Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): UEFA B Session 2- Defending The Lines

Description

Organization (Practice Layout & Transition)

Both teams will be played using one whole half.  

Equipment:

• Flat markers will divide the pitch into 3 zones.
• Cones will taper off the 2 corners of the field in the reds defensive half.
• Mannequins are set up on each side as a visual marker for the blue team 

Red team will be managed. 

Blue team will be coached (focused team). 

Red team plays a 2-2-3

Blue team plays a 4-2-1

Red teams will be given instructions to create problems for the red team.

Blue focus is on defending the lines.

Welsh Way Principles: 

• Fast Pressure on the Ball
• Protect the Middle
• Stay Narrow and Compact
• Protect the Space Behind

Walkthrough if the red team attacks centrally:

• Ball starts with the keeper. Defensive line starts in line with the mannequins. 
• Keeper plays the ball into a midfielder. Midfielders to step and apply pressure.
• As the ball is traveling, the 9 is making a dropping run to receive the ball. The CB closest to the 9 will follow and apply pressure. If the 9 goes past the Center Midfielders far the CB passes him off to a CM.
• If the midfielder passes the ball into the 9, the defender or midfielder will apply pressure and not allow the pass.

• Ball starts with the keeper. Defensive line starts in line with the mannequins.
• Keeper plays the ball into a midfielder. Midfielders to step and apply pressure. 
• Midfielder plays the ball to either the 11 or 7. Outside defender steps to apply initial pressure.  

• Block Central Area 
  • How? Stay Compact

• Show Away From Goal
  • How? Body Shape 

• Stop Switches of Play
  • How? Contain in one half/Cut off switch

• Protect the Space Between Lines
  • How? Apply Pressure on the Ball

Once a line is broken STOP! Coach why it broke down and how to fix it. 

Coach every player: On, Around, and Away from the ball.