Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): U14 Session 11: Creating Space for FB/RMF/LMF on the Wing (Start Time: 2016-03-02 20:50:00)

Analysis

Analysis

In order to create space for FB's or RMF or LMF on the wing, there must be good communication and synchronisation between the full backs and the RMF/LMF.

If the full backs attack down the wing, the oppositions wingers/wide MF will usually follow their runs/movements. Space will then be created for RMF/LMF to drop back, receive the ball unmarked and turn.

In the above example, RFB moves forward and his marker follows him. RMF drops back into the space created to receive the ball on his front foot. He then has time to pick out a pass - either to No.10 or 9.

Function - Passing Sequence 1 (15 mins)

Organisation

Players are introduced into the set up, as above.

Run the two groups of players at the same time, using identical passing combinations on each end with a shot on goal - aim being to create space on the wings for the FB's to attack.

Instructions

A. No.6 starts by passing the ball forward to No.8 and receiving the pass back.

B. Trigger - as the ball is passed back to No.6, the RB No.2 makes his run from the blue box, around the cone.

C. Trigger - as soon as the RB No.2 begins his run, the RMF No.7 drops back to take advantage of the space created, ending in the blue box.

D. Trigger - as RMF No.7 enters the blue box, No.6 passes the ball to him.

E. Trigger - as RMF No.7 receives the ball, CF No.9 moves to create a passing line - on an angle, and RMF No.7 passes the ball to him.

F. Trigger - as the ball is passed into CF No.9, RB No.2 maintains his run down the wing and CF No.9 passes the ball to him.

G. RB No.2 runs with the ball into an attacking position

H. RB No.2 hits a low cross for CF No.9 to score - CF No.9 having commenced his movement just before RB No.2 crosses the ball.

NOTE - After the sequence concludes, a new FB enters the blue square. The RB No.2 become the RMF No.7, and the player who had been RMF No.7, moves out of the area of play and rejoins the queue of waiting RB's. Swap No. 6 & 8 and change No.9 as necessary according to numbers within the group.

Coaching Points

1. The rhythm and timing of the runs with the pass is key to good attacking combinations.

2. The players need to use the correct body shape and timing so that they can use just 1 touch when possible to speed up play.

3. What if the ball slows down during the passing sequence - what should the LB do? His initial quick run is important to generate the spacer into which the LMF can drop. He should remain high and wide and look to restart his run as soon as the pass into No.8 is made.

Progressions

1. Restrict players to 2 touch - or use 1 touch when they feel comfortable to do so.

SSG - Creating Space for FB's in a Dynamic 2 Zone SSG (20 mins)

Organisation

Split players into 2 teams - Blue x 8 and White x 6 with a Yellow server representing a CB.

Blue team to be coached.

Blue team play 2-2-3-1 formation - (2&3);(6&8);(11,10&7) and No.9.

White team play 2-3-1 formation.

Create a half way line.

Place two mini goals as above.

Instructions

The Blue team aim to move the ball to the high zone and score in one of the two mini goals.

When the LB or RB decides to move into the high zone, the LMF or RMF should drop back into the low zone in a synchronised movement.

When the white teams wide MF follows the FB's movement, space will be created inside the low zone. If the white teams wide MF does not follow the FB's movement, an overload will be achieved in the high zone - which must then be exploited.

Conditions

Only the Blue FB's and the White 2 wide MF can move from area to area.

Blue 11 & 7 can enter the low zone and can move back into the high zone to create a 4 v 3 overload.

If the White team wins possession, they have 10 seconds to try to pass the ball to the server AND any player on either team can play in any zone. However, if the ball goes out of play, the game restarts with the server passing to the blue team again.

Progressions

1. If the White team gain possession, they can only play the ball back to the server from the low zone. This will allow the Blue team an opportunity to transit from attack to defence - receovery runs of LB/RB and cover by RMF & LMF.

Coaching Points

1. The Synchronised movement of the FB forwards and the LMF/RMF dropping back is the focus.

2. The timing of the LMF/RMF run should be at the right moment (free in space and able to turn).

3. The players should be aware to retain balance at the back at all times.

4. Recovery runs of FB's and cover by LMF/RMF should possession be lost.

SSG Cont.'d (20 mins)

Organisation

Introduce opposing white team.

Instructions

The blue team aims to create space in the low zone for the LMF/RMF to drop back and receive the ball unmarked. So, when a FB enters the high zone, the respective LMF/RMF drops back in a synchronised movement.

Conditions

While the White team are in defensive mode, only the White LMF and White RMF can move from zone to zone - the 4 White Defenders must remain within the low zone and the White CMF and CF must remain in the high zone.

Blue Team players can play in either zone at any time - but - should always try to retain the team's balance.

If the White team win the ball, there are no limitations - all players on both teams can move from area to area - BUT the White team have only 10 seconds in which time to score.

Coaching Points

1. Correct body shape (open up on the half turn) and positioning is important to view where the next pass goes.

2. The synchronised movement of the FB forwards and the LMF/RMF dropping back is the key to creating space on the wing.

3. The players should be aware to retain balance at the back at all times.