Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): combine to penetrate

combine to target (15 mins)

red on outside play inside two in, they combine to play to other side

white are doing the same

key factors: body shape, timing and weight of the pass, timing of the support run, angle of support

Teaching players how to effectively attack when there is a numbers up situation (3 v. 2) using combinations and tactical cues.

Attacking Objectives * Numerical superiority means to go with speed at defenders * Player with ball attacks first defender and plays him/her out of the game * Becomes 2 v. 1 with last defender

Tactical Cues * Can first attacker find third attacker with long pass? * If pressured, can first attacker combine with second attacker to eliminate first defender Second Attacker (i) Does first attacker need support – where? (ii) Where can I best position myself to exploit 2 v. 1 advantage? (iii) Can I support third attacker if played to him/her?

Third Attacker (i) Can third attacker get behind the defense? (ii) When does third attacker make check run and come back for support?

4v4 to goal (15 mins)

Organization: as shown

Activity 1: keeper plays to opposite holding midfielder. Defenders cannot retreat beyond cones until ball enters that zone. Lose offside rule.

Coaching points: Player should move away from the ball first to influence defender and create space - check to the ball at an angle - glance to see defender - identify space to turn. If defender is tight use arms as "third eye" sit back in and spin off or use fake or feint to turn. Attacker asks 2 simple Q's " Can I turn" and " Can I beat defender on my first touch" Watch for correct shielding technique but only if needed- emphasis should be on face the opponents goal whenever possible.

Can Attacker recognize the numerical advantage on first touch - attack at speed - attack the space behind the defender either in 1v1 or use the supporting player to penetrate . Introduce Wall pass/Overlap/ take over - in each case 2nd attacker should start wide to create space to use, recognize where to support in relation to the ball- in front/behind/beside- correct distance and angle - Include bending runs/diagonal runs - correct timing of runs is essential