Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending the ball from wide area's. (paulK)

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DEFENDING THE BALL FROM  WIDE AREA's

9v9 SSG.  60 yds in length and full width of the pitch.

Blue (managed) team will play 4-4-2 with the player's 5 and 6 removed, this being the desire to play the ball out to wide areas, as quickly as possible, from (no4) the holding midfield player. Direction of play will be towards the goal area. 7 and 11 will initially cross the ball from wide with the option to set back to 2 and 3.

Red (coached) team are playing 4-4-2 with players 7 and 11 removed, there is no requirement for width high up the pitch and with their conditions in play.  Direction of play will be towards the centre circle and when possession will be received by 9or10 for a quick transition and distribution from the GK.

This session will be preceded by a;

1. Technical session (un opposed)

2. Functional practise (opposed)

TECHNICAL POINTS FOR THE GK (red)

Start position. 

• When the ball is with the opposition, GK 4 and 8 .(central and deep). 
• When the Ball is travelling to different areas of the pitch, particularly in the wide areas (2+7, 3+11)
• Constantly adjust and be in line with the ball adn depth.
• Recognise triggers for a cross and be set for the cross. 
• More central to the goal when ball is out wide, moving towards the ball as player comes nearer.

IN PLAY (what to recognise)

• Managing the defensive line, where should this be when blue GK has the ball and when in free play how do we adjust. i.e. where do 4 and 8 go? 
• 'Denying' space in the middle to force play wide, type of press to use.
• When 3 engages 7 or (2 to 11,) can we 'delay' the cross, can we 'deflect' play away to a deeper position.
• Recognise where the strikers are and deploy 6 and 8 (cdm) as markers and use 5 as cover. 
• GK to move in same direction as ball and move the defensive line accordingly.
• GK to recognise by scanning where 9+10 are for quick distribution and a fast transition for/to a goal scoring opportunity.
• How GK manages the back line when this transition is successful or not succesful.
• 2nd phase of play, if the ball has been punched, deflected, headed or cleared away. 
• Where the back line will go in 2nd phase depending on position/depth of clearance.
• Do we press, 'deny' space and force wide again. 
• 
  

GK Technical detail.

• Decide to catch or punch if high, if low, save or deflect.
• High cross, take catch as high as possible.
• Assess flight and pace of the ball.
• Soft fingers/hands, strong wrists and elbows, shock absorbers.
• Low cross, low or med height save or deflect with a punch.
• If punching, identify a safe area to punch to, distance of punch, 1or2 handed. 
• Distribution to 9or10, type and speed.
• communication, clear and loud.