Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): D5 - Defending in own Third

SSG - Pressure, Cover, Balance (20 mins)

Set Up: Quarter field at Pine Glen. Two large goals (if GKs are available) - if no GK, use target goals or gates. A 5-yard GK only zone around each goal. Supply of balls next to each goal.

Players: 6v6+GK (or 7v7) - adjust as needed. Create 2 or 3 teams (players manage substitutions).

Description: Regular game with scoring conditions. The attacking objective is to pass the ball to the other team's GK, either on the ground or in the air. GKs are restricted to their "keeper zone". The GK earns a point for each ball they catch or collect clean. The primary objective for the defenders is to prevent the attackers' passes to the GK.

Points:

To encourage a high press -

3 points for the attacking team if the ball is passed to the GK from the defending half.

1 point for the attacking team if the ball is passed to the GK from the attacking half.

To encourage defenders to take away space in own half - reverse the scoring.

Play 3 minute intervals and swap teams. High energy!

Progressions: increase the number of points for passes in own half or attacking half.

Key Factors:

Prevent forward passes - body shape across the goal. Ball side/goal side.

Angles - encourage attackers to pass across their goal - force the team into mistakes.

Compactness - press high as a team or take away space in defensive half.

Visual cues to determine if the player on the ball will play short or long.

Final Game (20 mins)

Set Up: Quarter field at Pine Glen. Balls along the outside and in the goals.

Players: 2 teams - 6 outfield and 1 goalkeeper for each team on field. Players manage substitutions.

Description: Play 7v7 (including GK). All regular rules apply, including retreat line. Each team plays 1-2-1-3. Each team will either press or block for 6 minutes at a time. Final 6 minutes or so consists of free play and players' choice.

Key Factors:

All coaching points from the session - focus on compactness and balance (side to side/front to back). Look for players to get in behind the ball and make the right decision as to when to press and when not to press. Ensure the defending team is not allowing penetrating passes to go through and have good overall shape. Keep everything outside - nothing gets through. Lots of communication!