Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Counter attack - Defending and offensive principles

Warm-up15 mins

Organization:

Inside 18yd box

3 pinnies

2 balls (extras on outside of grid)

Instructions:

3 Players start off as defenders holding a pinnie each in there hand.

Defenders must look to simply touch a ball or force a ball out of play via a bad pass/touch from an attacker, if they do this the attacker who lost possession takes the pinnie and becomes a defender and the previous defender becomes an attacker.

Attackers must help each other to keep possession of both soccer balls.

Coaching Points:

Communication

Awareness of space/pressure etc.

Try to play to back foot and turn to switch ball in other direction when receive it if possible

Quality/weight of passes.

Angles/distances of support

Speed of play

Can you combine or switch play to releive pressure

Constantly re-evaluate your position (can I be in a better position?)

Progressions:

Simply add/remove balls/defenders until have the correct balance between challenge/success

4v4 Conditioned Game (Group Tactics)15 mins

Organization:

30 x 20

Addition of GK's and goal

Instructions:

4v4 - seek to continue same focus into more free-flowing game. Def goal to regain possession within 5 sec, if not, fall back into shape. Offense judgment whether to move forward quickly on counter or possess square/in support in order to set attack

Coaching Points:

Def - Nearest player to ball applies pressure. Remaining players defend

Off - Cues of moves to create passing lanes forward

Moments when the 3rd attacker should check into the ball (also find passing lanes)

Progressions: Consider adding joker(s)