Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Midfield Transition - Defence to Attack

Warm Up (15 mins)

Technical

Tactical

Physical

Psychological

Session Objectives (individual)

Session Objectives (Group)

Function - Transistional Role of MF (20 mins)

Organisation

Split players into two teams - 9 Red & 6 Grey plus two neutral players.

Grey team play with 4 x MF and 2 x CF.

Use half a pitch - divided down the middle.

Create two coned goals as shown.

Neutral players to act as servers to Grey team and once Red team gain possession, target players for the Red team.

How to Play

Play begins from a Black neutral player - acting as server to any Grey player on their half of the pitch. When Grey team are attacking, they can pass the ball back to the neutral player.

Grey team try to score in the big goal, but must remain in the half in which play commenced.

Grey team can only score by shooting at goal once they have entered the penalty area - NB Red team have no GK.

Whilst Grey team are attacking and Red team are Defending:

-Grey LMF must remain in opposite half - cannot cross dividing line

-Red RMF No.7 and Red RB No. 2 must also remain in their own half of the pitch.

-All other players must remain in the half of the pitch in which play commenced.

If Red team win possession, they must seek to score by transferring the ball to Red FB or Red RMF who must pass to the neutral target player on their side of the pitch.

Once Red team gain possession and Grey team are Defending:

-Any Grey player except Grey RMF can join play on other side of the pitch.

-Any Red Player except Red RF No.3 and Red LMF No.11 can join play on the other side.

Alternate commencement of play by neutral player.

Possible Coaching Points

No.11 - must fulfill a defensive role - getting behind the ball.

If ball is played to Grey RMF he must press, showing either outside or inside depending upon location of play at that time.

Must be quick off the mark to close down using appropriate defensive technique.

If Red team win possession, and seek to switch play, he will seek to maintain balance by sliding towards the dividing line.

No.3 - Provides support to Red No.11 - either inside or outside.

Communication with No.11 - give instructions as to which side to show him - or hold.

Positioning is key - support and threaten pass - block possible passing line - check shoulder.

No.8 - Support No.11 if Grey RMF comes inside; Block passing line; work as a team with No.11 to double press if opportunity arises.

Movement to create a passing line in the event possession is gained.

No.10 - threaten passing line back to neutral player.

Play high to provide a possible outlet if possession is gained.

Movement to create a passing line.

No.6 - Block passing line to CF. Support in the event ball is passed to Grey CMF.

Movement if possession is gained in order to create a passing line.

No.7 - Aims to create balance for the team - will slide towards the dividing line.

If he plays too wide, he becomes isolated.

Retains defensive duties - marking Grey LMF - ballside and goalside.

Movement to create a passing line.

No.2 - Defensive support & balance in the event of Grey team switching play.

Providing outlet in the event Red team gain possession.

Exploit space - movement - good communication.

Progressions

1. Red team must have at least one other player in addition to Red No.2 on opposite side of pitch - need not be No.7 - No.7 can switch or rotate with No.6/No.8 - to create passing line on transition

Cool Down (15 mins)