Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Transition

Warm Up (20 mins)

Organization:

* Red team keep possession using neutral player. White team looking to win possession of the ball. Upon winning possession of the ball they then transition to small sized goals.

* Red team need to react to stop transition.

* Discorvery game to set the tone for tactical practice. Coaching points as per points in SSG and Expanded SSG.

Expanded SSG (30 mins)

Organization:

• Mark out 1/2 of a full size pitch as on diagram. Prepare min. spare balls. The teams play in specific formations. Provide tactical instructions for each team:

Formations

Attacking team:

1. 6 players (white)

2. 2-3-1 formation

3. Score in the full sized goal.

4. After losing possession defend three small sized goals and try to regain the ball as soon as possible.

5. Encourage attacking players to take risks.

Defending team:

1. 7 players (reds) (6+GK)

2. 1-4-2 formation

3. Defend full sized goal

4. After gaining possession score in one of the three small sized goals as soon as possible.

Instructions:

• Game starts when the ball is played in by coach. No corner kicks. After a goal, foul or out for the defending team the game is restarted by coach. Two teams compete and attempt to score.

Scoring

• The attacking team scores in the full sized goal. After gaining possession defending team scores by scoring in one of the three small sized goals as soon as possible.

Coaching Points:

1) Be prepared mentally for defensive transition. Concentration and readiness.

2) After losing possession react quickly! First seconds are the most important!

3) The nearest player to the football (1st defender) closes down player with the ball. Aggressive

attitude and immediate pressure are vital.

4) 1st defender – shut down as quickly as possible, slow down, stay down, stay on your toes,

tackle (prevent playing long ball). Opponent should not have a possibility to look up.

- If 1st defender too far from the ball, units drop and get compact until next pass - Then make play predicatable (press).

5) Force opposition wide or back. Prevent switching play and close your opponent in one part

of the pitch.

6) Players around the ball – mark all the players close to the ball (prevent playing short pass).

Stay tight. Priority is to cover players in front of the ball.

7) Players away from the ball – stay close to each other, be compact and balanced. Act as a

team. Prevent turning and running into space.

8) After regaining possession switch to attack as quickly as possible

Progressions:

N/A