Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): PoA: Support from Wide Areas

Screen 1 (20 mins)

Wide midfielders have to be switched on in order to get forward and support the forwards when the defense is penetrated. Get them rehearsed in this simple game.

WHY USE IT 

This activity incorporates the technical/tactical concepts of possession, while getting to the functions and responsibilities in attack of the wide midfielders.

SET UP 

In the middle third of the field, set up a 30x40 yard grid with 3 midfielders playing against 3 opponents plus 2 neutrals on the sides. In the final 3rd, set up 1 goal, a goalkeeper, and 2 defenders, playing against 1 forwards.

HOW TO PLAY 

Play 3v3 + 2 in the grid with unlimited touches at first, then add a touch restriction. The neutrals, have 2 touch from the start. Once all the 3 midfielder’s have touched the ball, then the team is ready to link with the forwards in the final 3rd. When the ball leaves the gird, then the 2 wide midfielders, join the forwards for a 3v2 in attack. If the 3 lose the ball in the grid, they must win it back immediately. If they lose possession outside the grid, they must retreat immediately. The defenders try to find the 3 midfielders in the grid. The reds get 2 points for every goal they score against the goalkeeper and the whites get one point every time defenders find the midfielders in the box.

#1 - The ball is played to the 3 midfielders who try to get every midfielder to touch the ball and then look to find a forward’s feet.

#2 - Once the ball is played into the final third, the wide midfielders make the runs to support the attack by providing width.

#3 - In order to keep possession, there must be good team shape by the Reds, the angles and distance of support must be the right ones.

#4 - The team must look to find gaps between the 2 defenders and try to get in behind them. They must also use the neutrals to create width.