Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending Central Areas - II

Coach Midfield 3 (15 mins)

Set Up: 30*25 grid. Mini goals placed centrally on each end line (or use large goals with GKs). Supply of balls outside each end line.

Players: 9-10 players - 3 teams of 3 players. Ideally play with GKs.

Description: One team (blue) plays centrally, simulating a midfield three. Two other teams (red & yellow) start along the end lines. Plays starts with red attacking blue, looking to score through the central goal. With a goal scored or ball played out of bounds, yellow now look to attack blue looking to score. If blue wins the ball, they can look to score on their opponent's goal. Switch defenders every 3 minutes. Exercise can become transitional whereby the central three immediately defend against the other team upon a goal being scored or the ball going out of play.

Progressions:

1. Add a neutral winger on either side of the grid - simulating #7 & #11, who support the attackers, but cannot score.

2. Add an additional attacker in the middle.

Key Factors:

1. Remain organized, compact and avoid crossing one another.

2. Closest player pressures the ball. Close down as the ball travels.

3. Angle/distance of cover.

4. Communication.

5. Close gaps - prevent penetrating actions.

King's/Queen's Court (15 mins)

Set Up: Quarter field at Pine Glen. Balls along the outside.

Players: 3 teams of 5 players (one team will have a subsitute). 5 outfield and 1 goalkeeper for each team on field. Two active teams; third team rests.

Description: Play 6v6 (including GK) - King's / Queen's court. All regular rules apply, including retreat line. Team that scores stays and quickly attacks the other way (after scoring). Resting team jumps on the field to defend. Team that got scored on leaves the field.

Key Factors:

All coaching points from the session - focus on angles and distance of cover. Also look for good overall shape, support and compact shape.