Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): U12-U14 WEEKS 11-12 Counter attack
SSP Club System
Carlos Schulze
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See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
ORGANISATION
• This practice takes place in a 45 by 50-yard area and focuses on developing players ability to win possession and support a quick
counter.
• We setup by splitting playersinto three teamsof 4 players, with two teamsof four startingon the outside of the rondo zone andtwo defenders starting in the middlelooking to winpossession.
• The two other teammates will start on the outsideshuttle run stations, performing this exercise until their teammateswin
possession.
• When possession is won, theobjective is to play a pass out widethrough either of the two gates for one of the wide players to run onto and deliver, with a 2 v 1 in the box taking place.
• Once the attack ends,the teams will switch roles.
KEY COACHING POINTS SUMMARY
• Work togetheras a pair to win possession
• Passing weightinto space for winger to receive in stride
• Speed from attacking playersto support the attack
• Sharp movement in the box to evade defender
• Focus on accurate deliveries from wide
• Head up to see attackers movementin the box
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ORGANISATION
• This 11 v 11 game takes place on a full sized pitchand focuses on developing the low block and direct counters from deep. (Manipulate numbers and space as best as you can)
• Our defending team are setupin a 442 low blockand our attacking team are setup in a 433. The objectiveis for the attacking team to build up play, using a quick Phase1 build up as thereare only 2 strikersdefending.
• If the defenders win the ballin phase 2, this triggers a 6 v 7 counter attack. If the defenderswin the ball deep in their own half, they mustlook for the two strikerswho become outletsto trigger a quick counter attack from deep.
• Midfielders and Wingers must provide support, adding numbers to the attack. After the attackends, coaches restartplay with theinitial attacking team.
KEY COACHING POINTS SUMMARY
• Stay compactas a defensive unit (Low Block)
• Direct passes to triggerthe counter from deep
• Speed of support from deep to finish the attack
• Force attackers wide - defendthe cross to trigger counters
• Exploit space created by attackerspushing forward
• Maintain concentration when defending in a low block
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ORGANISATION
• Thisdefensive practice takes place in a 20 by 25-yard area and develops recoveryruns and heading ability.
• We begin withone defender sprinting to the mannequin where they will header the ball back to the coach.
• They will run around the mannequin, and sprint forwardto block the passes/shots from enteringthe two mini goals.
• After the 2nd blockis made, the next defender will start their run throughthe circuit. Afterthe 1st playerhas moved throughthe circuit twice, they will switch out with the passingplayer to ensure all players get turnsin both roles.
• Collect the balls and allow players a 2 minute recovery period beforestarting the next round.
KEY COACHING POINTS SUMMARY
• Speed to get to and blockthe shots from entering the goal
• Work at a high intensity throughout
• Heading accuracy when running at speed
• Quick reactions to move to the 2nd goal andblock the shot
• Focus on recovery when at the 1st station
• Timing of the shotsto allow workingplayers a fair opportunity to get to the ball
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ORGANISATION
• This fast-paced attacking wave game develops quick, decisiveforward play througha 3 v 2 overloadin the final third.
• Set up in a 30 by 36-yardarea with a 12-yard middlezone, the game startswith a mandatory switch of playbefore attacking 3 v 2 towards the oppositegoal.
• Following each attack, the player responsible for the final action leaves the field and joins the stationon the sidelines, while the remaining two attackers becomedefenders in the middle zone.
• The opposing team then initiates a new attack,beginning with another switchof play.
KEY COACHING POINTS SUMMARY
• Drive forwardto create optionsleft and right - committing a press
• Quick Transition - Reactafter finishing to recover defensively
• Effective Overloads- Utilise the 3v2 advantageby making quick decisionsand exploiting space
• Switch of Play - Ensure qualityand speed in the initialswitch
• Timing of Runs - Coordinate movements to disrupt defenders andcreate scoring chances
• Defensive Recovery- Press immediately to delay/disrupt the attack
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
ORGANISATION
• Setup: Thispractice takes place on a 60 by 40-yard 7v7 pitch, dividedinto thirds to help defendersmaintain their shape. TheBlues begin in a 2-3-1 formation, buildingplay from the goalkeeper, while the Pinks organiseas a back four.
• Objective: The focus is on defensivecohesion, with the back four staying compact,minimising gaps, and reacting to different attacking structures. Defenders must shift as a unit between the zones , ensuring they close gaps for the attackers to penetrate.Success is measured by winningpossession and transitioning quickly to score in theopposite goal
KEY COACHING POINTS SUMMARY
• Vacate the Furthest Third – leave the furthestattacker free and protectingcentral areas.
• Adjust to Opponent’s Shape - Drop the strikerinto a block if a centre-backpushes into midfield.
• Defend on the Inside Shoulder - Block passinglanes and preventsplit passes by positioning inside.
• Force Play Wide – Show play outside and double up
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ORGANISATION
• This 6 v 3 possession practicefocuses on keepingthe ball when in a position of numerical superiority and the teamstransitional play when there has been a turnover of possession.
• The objective of this practiceis for the defending team of 3 to press theopposition team of 6 (including the Neutral) and win the ball back toeither score in the two mini goalsor to turnover possession to theirtwo teammates in the opposite half.
• The attacking team (team with the ball) aims to keep possession in their half by using the spaces createdby their numerical advantage.
• On transitions, the Neutral will switch teams.
KEY COACHING POINTS SUMMARY
• Defenders must produce game-likeintensity when pressingattacking team
• Off the ball movementto receive passesin space
• High levelof communication from defensive team
• Quick finisheswhen intercepting/winning the ball back
• Attacking teammust be sharpwhen transitioning to defend
• Concentration when in possession of the ball - remove unnecessary turnovers of possession