Football/Soccer Session (Advanced): Session 3 - Playing through the thirds to embed playing philosophy (Start Time: 2021-09-02 19:30:00)

Practice (10 mins)

The pitch is split off into 2 zones. There is a full size goal at each end and within each zone there are two smaller goals facing the goals (to represent the 7 and 11).

The first area is set up as a GK + Back 4 playing against a Front 3. The defensive team (Reds) with the primary unit consisting on the 2, 3, 5 and 6 must make 5 passes before they can shoot into one of the side goals. If the Blues gain possession in this half they must score as quickly as possible.

In the second area the pitch is set up as a Midfield 3v3 + GK. They also have a ball and the Blue Midfield must make 5 passes before they can score into the side goals. If the Reds gain possession in this half they must score as quickly as possible.

Coaching note: Remember to enforce principles of play!

Key coaching factors

• Awareness of own receiving situation and location of other support players. 

• Movement to recieve: - Intelligence to enable the receipt of the ball.

• Quality of first touch: - To control. - To release the pass.

• Speed – accuracy of passes: - 1 touch, 2 touches etc. - Which player? - Where: feet and space?

• Support and movement after releasing the pass.

• Passing in stride

Progression 2 (10 mins)

Finally, the rule adaptation is added to both halves of the pitch. If the Blue Midfield manage to make 5 passes and play into their Front 3 then the Red Back 4 must score in the side goal before the player in possession can help defend.