Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): UEFA B - OA2 (Defending the Lines) (Start Time: 2024-05-05 10:00:00)

SSG (10 mins)

Set Up

• Area size will be half pitch + 18 yards, with 2 full-sized goals  
• Flats will be used to mark out lines that are reference points for both teams as zones.
• Cones will be used to mark out the tapered lines where the pitch will be cut of as the defending team will not have fullbacks.
• 9v9 with goalkeepers
• Defending team formation will be 2-4-1-1 (4-4-1-1 in 11 a side) fullbacks for the defending team have been taken out so coaches can focus on defending the central areas.
• Attacking team formation will be 4-2-1-1 (4-4-1-1 in 11 a side) wingers taken out for attacking team so coaches can focus on the central areas.

Explanation

• For the small-sided-game, the initial positions of the teams will remain unchanged. However, there's a significant alteration: the blue line of flats, marking the final third, will be elevated, signalling a shift in the game dynamics. Previously restricted to their respective zones, the two blue defenders and the red number 9 are no longer constrained within this area. Additionally, this modification extends to all players, granting them the freedom to enter this elevated final third without limitations or boundaries. This adjustment aims to create a more dynamic and fluid gameplay, allowing for increased movement and strategic opportunities for both teams within this previously restricted zone. Allowing more fluidity to the team in possession means, in theory, they should pose more questions to the blue defence. This is important as we will be able to clearly see how well learning has transferred from the specific practice into the small-sided-game.

Key Points

• Positional Awareness: Ensure defenders maintain a solid and well-organised defensive shape, covering passing lanes and spaces between lines to impede opponents' forward progress.
• Pressing Triggers: Recognise the opportune moments to initiate pressure on opponents, whether it's when they receive the ball, as they approach certain zones, or when there's an opportunity to force errors.
  
• Protect the middle: Emphasise the importance of preventing opponents from accessing and exploiting central areas of the field, positioning defenders strategically to block passing lanes and deny space in the middle.
  
• Communication: Foster effective communication among defenders to coordinate pressing, maintain defensive lines, and quickly adjust positioning to counter opponent movements.
  



 Interventions:

• Coaching Process
• Concurrent
• Walk Through
• Terminal
• What if’s