Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Building Thru Half Spaces

Screen 1

2v1 into 3v2 – Breaking Lines and Creating Overloads

Setup: 40x30 yards

• Zones: Divide the pitch vertically into thirds (Left half-space, Central zone, Right half-space) using flat markers or cones.

• Goals: Use a standard goal or mini-goals depending on player age/level.

Time: 25 minutes (5 min intervals with progression)

• Initial Shape: Reds begin with two players in possession (in central zone) vs 1 Yellow defender → 2v1.

• 2  Reds are positioned in the half-space (wide zone), waiting →3v2

• Behind them are two Yellow defenders ready to defend if the ball breaks the first line.

Rules 

Round  1: 

• Reds play 2v1 to break the line.

• Once they do, the third Red (in the half-space) joins the attack = 3v2.

• If Yellow wins the ball, they counter quickly to score.

• No restrictions for either team.
  

Round  2: 

• Yellow defenders must stay in their zones (e.g., central only) until the line is broken.

• Encourages Reds to identify when to break lines without pressure recovering.
  
  

• Round 3: 

• Yellow defenders can now recover into the 3v2 phase after the line is broken.

• One additional Red (from behind or side) can join the attack to maintain overload or support transition.

Coaching Points:

• Create 2v1 Situations:Use intelligent positioning and movement to overload one side of the field.

• Passing Angles:Constantly shift to receive between lines with minimal pressure.

• Body Shape:Stay open to allow forward play and quicker decision-making.

• Forward Play:Prioritize forward passes and support with forward runs to connect with the highest player.

• Central Combinations:Encourage vertical and horizontal combinations through the middle

Screen 3

7v7 – Half-Space Focused

Dimensions: 40 x 40 yards
Objective: Improve decision-making, exploitation of half-spaces, and transition play using small-sided game dynamics.

Setup

• Field Size: 40 x 40 yards square

• Format: 7v7 total — includes locked players and jokers

• Zones:

  • Central Zone: 5v5 (free movement)

  • Two Half-Spaces (wide vertical channels):

    • 1v1 in each half-space

    • 1 joker (neutral attacking player) in each half-space — creates 2v1 when in possession

Locked Players:

• Each team has 1 locked player in each half-space — stays within their assigned channel

• Jokers operate only in the half-spaces and support whichever team has possession

Scoring Rules:

• Goal scored from inside the central area = 1 point

• Additional scoring rules apply depending on the round (see below)

Round 1: Free Play (3 min)

• Let players explore and adapt to the structure naturally

• Minimal coaching — observe how they use the half-spaces and exploit numerical advantages

Round 2: Incentivize Half-Spaces

• Goals scored via the half-space (i.e., final action originates from a half-space) = 2 extra points

• Emphasize use of 2v1 situations in the half-spaces

• Encourage combinations and entries from wide channels

Round 3: Switch Play Challenge

• Objective: Transfer possession from one half-space to the opposite one and then score

• Successful sequence = 3 points (must involve both half-spaces and end with a goal)

• Focus: scanning, switching play, stretching opposition shape

Coaching Points:

• Create 2v1 Situations:Use intelligent positioning and movement to overload one side of the field.

• Passing Angles:Constantly shift to receive between lines with minimal pressure.

• Body Shape:Stay open to allow forward play and quicker decision-making.

• Forward Play:Prioritize forward passes and support with forward runs to connect with the highest player.

• Central Combinations:Encourage vertical and horizontal combinations through the middle