Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): YDP - In Possession - Build Up Play from the back

Passing Practice (15 mins)

Set Up

• Rectangular area divided into thirds.
• Goalkeepers with balls 5m beyond the ends of the pitch.
• Four groups of players line up on each corner of the area.
• Two players in middle zone with one defender (white).
• One player in each end zone as neutrals.

Explanation

• 1. Goalkeeper passes ball to player (3 or 4) entering the area (both players 3 & 4 step in).
• 2. The yellow neutral (9) acts as a out of possession striker directing the play.
• 3. The two middle zone players make double movements to get away from the defender; the player in possession (3 or 4) must find the spare player in the middle zone.
• 4. Receiving player must recognise whether to turn and play forwards or bounce out of middle zone into the end zone.
• 5 & 6. Either way, the next pass should be played into the opposite end zone (9) 
• 6. The (9) then sets to the middle zone player who didn't receive the ball initially.
• 7. Middle zone player then receives and plays out to GK.
• Middle zone players leave area at the same end the ball did and the two opposite end players (3 & 4) enter the middle zone.
• Pattern restarts from opposite end.

Small Sided Game (25 mins)

Set Up

• Area of pitch divided into quarters, now including goals
• Goalkeepers on ends with balls.
• Players split into two even teams plus 2 jokers on the outside of the area.

Explanation

• The end the ball starts at must have 3 v 1 (inc. GK) in that half.
• All other players must be in the furthest half; leaving the middle zone free.
• Once the ball is played from GK to 3 or 4; players can enter the middle zone.

• Both teams must have a minimum of two players in their defensive zones; and one player in their attacking zone at all times.
• Players entering the middle zone can only enter it for 5 seconds at a time, before having to leave.
• 3 & 4 cannot play direct to outside yellows, yellows cannot score and must play a cross into the area. Yellows have two touches max in the attacking half.