Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending Overloads 2

Description

Specific Practice Blocks: 4x4 mins 

SSG Blocks: 4x5 mins

Problem#1:  Attacking team's wide players are looking to play centrally.

Problem#2:  Attacking team is trailing 1-0 and searching for an equalizer with 5 minutes remaining. 

Solutions: Defenders and midfielders on red team narrow their shape to compact the middle, close off central passing lanes, and force wide. The red team then shifts their shape depending on which side of the pitch the play shifts towards. Closest player to the ball presses, and the players around and away from the ball shift towards the pressing player to close down space to play. Farthest players are to be left alone and the middle is to be protected. 

Coaching Points:

-Recognize opposition movement

-Press Quickly

-Protect The Middle

-Leave the Farthest Players

-Attacking Transitions When Possession Is Regained

Technical Points:

-Closest player to the ball applies pressure (starts quickly, slows down on approach)

-Body Shape: Angled to show attacking player on ball away from goal

-Tackling Technique: Stand, Slide, Poke

-Tackling Application/Timing: Cues to tackle-poor first touch, slow pass, head of opponent receiving the ball is down.

 *Does an attempt to win the ball have to be made? Where on the pitch? (i.e. If closer to opponent's goal, winning the ball may not be as necessary compared to if the opponent enters our box)

-Track runners or pass on?

-What Ifs:      

      -Defending players get isolated on overloads?

      -Blue team opts for shots outside of our box?

      -Pressing player gets beaten?

      -Point of attack switches to opposite side winger/wingback     

      -Line breaking pass made to get behind defense?

   -Attack shifts from wide areas to central areas