Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Prevent Scoring Opportunities and score with Transition to Attack

1v1's to 2v2's (15 mins)

Method:

Coaching Points:

1v1Defending to goal (10 mins)

Activity Objective:

1v1 Defending

Activity Duration:

10 minutes

Activity Intensity:

Low

Work:Rest Ratio:

5-10 seconds work in 1v1- 30-40 seconds rest (1:4)

Organization:

Area set up in center offield (where action would likely be)

Play starts with passesbetween teammates. On the coaches call, one player is called by name. Theplayer in possession of the ball immediately goes towards goal and attempts toscore on the goalkeeper. The player not in possession (defender) tries to winthe ball back and clear the ball / go to goal themselves.

Progression / Adaptation:

Counter player can go togoal to score if ball is won (player who plays pass can become defender)

Play 2v1 to 2 goals(forward has to think of position to cut off pass)

Coaching Points &Details:

Consider speed ofapproach - meet player higher or defend the goal?

Angle of approach to cutoff option of goal (push to outside in game)

Body and foot position toensure ability to adapt (avoid planting & square)

Ability to intercept orwin ball to counter (read heavy touches)

Common Language:

Confront, Angle, Win ball

9v9 game

Method:

Coaching Points:

Attacking team: 1-2-3-3 formation - get at the opposition. Provide width, depth, length, expansive shape in possession, penetrate on passes and runs.

Defensive team: 1-4-3-1 formation - make it compact, keep it compact, confront the opposition. Closest to the ball, press the ball. Look for the cues to press: head down, bad first touch. Look for the counter (target) to goal. 

Activity Objective:

Opportunity to play 9v9 - rotate players and see in different positions

Activity Duration:

2 x 8 Minutes Halves(2-3 Minute HT)

Activity Intensity

High

Work:Rest Ratio:

-

Organization:

Play 3/4 length field.

Play a 1-4-3-1 formation (defending) versus a 1-2-3-3.

Progression / Adaptation:

Change formation andpress with 2 (4-4-2) - 11v11

Coaching Points &Details:

Discuss potentialtriggers and why these may be chosen (weak opponent, size of field)

Emphasize not onlywinning the ball but also the opportunity to counter to score

Be mindful of intensityof 9v9 - manage players accordingly

- Line of confrontation for the #9 - reference point is the centre circle for the defensive block organization.

- Lock on to an opponentwhen out of possession.

- Stay goal side and ballside when out of possession.

- Set triggers for whento initiate confrontation - may not be line but could be pass to one player(CB)

- Angle and speed ofapproach from defender.

Connection behind (#7,#10, #11) to limit options for player on ball and deny ball penetration andprogression

Ask FBs to come inside onoccasions to change the scenario and decisions from #7/11

Common Language:

Confront, Create