Football/Soccer Session (Advanced): beach fc ecnl

Technical Warmup.

Semi-Opposed Passing / Defending Practice (Pressure & Cover).

Organization:

Set up playing area as shown.

Instructions:

•The technical warm up exercise starts with a series of passes are played between the players as shown in the diagram with the ball progressing from the practice’s start point. Two passes are played between each pair of players (blues) before the ball is played to the pair next in line. 

• As the ball is played from one player to another, the two defenders (reds) must adjust their defensive positions accordingly. 

• The defenders are to work as a pivot; when one applies pressure (without making an attempt to win possession/tackle), the other must take up a covering position on the appropriate mannequin.

• As the ball changes sides, the two defensive players’ roles – as pressing player and covering player –changes.

• As the ball reaches the end point, the blue players should work the ball back toward the start point using a variety of straight and diagonal passes. 

• As they do so, the two defensive players should adjust their positions accordingly, ensuring that one player is covering the appropriate mannequin. This simulates the recovery runs that centre-forwards might make in a game

• Once they have completed one set up and down the playing area, and returned to the start point, the defensive players change with a pair of blue players, who then become the defenders for the next set.

Coaching Points:

COMMUNICATION 

• The second covering defender, who is generally positioned on a deeper line than the pressing player, should encourage the first defender to press the ball aggressively as it is switched from one side of the practice to the other. 

DECISIVENESS 

• Players should make quick decisions as to which player is best positioned to press the ball as it shifts from player to player. 

• This decision should make it clear that the non-pressing player must take up a covering position behind theappropriate mannequin. 

SHOWING INSIDE OR OUTSIDE

• The covering player should dictate to the pressing player whether they are to show inside or outside.

• This dictates how the pressing player positions themselves. Showing outside would cut off the passing line between the player in possession and the mannequin being covered. Showing inside would cut off a route down the outside.

Specific Session (40 mins)

Key Factors

• Pressing fast
• Being narrow and compact to prevent being played through
• Forcing back
• Communincation
• Protecting space in behind

Opposition Principles

Organisation

• Total time of 20mins
• Area size of 20-25m Wide by 30-40m Long (dependant on age of players)
• 12 players (can be 10 with one at each end, or worst case 8 with no wide players)
• 3 sets of bib, 3v3 within Blue zone
• Common players on outside play with team in possession
• Aim is to move the ball from Zone A to Zone C through Zone B with the minimum number of passes
• Once ball reaches the end zone then recylce back via wide players to the starting zone (allows recovery)
• Between breaks, get a player in each end zone to gather the balls ready to re-start
• 4 rounds in total; 3-4mins per round

Conditions

1. Max two touch for players outside blue square

2. Max of three touches for players inside (unless we are working on them beating a player)

3. No thrown ins

4. If possession is lost, then restart at the end where the ball came from in that phase

Scoring

5 points: if ball is moved from A to C through B in 2 passes 

3 points: 3 passes or more

2 points: if passes requires players on outside

Progressions 

1. Add forward player into defenders zone to put more pressure on CBs when in possession

Block A: Positioning On and Off The Ball

When CB has the ball, the CMs should not be moving towards them as this will close down space. They should look to play as high up as possible (especially the ACM). The two DCMs should be wide. The wide players outside should not be beyond the halfway line - in this session we operate them as FBs

CMs can take passes into feet where they are and therefore need to shield & protect the ball well. They can also push high and then look for passes into the space they have now created (push marker back and move to receive thus creating space)

Block B: Body Shape to Receive, First Touch, First Time Pass

Players need to be on their toes with open body to receive. Are they using body shape to play a quick pass or do they want to receive and take opposition on.

Block C: Passing Angles

Multiple angles

a. Square on = pass back to CBs

b. Sideways outside = pass to FB

c. Sideways inside = looking for option of combination play or seeking pass through

d. 

Block D: Movement of all players and 3rd Man Movement 

a. Can we play to a CM who plays to another CM who then makes that pass forward

Defending 4v4

Organization:

Set up as shown.

Instructions:

This is a six-goal game set up as a 4v4. As a progression from the previous exercises, the players are divided into three teams of four with two teams playing and two teams resting. 

• The focus is geared toward scrutinizing how well the four defenders are able to work as a collective unit to defend three goals. 

• Each time a goal is scored or the ball goes out of play, a new game starts with the attacking team becoming the defending team while the original defending team returns to the starting line to wait their turn to play as the attacking team. 

• The yellow cone & yellow flags represents the restraining line / offside line.

Coaching Points (Defenders):

PRESSURE, COVER AND BALANCE 

• The defending player nearest the ball should apply aggressive pressure by getting to the ball as quickly as possible. The remaining three defenders should take up good positions that allow them to cover and balance but still be aware of the movement of the other three attacking players. They should not find themselves square of the pressing player. 

COMMUNICATION 

• The covering players should provide the pressing player with clear information as to which way they should attempt to force the attackers’ play. This helps the pressing player be decisive and make definite decisions. 

DEALING WITH AN OVERLAPPING RUN 

• Should a defender find themselves in a 2v1 situation –pressing the ball-carrier but noticing an overlapping run– they should prioritise tracking the movement of the runner or blocking the goal. This is a cue for the nearest covering defender to engage the ball-carrier. 

CUTTING OFF PASSING LINES 

• As well as taking up a position from which paths to goal can be blocked, players should also be encouraged to block passing lines to opposition players as they press the ball.

Coaching Points (Attackers):

• The pair of attackers should be encouraged to cross lanes in order to present the defenders with a problem. This tests the defenders’ ability to communicate and remain disciplined.

• Speed of play i.e. ball speed, quick passes, quick movements on and off the ball e.t.c.

• Variety of runs i.e. overlap, under-lap, third-man runs and decoy runs etc.

Progression:

1. 4v4+2GKs.