Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending the lines - UEFA B

Screen 1

Specific Practice - Defending the Lines.

Organisations (practice layout and equipment):

- Pitch size is 2 thirds of the 11v11 pitch, tapered off to cut out fullback/wingers roles. The area size was purposely made bigger so that the reds also have to be aware to defend the lines in behind as well as in front of them.

- Red (coached team) is set up as a 1-4-3, based on a 1-4-3-3. Blue (managed team) is set up as a 1-2-1-3, based on a 1-4-2-1-3. (yellow player is a neutral in the specific session acting as a feeder player when play restarts and acting as a target player for the reds). 

- 2 full sized goals and 2 mini goals. 

- bibs and balls

-reference cones for the defending team.

- 3x5 minute blocks

- play begins with the yellow neutral player who will play a pass into the blue centre back, who will look to play forwards and direct into the centre defensive midfielders, looking to break the lines to create goal scoring opportunities.

- The aim for the reds is to prevent the ball breaking the line into the number 10 as that player is the biggest threat if they are able to turn and distribute the ball. 

- The three midfielders on the reds play a crucial role in keeping their triangle shape when out of possession, keeping one in front and two behind the blues number 10. 

-The reds should look to force play wide and the defenders will be told to be touch tight to the blue front three attackers. This will allow them to force play backwards or anticipate passes from the blues and intercept play.

- Reds when in possession should look to play into the neutral player or into the mini goals.

Targets: goal scored by the reds is 1 point - a goal scored by blues breaking lines using the number 10 is 2 points - a regular goal score by the blues is 1 point.

Challenges: In Possession (Blues) Can they get the 10 on the ball, a goal which is scored or assisted by the 10 is worth 2 goals- Out of possession (Reds) - Can they stay narrow and compact forcing play wide and not let the 10 get on the ball - Don't let the N10 play forward or face forward on the ball - Can the Blue midfield 3 make a triangle to stop forward passes into the 10.

Conditions: 

- No corners

- No throw ins

- play will always restart with the blues in possession

- Play doesn't start until the reds defence is in line with the reference cones.

Coaching Points:

Defend central areas - midfield to be compact and narrow with distances between, deny any space to find the 10.

Encourage communication amongst the centre backs and all 3 midfielders to guide each other on where the blue number 10 is moving to prevent them getting on the ball and breaking the line.

Red defenders touch tight with the blue attacking front three, to force play backwards and avoid breaking the defensive line. 

Encourage reds goalkeeper to stay off their goal line (around the penalty spot for reference) acting as a sweeper if any passes are played in behind the defensive line.