Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): HS JV - 5/7 - Switching Play (Middle Third)

Intro - Passing Sequence (15 mins)

Organization: - 6/7/8/10 cone starting positions 

- two groups with mirror positions 

Instructions: - middle third passing sequence to switch the play

10 to 8 to 6 to 7 back to 6/8 through to 10

- 8 starts the sequence dropping to receive pass from 10

- 6 drops when 8 receives

- 6 receives and on touch out is 7s cue to quickly drop 

- 7 sets 6 that moves to support

- 8 rotates as well for second option

- 10 makes penetrating run

- 6/8 finds 10 in the gap 

- 10 plays opposite 10 and sequence restarts in with other mirror group 

Rotate - 8 -> 6 ->7 -> 10 -> rest with mirror groups 8s

Coaching Points/Questions: - timing of runs

- quality of pass

- movements after first pass to support 

can we switch the play faster than the defense shifts to exploit the open space? 

Regressions: - no support 6/8, after 7 receives new group start

- no rotation, double up cones 

Progressions: - add offsides line for 10s run 

- add shadow defenders 

Condition - 4v4+2 (20 mins)

Organization: - two (25x25) attacking, middle third areas 

- two outside (20x5) areas as neutrals - plays as 7/11 for attackers, 2/3 for defenders 

- counter endzone for defenders - pass into 

- big goal + gk 

- 4v4 or similar in central area

attacking 6/8/9/10

defending 4/5/6/8

Instructions: - after three consecutive passes attacking team can switch play to any outside neutral and transition into attacking half to score

- defenders win possession and use or not use outside players to score in endzone 

- only leaving middle third once play is switched to 7/11 

Coaching Points: - support when in possession to increase the speed of play

- shift to provide angles / multiple options

Progressions: - score from a cross = 2 points

- add 2/3 in outside area for 1v1 with 7/11s 

Regressions: - add reset 5 for attacking team in counter endzone 

- 4v2 in central area - 6/8/9/10 vs 6/8