Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): SUFC - Ressies Week 3: Session 1 - Combination Play & Bait

P1-Passing Activation (10 mins)

P1- UBT Passing Activation.

This practice is here as an activation activity that also allows me to work on some of the minor technical components of an UBT, such as the pass, movement or timing of an individual player. 

For instance, players will be encouraged to complete the practice using 1-2 touch passing. So can i identify and work with players who are struggling to execute a quality pass under these circumstances and work with them to improve their technical execution of the pass. Furthermore, players who may be arriving too late or early into their next position/space to receive can be instructed on why the timing of these movements are important and guided on how they can use certain triggers to help them. E.g., the pass is on their way to the next team mate, or they have just made the pass etc.

In addition, we will also use this initial practice to explain the importance of supporting movement from deep, whilst utilizing supporting movement from high. In our games if one happens without the other we cant complete the desired UBT.

Coaching Points:

Timing: Can we time our movement to receive or move into space right? E.g., As the player receives the ball we start our run/As the pass is played we start our run.

Scanning/Awareness: Can players be aware before receiving the ball of where the available pass is. We want to play these passes early with 1-2 touches to prevent the opposition from reading the pass or applying pressure/tackling the ball. In addition, players off the ball need to be aware of both the available space and where the player receiving the ball is likely to play or be facing. this is so we are providing support in the right areas and being able to quickly combine to play forward.

Positioning: Players positioning is important, can they pick the ball up in-between the lines. furthermore, can their body positioning and orientation be suitable for them to play in the correct direction.

Angles of support: Are players providing an angle of support to the player with the ball and are they aware of how this positioning and angle relates to those around them? Can they think ahead in terms of where to be to recieve but also where the next pass for them will be going etc.

Speed of Play/1-2 touch passing: Encourage players to move the ball quickly, BUT still take pride in their passing. A quality pass is crucial for a successful combination.

P3-Combo through 3rds (30 mins)

Practice 3: Combining Through the 3rds + Bait

Within this practice the attacking team (blue) are challenged to combine through the 3rds of the pitch (defensive,middle,attacking) and score in the goal. Meanwhile, the red team are looking to win the ball and work it back over the end line of the oppositions final 3rd. 

Rules

Positions: The attacking team (blue) must start with 3 players in their defensive 3rd, 2 players in their middle 3rd and 1 player in their attacking 3rd upon the start of the practice. Meanwhile, the defensive team (red) must start with 2 players on the first 3rds line, 1 player within the middle 3rd, 2 players on the middle 3rds line and 1 player within the defensive 3rd.

Pressing Rules for defenders

Front 2 defenders: They can only press once the attacking team (blue) have made their 1st pass. After this these attackers are only allowed to defend within their attacking 3rd unless one of the defenders who started within thier attacking 3rd leaves the zone. E.g., they can only leave the attacking 3rd to track runners.

Middle 3rd defender: This player can only defend within the middle zone.

Back middle 3rd defenders: These two players can only press once an initial pass or dribble from the attacking team (blue) has been made into the middle 3rd. Once this pass or dribble has occurred these defenders can defend in either the middle or defensive 3rds of the pitch.

Defensive 3rd Defender: This player can only defend within their teams defensive 3rd.

In transition: If any players on the defending team (red) win the ball, all players are unlocked and can attack freely. If they loose the ball the round is over and play is reset. 

Attacking player rules:

Outside of the initial positioning rules the attacking players are allowed freedom within their movement. Once the first pass has been played all players are unlocked.

Scoring

Attacking team: The attacking team are rewarded 2x points if a player who doesn't start in the final 3rd scores a goal. 3x points if this goal is assisted by a middle 3rd or attacking 3rd player. Otherwise a goal = 1 point.

Defensive Team: If the defensive team win the ball in the attacking 3rd they are awarded 3xpoints. If the defensive team win the ball in the middle 3rd they get 1xpoint. They get no points for winning the ball back in the final 3rd. Every time the defensive team successfully attack and work the ball over the oppositions end line they get these points - Attacking 3rd = 1point, middle 3rd = 2points, defensive 3rd = 3points.

Coaching Points:

"bait" - Can we look to draw the press and then play around the oncoming opposition. CB's being patient and slow on the ball, whilst also scanning and being prepared to move the ball to someone.

"Midfield players" (holding) starting behind the attacking players and following them in when they press to then receive as the 3rd man when the CB finds the outlet/free player. 

Timing: Can we time our movement to receive or move into space right? E.g., As the player receives the ball we start our run/As the pass is played we start our run.

Scanning/Awareness: Can players be aware before receiving the ball of where the available pass is. We want to play these passes early with 1-2 touches to prevent the opposition from reading the pass or applying pressure/tackling the ball. In addition, players off the ball need to be aware of both the available space and where the player receiving the ball is likely to play or be facing. this is so we are providing support in the right areas and being able to quickly combine to play forward.

Positioning: Players positioning is important, can they pick the ball up in-between the lines. furthermore, can their body positioning and orientation be suitable for them to play in the correct