Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): OUT - General Session - Out of Possession, Defending the Final Third

Specfic practice (25 mins)

General Session - Out of Possession, Defending the Final Third
 Principles Of Play / Out Possession

"Understand when and how to minimize space, deal with crosses/shots & protect space centrally in the defensive third"

• 30 x 30yard pitch for more intensity.
  
• One main goal.
  
• Two mini goals.
  
• Two teams of 8 players.
  
• Defence (yellows) set up for a defensive back 4, two of which are wingbacks ready for counter attack,  with one player further up the pitch again ready for a counter attack.
  
• Coach positioned ready to play fresh balls into play.

Timing:

• 20 minutes.
• 1 minute intro/demo
• Break at 9 minutes for 2 minute break with terminal feedback.

Explanation:

• Blue team look to attack and press high up the pitch. Aim to score = 1 point.
  
• Yellow team are narrow and compact and as soon as they win possession they either look to use the wingbacks to move at pace up the pitch, or they look to find the furthest player up front then quickly support using wingbacks overlapping/overload.
  
• Yellows press intensely, getting close to attackers.
  
• Yellows aim to hit on counter and score in mini goals = 2 points.

Conditions, Challenges & Targets:

• Time limit for defence to win the ball back.
• Time limit for defenders to score when winning back possession, aggressive counter attacking

Key Points:

Defence:

• Protect the middle.
  
• Press with pace, intensity and aggression.
  
• Manage/stop crosses.
  
• Work as a single Unit to protect the space and influence the opponent's direction.
  
• Defend with an attacking mentality - look to break at pace and put opponent on back foot.

Attack:

• Move the ball quickly towards the Final Third, pace, fewer touches, looking to pass forwards, lots of movement to create/find spaces Ball speed.
• Use width & depth.
  
• Create space & movement to reach the final third quickly,