Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Principle-5 : In Possession to Out of Possession transition

General Practice (15 mins)

Principle-based training: In Possession to Out of Possession transition

Initial Framing

- Reaction when losing possession is key. Narrowing of the box (examples of 2 ST and 2 CM)

Level

U19s/Reserves

To develop a team’s understanding of defensive principles through emphasising:

• Quick transition for players when losing possession (i.e., getting compact, forcing wide)

• Timing of press and body position to create the opposition problems

Background, context & principles

The weekend's opposition are a footballing side who like to play through central areas initially then feed wide players driving in. As such, it's vital that we try and stop them breaking through our central areas. The aim of the session is to explore ways in which the team must transition quickly when ball is lost. The session is principle-based, starting with a general practice and concluding with a specific practice. The overarching focus of the session is defensive transition protecting central areas. Underpinning this focus, is a series of (sub)principles which I will look to introduce in a layered fashion as the session unfolds. These include:

Out of possession:

• Protecting central areas
• Balanced and compact shape

In possession:

• Consider the weaknesses if possession is lost
• Speed of play

Tactical Periodisation

Match day -4

Organisation

• 11 players (3 common players [yellow]; 4v4 [Red and Blue] 
• 1 support coach (white) to serve balls 

Rules / conditions

• Multi-directional 
• The team in possession [red or blue] must keep the ball with the yellows looking to break lines and stretching the oppositions shape. (The pass down the sides is a free pass)

• The team out of possession looks to win the ball back, whilst protecting central areas.

• Once ball is won/lost, the team must transitions in/out of possession.

Area Sizes

• 30 x 20

Blocks (work: rest)

10-12 mins

5 x 90 second blocks 

45 seconds rest between blocks

Breakdown of blocks

Blocks 1

Play - Teams must look after the ball as best they can - once possession is lost they must look at the transition. Here, ensuring understanding of the key principles of maintaining shape and protecting central areas.

Blocks 2 & 3

Team out of possession - give them a focused shape (2-2). Providing them with a platform to be able to press.

Blocks 4 & 5

PROGRESSION: players are given the option of passing over from one yellow to another. Focusing on the defensive team needing to get pressure on the ball as well protecting central areas.