Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): TWIN CITY UNDER 14/16s BLOCK 1 SESSION 4 COMBINATION PLAY

2v2 & 3v3 PRESSING GAUNTLET (20 mins)

SESSION OBJECTIVE: To support players to combine with teammates together to produce combination play in the final

third to score goals.

DURATION: 60 Minutes EQUIPMENT: Footballs, Bibs, Cones, Goals2 V 2& 3 V 3

PRESSING GAUNTLET

OVERVIEW: Set up a 30 yards x 30 yards area and divide it into two pitcheswith a single goal on each pitch which is diagonally opposite one another. 

Also, have two small goals situated opposite every single goal. 

The pitches are set up into thirds every 10 yards. 

Players work in pairs throughout this practicewith 2 defenders starting on each pitch. 

The other pairs are attackers and startwith the ball, trying to score in a single goal. 

If the defenders score in eitherof their two goals the number of points it’s worth will vary from where they wonthe ball back. 

The top third is worth 3, the middle third is 2 and the bottom third is 1. 

After each attack the attackers become defenders. 

The team that finishesdefending then moves on to the next pitch to repeat.

COACHING POINTS: Movement/Pressing, Body Shape, Use of Body,Communication

PROGRESSIONS: Increase to groups of 3 players so now players haveto work 3 v 3.

REGRESSION: The defenders stay defenders for a certain period of timeon their own pitch, with no rotating.

PRESSING POINTS GAME -6v6-8v8 (20 mins)

OVERVIEW: 

Set up a small-sided pitch with 1 goal at either end with a goalkeeper in each of the goals. 

Play a 6v6/8v8 game with normal rules apart from the restarts all being passed in (no throw-ins or corners).

 The pitch is set up into thirds every 20 yards. 

If the defenders score, their worth will vary from where they won the ball back i.e. the top third is worth 3, the middle third is 2 and the bottom third is 1. 

If a team scores, they restart the game with a ball from their goal line which must be passed. 

This game is the same as the previous practice but with a larger pitch and more players.

COACHING POINTS: Communication, Pressing/Movement, 1v1 Defend- ing, Regains

PROGRESSIONS: The defending team must have players in no more than two out of the three-thirds in order to be able to score or remove the thirds and play without them.

REGRESSION: Remove the scoring zones for the defenders if they win the ball back and play as a normal small-sided game or have 2 points for winning the ball in the opposition half and 1 in the defensive half.