Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Tactical Development Task 1: Defending the Final Third

Set Up (10 mins)

Defending The Final Third - Specific Practice

Set Up - Blue #8 Will play the ball wide to 11# who will drive toward goal. 8# will look make movements between red FB and CB. 11# will either provide a cross for the two forwards or slip in 8 for a finish/cross.

Coached Team - (RED) GK - FB, 2xCBs and MF

Opposition - (BLUE) MF, WM and 2xFW

Opposition Management:

Terminal Block 1: Attack Wide areas and create run deep into box with 8#. 1 Minute Walkthrough 4 minute terminal.

Terminal Block 2: 8# can now over load wide or centrally and play either to the 11# or Forwards before joining the play.1 Minute Walkthrough 4 minute terminal.

Terminal Block 3: Refine & Check understanding. 

Conditions to Implement:

Block 1 - Reds if regained must play direct into one of the small goals without utilising team mates.

Block 2 - Reds have six seconds to score can utilise team mate to find an opening.

Pitch Geography: 3rd length and width cut inside the penalty box.

Key Points

-Protect the Middle

-Force Wide

-Minimise Box Entries

-Stop Crosses

-Defend the Box

Block 2 (10 mins)

Units & Responsibilities Coached Team (Reds) -

Goalkeeper - Similar to before but now needs to work with midfield player to deny overloads or exploiting spaces of there midfielder through communication.

CBs - Recognise if blue Midfielder  comes centrally how do they get reds 6# to screen passes into attacking players whilst also marking zonal/man (Hybrid).

FB - Delay, stop crosses and also work with midfielder if they decide to overload wide. Midfielder to provide wrap around cover to stop overlaps or slip passes into space behind.

MF - Recognise movement of opposition 8#. If they go wide can he provide cover for FB to stop overlap or gaining entries in box. If movement is central can they stop overload in box screen passes and be second line of defence.