Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Progress, Penetration, and Pressing 2 U8-U11

Description

PRINCIPLES OF PLAY

• Breaking lines in possession

• Compact defending out of possession

PART 2: DIRECTIONAL POSSESSION GAME

• This practice is designed to develop both in and out-of-possession principles as well as both transition moments. • The practice requires a minimum of six players but can be adapted depending on numbers and can be made either general or position-specific.

COACHING DETAIL: IN POSSESSION

MOVEMENT TO SUPPORT

• Recognise when and how to slide and support the player on the ball.

• Opposite player to the ball to try to position themselves in between defenders to receive a line-breaking pass.

RECEIVING TO PLAY FORWARD

• Body position to receive with open hips and shoulders.

• Recognise when to receive on the front or back foot depending on opposition pressure.

• First touch taking receiver in a direction where they can play forward or maintain possession.

• Feints before first touch in order to unbalance a defender.

PASS DETAIL

• Punched pass on floor to break the line.

• Pass in direction that allows the receiving player to be effective with their action – either to the receiver’s front foot or back foot.

COACHING DETAIL: OUT OF POSSESSION

DEFENDING AS A PAIR

*

Protect the middle of the pitch.

• First player directs play, second player covers and anticipates the next pass.

• Recognise when to press and when to maintain shape.

• Recognise triggers to press – poor passes, poor touches, ball on the touchline, ball in the air.

COACHING DETAIL: IN TRANSITION

DEFENDING TRANSTION

• React quickly and swarm the ball.

• Nearest players press while players further away take up covering positions.

OFFENSIVE TRANSTION

• Play forward and score quickly, or retain and build.

• Secure first pass on regain and play away from pressure