identify cues to press wide or deny central penetration effectively.
• Adapt positioning quickly based on the In Possession team’s decision (wide or central attack).

Coaching Points (Technical & Tactical)

• Narrow & Compact: Keep distances between defenders and midfielders tight when anticipating wide attacks.
• Fast Pressure on the Ball: Track the pass and arrive quickly to deny time and space.
• Stop Split Passes: Communicate and mark potential runners going into the final third.
• Protect Space Behind: Full-backs and center-backs drop accordingly if the forward run is imminent.

Coaching Interventions

• Freeze: Highlight correct pivot and shift when the ball moves wide or central.
• Walkthrough: Slowly reposition players to see the angles and distances needed in transitions.
• Concurrent Coaching: Provide immediate feedback on movement timing.
• Bullseye: Praise successful transitions from structured shape into open play defending.

Match-Related Activity & Consolidation of Learning

All three parts include realistic defensive scenarios, building from smaller structured waves (Part 1) to open small-sided formats (Part 2 and 3). This helps players transfer learned principles—fast pressure, protecting middle, stopping splits, and controlling space behind—into more fluid game situations.

Physical Corner

• Work-to-Rest Ratios: Approximately 4:1 across each block (8 minutes work, 2 minutes rest).
• Energy System: Predominantly anaerobic (short, high-intensity bursts of defensive pressing, followed by brief rest).