Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 6v6 attacking from own half

MDG - 1 (5 mins)

Key Factors

Sometimes we will face opponents who prefer to play a direct style of play.

Typically, this can take two forms;

a) Lots of aerial passes towards the penalty area

or

b) low passes played behind our back four for quick strikers to run onto.

This session is aimed at defending both of these styles.

Organisation

The MDG takes place in an area that is roughly 75 yds long (circa 2/3 pitch length) and 60yds wide (the penalty area plus 5-8yds either side)

The length in particular is dependent upon the age of the group and the ability of the 3 servers to hi the ball long distances

Reds are defending with a Back 4 and one DM against 2 strikers and a CAM

Blues aim to score in the large goal (past a GK) whilst Blues aim to score in the mini-goals on the half-way line

Offside must be rigidly enforced to keep the attackers "honest".

Part 1

As shown on this screen, defence are lined up on Starting Point 1 to dfeend long, high balls played towards the penalty area

Coaching Points

- Back 4 to be compact and maintain their offside line until ball is played.

- watch the flight of the ball; one defender must claim the header, others drop slightly to prepare for any flick-on towards goal

- track runners

DM covers the ball knocked away from goal

Clear as quickly as possible.