Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): (YDP) Compact defending in a small-sided game

(YDP) Compact defending in a small-sided game

Practice organisation

• Area 60x40yds, divided into 8 grids, each measuring 20x15yds with

appropriate size goals at each end, as illustrated.

• 16 players (incl. 2GK’s), arranged 7v7, as shown in the diagram.

• Supply of balls by each goal.

• Normal off-side rules apply over the halfway line.

• Practice starts with: ball rolled-out from GK.

• Team in possession, look to build play through good ball retention &

controlled possession, with the objective of scoring a goal.

• Defending team look to counter-attack on gaining possession.

• Open play continues until ball goes dead: then practice

recommences with initial arrangements.

Detail

• Main factor affecting decision to press ball is whether pressing

player can affect player in possession & force error.

• Early recognition of possible opportunity by individuals to force

errors & unsettle opponents seeking to gain composed possession.

• Understanding the need to remain compact as a team, sliding

across, marking & covering when opposition are established

in position.

• Simple progressions for this practice are:

- If defending team gains possession: it has limited time (e.g. 7secs)

to counter-attack & strike on goal.

- Counter-attacking team limited to 5 passes before taking shot.

Key coaching points

• Defending team remain compact & concentrate numbers in area of

field where ball, is with good spacing & appropriate depth.

• If defensive block is established: decision to press

ball needs to be taken.

• If not involved in pressing: other D’s mark, cover or balance.

• Communication between players, especially those from behind, who

have a clearer picture of oppositions team arrangements.

• Understanding of transition from defending to breaking out to create

width & attack.

U12 – The player should be able to complete the Learning outcomes in 4v4 functional practices.

U13 – The players should be able to complete the Learning outcomes during under loaded functional practices

U14 – The players should be able to complete the Learning outcomes during under loaded functional practice and SSG

U15/16 – The players should be able to complete the Learning outcomes during under loaded functional practices and 11 v 11 games.