Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Barry Town - Playing Through Thirds

SSG

PROGRESSION:-

6 V 7 + 4 Common Players - playing thru 1/3's (20 mins)

Organisation:

Area 36x25 divided in thirds (12x25) to provide the Blue team with reference points for when, where and how they can take up positions to maintain possession and advance forwards through the thirds.

The Blue players are set up with a Goalkeeper and 2 Center Backs (Blue 4 and 5) locked into the defensive third. 3 Central Midfielders (Blue 6, 8 and 10) occupy the middle third, however the Pivot (Blue 6) can move to drop in the defensive third, and Blue 8 and 10 may advance into the final third. Center Forward (Blue 9) can play anywhere in the final third.

The Red players are set up with 1 player in the defensive third (Red 9), 3 players in the middle third (Red 6, 8 and 10) and 3 players in the final third (Red 2, 4 and 5). Red players are not permitted to move out of their designated third to begin with, except Red 8 and 10 who can move between the middle and defensive thirds.

The Green players on the outside of the Rondo play for the team in possession and can move along their line but must stay in their designated two-thirds (Green 2 and 3 defensive and middle third. Green 7 and 11 middle and final thirds).

Objective:-

Blue Team (Attackers): Maintain positions and possession of the ball with the emphasis on playing forward through the thirds and penetrate effectively to the Striker Blue 9, to score in the small goals.

Red Team (Defenders): If the ball is won, maintain possession 7v6 and attempt to score as quickly as possible in the opposition large goal.

Green Team (Support Players): Take up positions to offer passing options and combine with the team in possession, towards their designated goal.

Key Coaching Points:

Movement and timing to create numerical and positional superiority in each third of the pitch

Angles, distances and areas of structure to penetrate effectively and patiently through the thirds

Support play of Central Midfielders and support players (Wide) to provide opportunities to switch play, stretch opposition and make runs from deep to get into goalscoring positions

Decision making of player in possession - penetrate, play around or retain possession

Incorporate principles of playing out from the back, midfield 3 connections and attacking overloads to successfully play through the thirds

Body angle to receive the pass and play forwards

Ability to secure possession of the ball and link up with team mates

Receiving areas of foot or body

Understanding slow and quick play through the thirds to exploit space

Use the 3 passing lines (in front of Defenders, around the Defenders and through the Defenders) to create opportunities to penetrate the opposition and advance forwards utilising the Midfielders

Passing options around, behind and ahead of the ball

Communication