Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Final 3rd

Attacking Final Third - specific

Organisation/Area Size 

Half Field 50x60 yrds

211m² per player

Extensive

Timings: 3x 6 minute blocks - 90 second rests

Numbers - 15 Outfield + 1 Goalkeeper

Target Players: Red Team (attacking team)

Coached Team (Red) - LB, RB, 2x CMs, 1x CF, LW, RW, ST

(Working back from 11vs11 1-4-4-2)

Opposition Team (Blues) - GK, Def 4, 2x CMs, 1x CF

(Working back from 11vs11 1-4-4-2)

Session Organisation 

The aim of this session is to work on the Welsh wayprinciple of attacking final third. Within this specific practice the redattacking team will aim to breakdown the blue defending team by stretching thefield and creating openings within the opponents defensive block.

This will dictated by the red teams movement of the ball andtheir ability to make quick movements to create gaps between the defensivelines aiming to drag defenders out of position and allow teammates to exploitthe spaces created. This drill focusses on quick movement of the ball andrecycling possession until the right opportunity opens up.

The ball will start from the Red CDM if the ball goes out ofplay. This will encourage the red team to stretch the field and create heightand width.

Conditions, Challenges & Targets 

The blues will aim to score in the mini goals and will have6 seconds to do so after regaining possession

Reds are looking to score into the large goal. Goals scoredin the box will count for 2, with goals scored from outside of the box countingas 1.

Blocks

Block 1: Problem: Defensive team looking to stay compact andprotect centrally - forcing the attackers wide or backwards

Solution:

• Make up to three movements to lose the defender
• Draw player out and create space for other attackers to exploit
• Find the gaps between the defensive unit

Block 2: Problem: Defensive team aimed to force the playwide

Solution:

• Movement to create opportunities from wide areas
• Recycle the ball and find the chance to deliver front or back post

Block 3: Problem: Defensive team aiming to press quickly andwin back possession to push up the field.

• Counter-press upon losing possession
• Be aware of gaps available as the defensive team steps out
•  Look to play into the space for players to move onto the ball
• Find firm passes into feet and keep the ball moving fast to unsettle opponent

Key points:

 In-Possession (coached team)

Technical points:

• Looking to make firm passes, inside of the foot, centre of the ball
• Softer delivery into space allowing attacker to step onto the ball
• Playing the ball infront of runners to penetrate movement
• Understanding when to play into safe foot or back foot

Additional Coaching Points:

• Movement to support the attack
• Fullbacks create angle for delivery
• Stretching play
• Pulling defender out of position to create gap
• Movement in the box to finish
• Switching positions to lose defenders
• Patient build up
• Stretch the opposition
• Create gaps for the striker and attacking midfielders
• First, second and third movements to try and pull the defence out of position and create openings we can exploit.

 Out of Possession (Not Coached)

Technical Points:

• Deny time and space on the ball