Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): 6v6/7v7 - Attacking Centrally - Penetration in the final 1/3

Screen 1

Session Objectives

• Develop players ability to play through balls into the final 1/3 for team mates to run onto.
• Timing of players runs in behind to ensure that they do not enter the final third before the ball 

Set Up

• Pitch size appropriate for the age of the players
• Mark out a scoring zone at each end of the pitch 15-20 yards depending on the how difficult you want to make it.
• 2 equal teams, each having a goal keeper in a match size goal

How it works

• Players can only score a goal when they are in the scoring zone
• The only way the players can enter the scoring zone is if they 1) dribble the ball into the scoring zone 2) a pass is played into the scoring zone and the ball is in the scoring zone before the player is.
• No players are allowed in the scoring zone until the ball is in there including defenders

Make it easier

• Increase the size of the scoring zone
• Do not allow defenders to recover into the scoring zone, leaving the attacker 1v1 with the goal keeper.

Make it harder

• Reduce the size of the scoring zone

• Remove the scoring zone and play offsides instead, where defenders may drop off deeper and challenge players to recognise when they may be able to play through balls or when to pass to feet.

This practice will develop players' ability to play through balls in behind by using different types of passes, adapting the weigh of pass to ensure team mates can run onto it. Ensuring they are accurate passes so that they do not toll straight to the goalkeeper.It is also key that players recognise when the opportunity is on to play these passes or when they may look to retain possession and maybe dribble into the final third instead as there is no opportunity to penetrate the defensive line with a pass.