Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Limit Scoring Chances - Moving as a unit

PP (10 mins)

Organisation:

3 teams in a 25m x 30m divided into quarters. The BPO team aims to prevent forward passes by blocking the channels to intercept the ball and play to one of their forward players to score within two touches between both of them (1 touch each).The aim of the BP team (restricted to two touch) is to play through the defensive line to a forward in the end zone with the forward who receives the ball to score within two touches between both of them (1 touch each). Ball must be passed on the ground. 

Variation/Progression:

- Double points for pass through the middle, single point for playing around defence. 

- 4v4 in middle two zones

Team Task: Prevent forward passes through the defensive line and play the ball forward quickly to create scoring opportunity.

Player Tasks:

- Pressure the ball carrier and immediate support

- Close down the space between you and the attacker as quickly as possible

- Defenders to confront attack with their knees bent to establish a low centre of gravity to adapt to changes of speed and direction quickly

- Players should be side once they have closed down the space between them and the attacker, with the front foot facing the ball and using the back foot to pivot on and change direction.

- Show them either a side-line or back into another defender and attempt to win the ball

- When you are providing cover, stand deeper than the player apply pressure to cover the passing channels forward AND to cover a 1-2 combo.

- When providing cover, stand narrower enough that you can step across and intercept a through ball but wide enough that you are covering as much space as possible

- When being the balance player you can see the whole picture so communicate to everyone what is happening whilst standing on an angle to provide balance.

GT (25 mins)

Organisation:

6v6 in a half. BPO team attempt to prevent goal scoring opportunities by winning the ball. If BPO team win the ball they attempt to play a pass into one of the mini goals to score a goal. BP team attempt to play their way into the box to create a scoring opportunity. BP team can't shoot at goal until inside the 18 yd box and can only play ground passes.

Variation/Progression: 

- BP team allowed to play aerial passes

- BP team allowed to shoot outside the box for 1 point, 2 points for goal from inside the box or from a cross

- Add time limit to BP team to score goal 

- Add time limit to each BP player to release the ball

Team Task: Prevent the opposition from getting a shot away by moving as a unit to force a turnover and score a goal on the counter.

Player Tasks:

Goalkeeper (1):

- Stay connected to the back four by playing high in your own line of defence (don't allow too much space in between your line and defensive line

- Play as a sweeper keeper, cutting out any long through balls in behind the backline (penalty spot when ball is on half way and stand in the direct path of the ball wherever it is on the pitch laterally)

- Communicate with specific instructions for defenders as you can see the whole picture (e.g. everyone slide right, #6 press the ball carrier, #2 tuck in and provide cover)

Centre Backs (3/4):

- Set and maintain the depth of the defensive line early (push the defensive line out of our box as early as possible)

- Press the ball carrier immediately around the edge of the box being weary not to dive in

- Occupy and defend the three central corridors (do not get sucked out to defend in widest corridor)

- Provide cover for CB partner and respective fullback when they press 

Fullbacks (2/5) & Wingers (7/11):

- Press the ball carrier immediately around the edge of the box being weary not to dive in

- Prevent wingers and from crossing the ball in widest two corridors by closing them down quickly and forcing them to play backwards

- Provide cover for your respective 3/4/6/8 when they press in central areas 

Centre Mids (6/8):

- Block passing lanes to opposition trying to play between our midfield and defensive lines by staying narrow and shallow in depth (little space between the lines

- Provide cover for your CM and respective winger when they press 

Coaching Cues:

- When we are moving as a unit front to back or side to side - move in one straight line urgently (scan to know where teammates are)

- When we are defending high, step up and stay tight to bring in offside

- If offside beaten and we are recovering with opposition attacking our box, revert to man marking opposition 

- When player in defensive line presses, teammate needs to provide cover to cut passing lanes

- When we are defending our box ensure that we are always goal side and force attacker onto weak foot

- When under pressure in and around the box clear the ball long forward andtowards the nearest sideline

- If the attacking team breaks the defensive line, the nearest player is toget in front of the attacker quickly and delay until support arrive and ourshape is reset.