Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Specific / Switching play / in possession

Specific Practice (10 mins)

Specific practice that allows for creativity within the session.

Specific practice / Switch of play / in possession (10 mins)

Welsh way principles

Understand when and how to switch the point of attack based on the pressure applied from the opposition.

Organisation / Area Size

Ares size is full width up to the halfway line.

7 x red, 7 x blue bibs

Designated area behind the server for Footballs

7 v 7 with server for the Red Team

4 x 2.5 min block

Session Details

Red team will set up with 2 x CB, 2 x FB, No 6, No 10 and a striker, Goalkeeper will act as server.

Blues will set up with a CB, CDM, 2 x CM, 2 attacking wide player and a ST.

The aim of the session is for the Red team to be able to play out from the back and by switching play they can then dribble between the gates on the halfway line or score in the mini goal. If Blue team wins the ball, they look to counter and score in the main goal. The Blue team will be managed by giving them a countdown to score or restrictions in touches. In the middle shaded area we have a 3 v 3 can we utilise the N0 6 and No 10 to switch the play, both teams are restricted to that area until a switch has accrued then one of the middle players can move out creating a 2 v 1 or 2 v 2 dependent on the Blues CB defending the gate or the mini goal.

Challenges,Conditions,Targets

1. Central players on 2 touch until they switch

2. Must involve the central players to switch.

3. 3 x goals for a double switch.

4. 5 extra goals for a direct switch from wide player to the other side

5. 2 points if the fullback can dribble past the defender in a 1 v 1 through the gates.

Key Points

RED Team

1. Make the pitch big (Width and Depth)

2. Use limited touches to move the ball quickly.

3. Speed of switch

4. Weight of pass

5. Movement to receive

6. Switch in as few passes as possible. (Not possession Game)

Out of possession

BLUE Team

1. Force the direction of play (Out wide)

2. Defend narrow

3. Leave the furthest player

4. Stop the switch at source

Interventions

Coaching Process

Concurrent

Walk through

Terminal

Chances to be creative

CB = Can they see the early switch, if they close down well can we encourage the FB to be patient and recycle the ball.

Full Backs = Can we get our body position side on (Not Back to goal) and ready to take on the opponents wide players either by combining with the players in the shaded area or taking them on 1 v 1.

No 6, No 10 = can we be in a position to receive so we can switch quickly, combine with the other 2 players in the middle to switch. Rotate positions so the Blues have to make tough decisions.

Striker = Can he drive towards one of the gate before a quick change of direction puts the defender off balance and allows him to score in either the mini goal or dribble through one of the gates.