Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Possession and Building from the Back

V1

Method:

• • Both groups play the sequence at the same time.
  • The ball starts with the centre-backs.
  • The centre-back needs to carry the ball forward and then pass to number 6. • Number 6 passes to the full-back.
  • The full-back then passes to number 10.
  • Number 10 needs to lay the ball off first time to number 11.
  • Number 11 plays into the feet of number 9.
  • Number 9 needs to hold the ball up from a defender.
  • After a few seconds, number 9 plays a long pass back to the centre-back.
  • The centre-back has to clear the ball with a header or first-time kick.

Coaching Points:

• The players should adjust their body posture in anticipation and be on their toes so that they are ready to receive passes and move the ball on quickly.

• Firm passes that are played into the movement path of their team-mates will boost the efficiency of the passing sequence.

• Prior to receiving the ball, players should scan the field and implement the correct body posture so that they increase their field of vision.

• The players should move toward their team-mates before receiving a pass so that shorter passes can be played throughout the sequence.

• By focusing on communication, the players will be able to help their team-mates move the ball into the right spaces quickly.

V3

Method:

• The centre-back carries the ball forward and plays the ball into the full-back. • At the same time, number 11 needs to make a short move inside.

• The full-back then plays a short diagonal pass into number 11.

• Number 11 then lays the ball off to number 6.

• Number 6 plays a first-time pass into number 9. • Number 9 plays a one-two with number 10.

Coaching Points:

• The players should adjust their body posture in anticipation and be on their toes so that they are ready to receive passes and move the ball on quickly.

• Firm passes that are played into the movement path of their team-mates will boost the efficiency of the passing sequence.

• Prior to receiving the ball, players should scan the field and implement the correct body posture so that they increase their field of vision.

• The players should move toward their team-mates before receiving a pass so that shorter passes can be played throughout the sequence.

• By focusing on communication, the players will be able to help their team-mates move the ball into the right spaces quickly.

11v11

Method:

• Use a full-size pitch with 2 full-size goals at either end.

• Place a goalkeeper in each goal.

• Mark out a central zone with 2 lines. Each line should be 5 metres from the

• halfway line on either side of the pitch.

• Set up both teams with a 4-1-2-3 formation.

• Set up an attacking unit versus a defensive unit in each half.

• Designate a number 8 and 10 in the blue team.

• The ball starts with the goalkeeper of the blue team.

• The goalkeeper can pass to the full-backs, the centre-backs or to number 6.

• Once the goalkeeper has made the pass, the blue team must decide on a

• variation and build from the back whilst the orange team press them.

• To advance into the attacking zone, the blue team must first pass into either

• number 8 or 10, who need to drop into the central zone to receive.

• As soon as number 8 or 10 receive the ball, the attacking phase can begin, and 1

• of the full-backs has to join the attack.

• Only 6 attacking players can occupy the attacking zone at any one time.

• The blue team must use the numerical advantage to combine and try to score.

• When attacking, the blue team should reorganise so that the other full-back

• tucks in and creates a 3-1 defensive structure.

• If the orange team win the ball back, they can counter-attack but only use the 5

• players that are already in the opposition’s half.

• The blue team’s full-back who pushed up must get back quickly and help the team defend.

Coaching Points:

• The central zone has been designed to promote the occupation of space in central areas, which can then open up passing lanes for numbers 8 and 10 to find.

• When the goalkeeper or centre-backs have the ball, the full-backs should stay wide so that passing lanes can be opened and the ball can be played into number 8 or 10 inside the central zones.

• The team in possession must circulate the ball from side to side to create spaces and allow team-mates to find space so that a penetrating pass can be played forward.

• When entering the attacking zone, the full-backs should make overlaps or stay wide so that the opposition becomes stretched and spaces open for the attacking team to penetrate.

• Once an attacking sequence has finished, the full-backs must get back into their defensive position as quickly as possible.