Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Midfielders Attacking In Opposition Half (Against Mid-Block)

Midfield Passing Practice (15 mins)

Method:

• 2 Passing Grids set up as shown, with 3 mannequins and 2 mini goal in each.
• Play starts at bottom red cone, where player in the middle creates an angle to receive from the mannequin. From there they play to the player on the opposite mannequin. The player who receives the ball at the top mannequin will now open to play the ball to the opposite mini goal.
•  Players follow their pass. After passing into the mini goal players retrieve their ball and move to the start.

• Instead of only opening up at top mannequins, the top player drops in to play a 1-2 around the mannequin before passing into mini-goal.
• The player who starts play at the bottom can now immediately pass to the top player, but the middle player must now support from underneath and receive a set pass to be played back to the top player - again around the mannequin.

Coaching Points:

• Angle and Timing of Movement - Players should make an angle to their drop off the mannequin instead of just moving sideways - replicate a match realistic drop in towards to receive ball, or play on shoulder of mannequin to receive behind. Movements should be created as player is ready to pass.
• Angle of touch - Player should be aware of how their body shape will affect their touch and quality of pass - look to face target to move ball efficiently with quality.
•  Positioning for '1-2' Pass - Players should ensure they aren't closing space of player receiving ball on 1-2 pass. Delay pass to give player time to complete movement and ensure play is in front of them.

9v8 Phase of Play - Midfielders Attacking in Opposition Half (20 mins)

Method:

• 9v8 Phase of Play, focusing on midfield movement and passing to create goal scoring opportunities in the opponents half.
• Team in possession (blue) - 1-2-3-3
• Team out of possession (red) - 1-4-3

Red Team: 

• Defend in mid-block. Remain compact and maintain shape inside own half. Pressure on opposition midfielders when they have possession, provide cover and balance where appropriate. Opportunity to win possession in wide areas - FB's close down wingers fast and team looks to lock opposition to one side of pitch. Team maintains height in defensive line to force play to be higher on pitch.

• CB steps into available space. DM drop to create angle to play both sides of pitch as CB steps. CM's start on  shoulder of opposition midfielders, look to receive to play forward where possible. Wingers start high - ensure not to be on same line as CM's. Drop when available to receive to drag FB out of position, but also be able to face goal on first touch.

Coaching Points:

• As CB/DM steps forward with ball, ball-side CM stretches to half-space to receive and play through ball to striker, who makes run on blindside of CB. If pass to near CM is covered, other CM should complete opposite movement to be in space to receive and complete same objective or shoot from distance.
• The striker should drop to receive to drag a CB out of possession. If done effectively, chance for CM to make diagonal run in behind across defence - found with clip or through ball. If ball is played to striker and CB still follows, nearest CM should look to support from underneath to receive and find run of opposite CM. If CB doesn't follow striker chance for striker to receive and face goal for shot/through ball to supporting CM.
• When ball travels to wide player, nearest CM should look to complete underlapping run - enough distance away from defenders so CB doesn't follow and allow for 1 touch cross/cutback. Pass to underlapping CM should be angled so they don't have to slow run and can face box for quick cross, central runners needed into penalty area. If pass is covered, chance for winger to dribble inside and combine with striker/other CM. DM should support from underneath at all moments. 
• If opposition FB commits early, chance for CM to make run in behind in space vacated to receive clipped pass.