Football/Soccer Session (Advanced): Amani Walker - MCAA 568 - Counter Attack (Fitness Session)

2 Work, 1 Run (15 mins)

Set Up:

• Two Cones on top of the penalty area ~ 5 yards apart
• Groups of 3
• One Ball
• 1 round per variation (up to 5)
  • ~ 2 mins each round

• One player runs from to the halfway line and back to the group. While running, the other two in the group control and pass the ball through the two cones in a figure 8 pattern. One the running player returns, they take the space of the player closest to goal. The players move up towards the halfway line and the player closest to the halfway line becomes the runner while the other two work.

• Inside/Outside Foot Control
• Aerial Control
• Volleys
• Juggling
• Headers

Coaching Points:

• Positive first touch out from feet
• Concentrate on technique when tired

Loyal Counterpress (20 mins)

Set Up:

•  20 yard x 12 yard space with two goals facing away from each other in the middle of the pitch.
• 5v5; up to 12 players total max
• One Ball; Mulitple balls with coach on one side to put ball in play quickly
• Five rounds of 2 minutes; 90 seconds rest in between each one

• Counterpressing game where teams try to score on goals on their half. When one team is in possession, the opposing team sends two defenders in the half to retrieve possession/defend the goal. When the defending team wins the ball, they play the ball to their team on the other side and try to score on their goal. Teams must transition quickly to score and defend the goals.

Coaching Points:

• Look to transition quickly to score before other team can defend
  • Path of least resistance
  • Dribbling wastes time, pass to break lines
• Win the ball back where you lost it.
• Quick thinking is as important as quick reactions
  • Protect the goal first, then put pressure on the team in possession

5v4 Flying Changes (30 mins)

Set Up:

• Field with two goals and a halfway line; 44 yards wide x 60 yards long
• At least 8 field players + 1 goalkeeper per team
• One Ball in play; multiple around goal to restart game quickly
• 3 rounds of 8 minutes; 2 minute rest in between rounds

• Play starts from the goalkeeper into the striker; 5v4 attack to goal. When the attack is complete (shot) or possession is lost by the Green attacking team (out of bounds or a steal), the entire White defending team transitions into attack by finding their striker. Two Green team attackers transition to defense to complete the 5v4 again. In the White team's half, two White defenders and one Green striker fill in to start the attack for the next round. Transitions continue until time runs our or a set amount of goals is reached.

Coaching Points:

• Transition speed is extremely important; every player should be sprinting back to defend and/or off the field quickly
• Hold up play from forward is vital
• Transition quickly offensively to create a numerical advantage
• Rest defense important to not leave easy counterattack for opponent
  • "Be careful not to commit too many players forward and allow easy entry passes/no cover for last two back"