Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): TRANSTION / ATTACKING

Screen 1

Activity Title:

Basic Technical Warm-Up – Coach-Led Setup

Equipment Required:

• 10 Cones
  (Used to mark grids, lanes, or movement zones based on the warm-up design)

Setup:

• The coach arranges 10 cones to create a designated warm-up area.

• Players begin with low-intensity movements and gradually increase intensity to prepare the body for technical and tactical work.

Purpose:

To activate key muscle groups, increase core temperature, and begin engaging technical skills such as passing, dribbling, or movement coordination.

Screen 3 (20 mins)

Session Setup and Structure:

• Player Numbers: Depending on the number of players available, stations are set up with varying formats (2v2+2, 3v3+4, 2v2+4, etc.). The exact configuration will adapt based on total player count.
• Coach Role: The coach will provide a supply of balls and restart play after each transition.
• Target Players: A key aspect of the session is the use of target players at the end of the box, particularly if there are larger groups. These target players are prioritized for the attacking team in the final phase of play.
• Transition: If the defending team wins the ball, they immediately transition into attack and become the possession team.

Practice Explanation:

• Objective for Possession Team: The possession team must complete a minimum of three passes before releasing a player into the next box. The goal is to break the last defensive line with a penetrating pass.
• Penetrating Pass: The pass to break the defensive line must be received by a runner, not directly to the target player.
• Game Flow: Once the ball is passed into the next box, the game continues with the same setup and objectives. Depending on numbers, possession may turn over after a turnover or at a timed interval.
• Offside Line: The center line functions as an offside line.

Progressions:

• Inside Players’ Runs: Players in possession can now make penetrating runs. The pass that breaks the defensive line must come from a player in the 7 or 11 position.
• No Passing Limit: There is no restriction on the number of passes before breaking through the defensive line.

Scoring:The penetrating pass must be collected by a player making a run, not passed directly to a target player. This ensures the importance of dynamic off-the-ball movement.

Timing:

• 4 sets of 3-minute efforts, with 30 seconds rest in between.

Coaching Points:

• Patience in Build-Up: Encourage players to remain patient in their build-up play. The focus should be on finding the right moment to break the defensive line with a pass.
• Weight and Quality of Final Pass: Work on the precision and timing of the final pass. Ideally, the pass should be one-touch to speed up play.
• Combinations to Break the Line: Encourage players to utilize various combination plays to break the defensive structure, including:
  • Straight Pass/Diagonal Run
  • Diagonal Run/Straight Pass
  • Give-and-Go to draw defenders and create space to play beyond.
  • Overlap to disrupt the defensive line and create new angles.
• Timing of Runs and Offside Awareness: Players must time their runs well, ensuring they remain onside and can see both the ball carrier and the offside line.
• Communication: Promote short, sharp forward movements and effective communication to coordinate with teammates during attacking phases.
• Defensive Organization: Emphasize the importance of connecting centrally in defense to form a solid defensive line, ensuring players stay compact and organized when defending.

This structure aims to develop both attacking and defensive strategies, focusing on ball movement, timing, and coordination.

screen 5 (15 mins)

• Pitch has 3 zones 
• Players start/restart in zones
• Gks start with the ball.
• Possession team progresses through the 3 zones to score and scores. 
• Build up 2v1 plus keeper to progress into middle zone. Dribble in or play in. 
• Score 2v1, pass ball into 9 and support or dribble into scoring zone to score or combine 2v1. 

Coaching Points:

• Centre back eyes up the field asap to understand the picture. 
• 6 opposite ball travel, line of pass and body position to play forwards. 
• 8/10 level and outside direct opponent to draw passing lane to 9.
• Forward run to support 9 if the ball breaks the line. 
• Mobility, Can we create a 2v1 around the ball. 
• 9 change speed to separate from defender or pin the defender- front foot/back foot when receiving a forward pass. Receive the ball safe side.
• 9 to secure possession as a priority before next action.