Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending central areas

7v7 defending central areas in a midblock (30 mins)

Coaching the red team.

organisation:

the game is played on a central pitch using the width of the box with a goal at each end

this game requires 14 players

and will be played using the 7v7 format using proper restarts when the ball goes dead throw-ins etc.

Gear Required:

• two sets of 7 same coloured bibs 
• two goals 
• 12 cones 
• 6 footballs 

planning and explanation: 

green team objective: The green team must play a square pass from between the 3 and the 2 to establish possession. they must look to build-up play through midfield and score in the red team's goal.

red team objective:  Defend the goal by being set in a compact shape and pressing in the right moments. when the ball is won look to score in the green goal.

red team formation 1-2-3-1

run through the shape of both teams on the tactic board 

orientation:

• allow both teams to play to ensure they understand the objective of the game 
• make sure the green team are in their shape and understand and is trying to achieve their objective.

• look to defend in a compact shape 
• 7 looks to block and screen passes into the green 4 
• the unit shifts across as the ball moves across the pitch 
• the midfield line should stay connected with no big gaps between each other 
• the two CB should hold an offside line about 15 yards outside the box
• the goalkeeper's starting position should be out on the penalty spot to help defend any long through balls 
• the whole defensive unit should be compact vertically and horizontally 

• our trigger to press is when one of the green CB progresses with the ball bast the two poles.

• 7 presses at an angle to lock play on one side of the pitch 
• as the 7 presses the ball the other red player should shift over to the ball side and squeeze up with him
• the 6 should cover the 7 and block the passing lane to the green 6 
• the 4 should protect the space behind the 7 blocking the passing lane into the 7 but ready to press the green 4 if the ball is played to him 
• the 5 should link in with the midfield unit staying compact and shifting across with the unit 
• the 2 CB should close the gap between them and the midfield line so there is no pocket of space for the 7 to receive a pass

• when the ball is won by the reds they should look to transition quickly exploiting the space left by the greens after the possession loss.

• when play is stopped to highlight a coaching point recreated the same situation after you demonstrate the coaching point.
• let both teams play to see if you can highlight the coaching point introduced in the learning phase with positive reinforcement 

• split the group into both teams
• ask the questions in a logical sequence 7 first 
• ask open-ended questions about the points used in the learning phases. how did you do that? and why?
• ask for feedback 
• say well done