Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): game mangement

11V11 game (50 mins)

11V11 game

Working on game management:

1) From our tip (Be it 1st or second half)

2) Throw ins

3) Pressing from the front

4) Defensive shape

5) Attacking shape

6) When to play, when to clear

7) Free kicks (When to shoot, when to play)

8) What to do 1 nil up

9) What to do when 1 nil down

Shaded zones are the danger areas in our defensive shape:

A) Press - Low risk, high reward. A chance to create traps of two players pressing the one ball. If you cant press, slide and screen to try and stop them going into 3

B) No direct threat - Try keep the opposition here or force them back into 1, dont allow a pass or dribble into 4 or a switch.

C) Compactness - Dont allow a pass or dribble into 5, potential to delay and slow their attack down by forcing the ball into areas 2 and back into 1. Look to keep possession & go forward if on.

D) Engage and block - Crosses & runs into 5 and 6 are a danger, delay the attack and allow for teamates to regroup, block crosses and try force a recycle. Potential to play out, if danger, channel ball.

E) No turns - Show the player away, stay on your feet and dont dive in, no cheap fouls. Anticipate a shift and hit, so blocks are important. Clearences are important, if you have time, set the way your facing and then a pass into 2 or 3.

F) The "Red zone" - Zero tolerance, very high risk, blocks and clearances

Key shape knowledge:

"Solid at the back, unpredictable in attack"

1) Defensice compactness is key - protect the goal and force the ball wide

2) When defending - 4 & 6 play flat, press & cover rotate. 8 takes left, 4 takes right side

3) When attacking - 8 can advance, 4 stays to stop counter attacks, back 4 step up

4) Wingers - The further the ball travels up the pitch, the closer you need to get to the oppositions box for direct runs

5) Full backs - You are the width, provide it

6) Goal kicks - Plan A: Split the box (In to come out) Plan B: Advance a FB

7) Pressing - Nearest man press the ball and hunt in packs

8) Red zone - Never make more than 1 pass inside it (Set and clear)

9) Playmakers - The 4 and 10 get the ball to them as much as possible

10) In the opposition box - One touch , to finish or set

11) Play to your strengths - As individuals, be leaders on the pitch and play your game, we cant coach everything