Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): 09's 9/23 recovery/ compact defensively

4v3 Recovery Defender (20 mins)

Organization: 15*10 yard grid set on top of the GK box. One large goal and two small goals set up near half. Two servers on either side of the grid. 4v2 inside the grid with a recovery defender on a cone in between the small goals. Supply of balls with each server.

Activity: 4v2 defending - The server passes to one of the attackers in red who attack 4v2 against the blue defenders. A third recovery defender enters the grid. Objective is to score on the large goal. Defenders can win the ball and counter on the small goals. All restarts with the servers.

Coaching Points:

Closest player presses the ball - quick early pressure.

Close down quickly, slow down and arrive at a good approach distance.

Body position - side on / deflect away from goal.

Show restraint. Tackle when there is an opportunity to do so. Delay when numbers down.

Distance / angle of support for the 1st defender. Defenders should be a position to see both attackers.

Recovering defender must decide whether to win the ball or how best to support his teammates.

Communication.

Arrival Game: Press and Delay (25 mins)

Who: 9, 8, 10

Where: in our attacking third

When: we lose the ball; when the oppponent has the ball and facing his goal.

What: approaching fast and arriving slow at the angle where you want your opponent to go. Waiting until he makes a mistake.

Why: prevent counter attack and/or to win the ball back immediately after losing it.

Organization:

1.Half Field set up as shown

2.12 players (2 Teams of 6) set up as shown

3.1 ball (Additional around the outside)

4.Markers to indicate playing area and restriction zones

Instructions:

1.The activity starts with a free pass from the attacking team’s goalkeeper into one of the wide areas

2.The objective of the activity is to play into central striker

3.The defending team must prevent the diagonal pass to striker

4.The wide attacking players have the option to combine in order to make the pass to their striker

5.When striker receives they play 1v1 to goal

6.If the defending team wins the ball they play into their central player who attempts to score on the attacking team’s goal

7.Rotate players and teams after set time intervals

Coaching Points:

1.Speed and angle of approach should force wide attacking players outside

2.Angle and distance of 2nd defender should protect central space

3.Ability to change roles quickly and correctly

4.2nd defender needs to keep both attackers in view

5.Correct moments to tackle

6.Communicate to 1st defender

Progressions:

P – Add in second central striker to create 2v2 and more options to pass to inside

R – Reduce the space in wide areas for attackers to play in