Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Match Day Plan (Start Time: 2025-02-01 20:00:00)

Defensive Shape

1-4-3-1

We must be a solid defensive unit when out of possession. As a unit we press wherever the ball is not in our possession. 

Note: If the closest player to the ball applies pressure to an opponent, the rest of the unit will cover and provide balance. We do not need/want 2 of our players chasing the same attacker as it leaves them an open option. Our players must always attempt to cover  opponents tightly, follow runners, block passing lanes and shooting opportunities.

• 9- playing to one side of the field gives us a target AND typically opens up the center as the opponent defender will follow you. try to read the game and either sit ball side or weak side

Build out of back

1-2-3-1-2

We need to use the width and length of the pitch. Our players need to displace the opponent to create space in-between the defensive lines and behind the back line. The goal of playing out from the back is to progress together into the middle third (Zone 2).

Note: Every player needs to apply vision. Our players need to be alert and know the movement of the opponent and our teammates. It's important to play positionally and circulate the ball with quality. If we experience high pressing, x can play long precise ball to our full backs to jump the lines.

Attacking 1/3 Build Up

1-2-5-1

Important:

• 9 has to work in the center channel to combine w/midfielders and be on end of cross from 2/3's
• 7/11 combine in middle with 8/9 and 2/3. do not get in the way of the fullbacks  but work with them to support and combine 
•  Fullbacks must read and understand the game to consistently position and reposition themselves in attack and defense (One moves higher, the other one can stay to create a back three in case of a counter). 
• 7/8/11 maintain triangle shape and rotate it as the ball moves for more flexibility and passing opportunities through central channels.

Attacking Corner

1 - short with a quick deception by same side fullback and midfielder. If opponent sends 1, the server overlaps the short player and takes ball for shot on goal. If opponent sends 2. play is scubbed for.. 

2- ball into box. for this. ball must be aimed towards the far post. Our attackers must be ready to make the run into the zones close to the far post. Our attackers must start the run from the edge of the box to make the attacking corner kick unpredictable and more dynamic.

Note: Our 9 must be in front of the goalkeeper to block his view. No foul. Move and block keeper view and movement.

3- stack - line up singlefile at top of "d" with 1st player in stack going left, 2nd right and alternating each player. Key here is timing. Once server raises hand, team is ready and as he hits ball to far post THEN you break onto the ball. TIMING IS EVERYTHING here 

Attacking Free Kick

Our free kick taker must always has 3 options:

1. Direct precise shot on target

2. Opportunity to connect a cross with teammates far post

3. Opportunity to pass to wide channel player

If our free kick is far away from the opponent's goal, our kick taker must think about two decisions:

1. Play in short to conserve ball possession

2. Play long precise pass to jump the defensive lines