Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): IDP Position Specific - Combinations in Wide Area

FAW Coach Ed

Matthew Evans

Profile Summary

Name:	Matthew Evans
City:	Windsor
Country:	United Kingdom
Membership:	Adult Member
Sport:	Football/Soccer

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Description

Session Title:

Individual Development Plan (IDP) – Position Specific Training
Focus: Technical & Tactical Development
Target Positions: Wide Attacker, Wide Defender, Central Midfielder, Centre Back

Session Objective:

To develop the technical execution and tactical understanding of key positional roles (Wide Attacker, Wide Defender, Centre Defender, Centre Midfielder) within a realistic game-related environment. The focus is on individual decision-making, positional awareness, and unit collaboration in wide and central areas of the pitch.

Player Groups:

IDP Focus Players: Full Backs (FB), Wingers, Central Midfielders (CM), Centre Backs (CB)
Support/Neutral Players: Goalkeepers (GK), Centre Forwards (CF), additional CBs (as required for game realism)

Session Structure & Organization:

Area Layout:
- Two wide channels: 30x20 metres each
- One central zone: 20x20 metres
- Equipment: 4 mannequins (used as passive defenders), 1 full-size goal, 4 mini goals
- Tactical board or frame used to brief players and introduce session objectives
- Half-pitch setup to allow realistic transitions and directional play
Session Blocks:
- 4 x 5-minute blocks
- 90 seconds to 2 minutes rest between blocks for coaching interventions and player feedback

Coaching Points:

Wide Attackers: Timing and angle of runs, 1v1 situations, crossing technique, decision-making in final third
Wide Defenders (FBs): Body orientation, delay and deny, positioning to force play wide or inside, recovery runs
Centre Midfielders: Receiving skills under pressure, switching play, supporting angles, transition moments
Centre Backs: Positioning relative to ball and opponents, building from the back, defensive communication, compactness

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Diagram 1

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Diagram 1

Coaching Points (By IDP Focus):

Wide Attacker (Winger):

Aerial Control: Secure first touch on aerial or bouncing balls with a forward-positive intent to engage defenders.
1v1 Attacking: Identify defender's body shape and exploit space using changes of pace and direction.
Crossing Technique:
- Primary Focus: Deliver early crosses into dangerous areas before the defensive block sets.
- Variety: Execute cut-backs from the byline and whipped crosses on the run depending on situational cues.

Wide Defender (Full Back):

1v1 Defending: Adopt a low, balanced stance; show the attacker away from goal or into support.
Blocking Delivery: Prioritise body shape and distance to prevent or delay crosses and passes from the wide channel.
Recovery Runs & Compactness: Track runners and maintain connection with centre backs in defensive transitions.

Central Midfielder:

Receiving Between Lines:
- Body Orientation: Open up to play forward; receive on the half-turn whenever possible.
- Pass Detail: Emphasise weight, timing, and playing to the front foot of teammates to maintain rhythm and tempo.
Decision Making: Scan before receiving to assess pressure, options, and space for forward progression.

Centre Back:

Defensive Interventions: Time blocks and clearances with awareness of danger zones (e.g. second balls or central cut-backs).
Aerial Duels: Attack the ball with aggression and controlled timing; maintain defensive balance post-challenge.
Distribution: Play long diagonal passes with precision to switch the point of attack or exploit weak-side space.