Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Mid Block Session

Passing Drill(2) (5 mins)

Set up - same as Drill (1).

This variation 1 plays 2 and gets a return then plays 4 who plays 3 who supports the longer pass and returns to 4 who starts the same opposite side movement. Swap sides again after 3 mins and go clockwise.

coaching points

Same as Drill (1) but the support run under the ball by 3 and 6 is key and the next players at 1 and 4 need to be aware the second ball is coming to them fast

6v6+1 Basic (35 mins)

Set Up: Small Sided Game 6v6 + GKs across the field using the penalty area line and centre line as touchlines (40mx30m). The 4 x agility poles are located off the field for safety reasons and they act as a guide for the defending team to hold their defensive line. 

Play as normal, but with no corners and no throw-ins. If the ball goes out it is played in by the GK of the side gaining possession. 

Coaching Points: 

Make sure the attacking team is making the field big and being aggressive in attack to be game realistic 

Once the attack looks realistic establish the mid block

- players are compact (nothing is played between us)

- compact both in width and depth

- make the block slide.

- make the front players sit back and let the opponent have the ball deep (dont dive in)

- can the front players influence whcih way they want the attachers to play out using their body shape.

- Can they work as a pair and isolate one side of the park to help squeeze space around the ball.

- 1st, 2nd and 3rd defender roles (delay, support, balance, communicate)

- Deep defenders need to protect the space behind them and not get done over the top.

- BE PATIENT 

- Win it in the second and third movements if we can, but be disciplined.