Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Building Through Midfield 3-4-2-1

Skill Game

Set Up:

Lead in practice.

5v5+2 with end zones (Could easily adapt to 7v7+2 to increase complexity)

The Game:

Combine with the ball to drag players out of position and play in behind.

To score a point you have to receive the ball in the end zone and go onto score in the goal. Recovering defender and supporting players allowed.

ALLOW driving over the line too

Principles:

Dominate possession

Utilise width and depth in shape

Utilise diamonds

CPs:

Timing of runs

Spinning off on longer ball to recieve set first time from higher player

3rd man runs

Recieving on back foot to play forwards

Awareness

Manufactured Start 1

Set Up:

Ball Start with 4 playing into 5. From here play begins.

We are looking to utilise the diamond Ed refers to when playing out with 5, 6, 7 & 10.

Make sure players start shaped up narrow and as if the ball is central with 4. Dont allow players to start out right anticipating 5 receiving.

PRIMARY Player:

10: Double Movement to create space to receive in the half space (Time run to arrive late)

DONT DROP SO DEEP THAT YOU FALL IN LINE WITH SIDES OF DIAMOND (Lose opp to set) and kill passing lines.

Do I set or turn? CHECK SHOULDERS Depends on jump of defender? Which defender comes? CDM? CB? FB?

If CDM comes? Can I flick into 8 or set to play into 8?

If CB comes? Can I commit the CB to set and play into space behind?

If FB comes? Can I flick (or hold first) into path of oncoming wingback or set to play into this exposed space?

Where is my movement after playing the ball? To spin off and join the attack.

Secondary Players:

7: If ball goes into 10, I need to spin my opposite number to be available for a first time set.

If ball goes into 6, I need to continue my run to get in behind if a channel opens for me. (Maybe the FB and CB committing to jump on 10 opens a channel for me?

6: If ball goes into 10, I need to spin my opposite number to be available for a first time set.

When I recieve the ball, what are my options? Into 9 or 7 who run into space behind? Big switch into 11? Play into 8 who has peeled into opposite side half space?

Tertiary Players:

8: To come inside and effect the opposition single pivot from tracking and marking the 10.

On switch of play - Switch roles with the 10 and become top point of diamond. (Make sure you get there!)

9: Stay on far-side CB to pin this centre back to allow other one to jump on 10. Also allows a more diag ball into you as pass from right side comes in.

Can spin in behind the full back if 10 attracts the FB and our WB is too far away. Be ready to utilise exposed space.

Progression:

Shout 'Switch' - To Force a switch to weaker side to see how players adjust their positioning to carry out the same roles on the opposite side. I.e. how the 8 changes their role and the 11 as examples. To mirror the other side of pitch.

What if? Defenders close space in behind the pressing defender? - Look to switch play to other side (patience).

Midfield 3 change shape and play 2 holding midfielders to man mark our 10s? 10s to play blind side of

holding midfielders and onto back line. Allow wing backs and our 6's more space to play and create overloads.

When switching play to other CB and 11 goes into wide space high? 8 could over/underlap to create 2v1. 9 Stay away and anticipate cross. 6 nearside attack the half space. (A bit like previous picture). Otherwise 11 drop in and create diamond.

Free Play

Free Play:

Just play a game in these shapes.

Buzz Words:

Diamonds: When the diamond shape is there, realise and play into the diamond. Utilising ideas shown in starts.

Spin: Spin off your opposing player to recieve set

1v1s: Recognise 1v1s to play into / to attack defender / to overlap

Retain: Look to work the ball to weaker side and start again

Constraints:

If we struggle to see our pictures naturally:

Diamonds off 10: Bib the coached 10s in another colour - Ball has to be played into them before scoring. If ball lost have to do it again.

Releasing Wing Back: Double goals for scoring from crosses.