Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 4v4+3 Rondo – Central Control for 3-2-3 Formation

FAW Coach Ed

Mike Shrubshall

Profile Summary

Name:	Mike Shrubshall
City:	Cambran
Country:	United Kingdom
Membership:	Adult Member
Sport:	Football/Soccer

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Description

Organisation (Practice Layout & Transition)

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Screen 1

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Screen 1

Objective:

To develop understanding and execution of midfield overloads, quick combinations, and support positioning — mirroring the central 5 (CB, CM, CM, RW, LW) in a 3-2-3.

Duration:

20 minutes

2 x 6-min blocks with 2-minute coaching break
1 x 6-min block with added progression

Setup:

Area: 20m x 20m square
Players:
- 4 defenders inside the grid (e.g., CBs and CMs)
- 3 neutrals supporting (2 acting as inside wingers or advanced midfielders, 1 as a pivot or sweeper)
Use bibs to clearly distinguish teams

Session Structure:

???? Organisation:

4 red players inside attempt to keep possession
3 neutrals (blue) support the team in possession
Teams rotate roles every 2–3 minutes
Neutrals stay on for 2 full rotations to build consistency

???? Coaching Focus:

Principle Coaching Points

Create angles Support player must show to feet, then rotate away after passing

Third-man combinations Encourage pass > set > through

Stay compact centrally Avoid stretching the midfield box

Constant scanning See next pass before receiving

Speed of play Encourage 1- and 2-touch play where possible

???? Progression:

Limit neutrals to 1 touch to encourage quicker decisions
Add “end zones” – if team completes 5 passes, they pass into an end zone to score
Counter-pressing challenge – after turnover, recovering team has 5 seconds to win the ball back

???? Player Roles (Link to 3-2-3):

In Drill Position Match Role Equivalent

2 inside neutrals Attacking mids / inside forwards (LW/RW tucking in)

1 base neutral Central Pivot / CDM

4 active players Rotation of CBs and CMs

Outcomes to Reinforce:

Understanding box midfield shape under pressure
Supporting angles and distances in possession
Using wide players inside to overload midfield (matches your 3-2-3 structure)
Composure in tight spaces

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Screen 2

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Screen 2

6v6 Small-Sided Game – Emphasizing Width in Attack

Objective:

To develop players' ability to use wide areas effectively in attacking situations, promoting width, quick transitions, and creating scoring opportunities through wide play.

Players:

2 Goalkeepers
2 Teams of 6 Outfield Players
- Suggested formation per team:
  - 2 Defenders
  - 2 Midfielders
  - 2 Forwards

Setup:

Pitch Dimensions: 40m x 30m (adjustable based on age and skill level)
Goals: One standard goal at each end
Wide Zones: Mark out channels approximately 5 meters wide along each sideline to designate wide areas

Organisation:

Divide players into two teams of six, each with a goalkeeper.
Mark out wide channels on both sides of the pitch.
The game is played as a regular match with the following condition:
- Condition: Before a team can score, the ball must be played into at least one of the wide channels during the attacking phase.
Encourage players to utilize the wide areas to stretch the opposition and create crossing or cut-back opportunities.

Coaching Points:

Width in Attack: Encourage players to spread out and use the full width of the pitch.
Decision Making: Players should recognize when to switch play to exploit space in wide areas.
Movement Off the Ball: Wide players should time their runs to receive the ball in space.
Crossing and Finishing: Focus on delivering quality balls into the box and making timely runs to meet crosses.
Defensive Transition: Upon losing possession, quickly regain shape and prevent counterattacks through central areas.

Progressions:

Touch Limitation: Restrict players to two touches to encourage quick decision-making.
Mandatory Wide Play: Require the ball to be played into both wide channels before a goal can be scored.
Overload Scenarios: Introduce neutral players in wide areas to create 2v1 situations on the flanks.

Session Outcome:

Players will improve their understanding and execution of wide play, leading to more effective attacking strategies and better utilization of space on the pitch.