Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 3v2 with finishing - practice

Description

This session is designed to get players used to work as a unit (in both IP and OOP) and use their numerical advantage in possession. It allows players to work on their finishing as well as passing and receiving and 1v1s.

Organisation (Practice Layout & Transition)

• Mark out a 40 x 20m area split into two halves and with a goal at each side (and a GK in each goal)
• Organise a 3v2 in each half in favour of the attacking team
• Have a ball in play in each half, playing in parallel
• The attacking team looks to combine and create and finish chances
• If they score or ball goes out of play, they restart with a ball from the coach on the halfway line
• If defenders win possession, they look to score by running with the ball/dribbling to the halfway line
• Allow 2 minutes for each team before swapping roles, playing for 6 periods (so everyone attacks three times and defends three times)
• Progress the practice into a directional game (screen 2) with two teams of five and GKs in each goal
• Maintain the 3v2 overload by having each team set up like this in their attacking half
  

• Encourage players to go for 1v1 to engage the defender and free space for their teammates
• Encourage players to take positive touches to gain an advantage over the defending team
• Reflect with the players about the need to decide when to play to feet and when to play into space, what are the key elements that make them decide which scenario to play? Encourage them to discuss their thoughts and find solutions together as a unit (team)
• Encourage defenders to force the ball back or sideways, denying central spaces towards goal
• Encourage defenders to work as a pair, with the nearest player to the ball applying pressure while their teammate provides cover