Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): U14 Session 8: SSG - Crossing & Finishing using FB/WMF and No.9 & 10 (Start Time: 2016-03-04 18:05:00)

Initial Layout

Organisation

Split players into two teams - blue - 9 & red - 7 (both teams to include a goalkeeper).

Red team to play in a 2-3-1 formation.

Blue team to play in a 2-2-3-1 formation.

Blue team to be coached.

Two goals, placed 70 yards apart - use the whole width of the pitch;

Condition Red team - when in possession, have only 10 seconds to try to score;

Condition Red attacker - must play high on No.6;

Red team to try to push attacking LB/RB into wide channels.

Instructions

Blues to be encouraged to play the ball out from GK via high and wide LB/RB.

LB/RB to be encouraged to engage in combination play with wide MF - overlaps and underlaps, in order to get into a position to cross the ball to the two strikers.

Blue team to be conditioned to only be able to score from a cross.

Coaching Points

Movement of CF, No.10 and opposite WMF into the box;

Type of cross;

Where to deliver;

When to deliver;

Who crosses;

Where and what does the full back do?

Balance attack and defence;

Driven cross to near post = 1/2 goal - Guardiola!

Effect the LB/RB (10 mins)

Effect the LB/RB

High & Wide to begin.

Trigger - bump back and sprint forward to create space to receive the ball - and to act as a trigger for Gk to know you're looking to recveive the ball.

Receive the ball on the front foot - opening body.

Options - If the pitch ahead is clear, can the LB/RB run with the ball into the opposing half?

If the LB/RB is marked - return the ball to the GK and try the other side of the pitch?

Can the WMF assist by providing an outlet for an overlap/underlap - keeping wide?

Where should the LB/RB cross from? in line with the edge of the area - No - at least inside the 18 yard line;

Can the LB/RB cross from the touchline?

What type of cross? Aerial or low? drilled or lofted?

Where should the ball be delivered? between the 6 yard box and penalty spot? Behind defence for Strikers to attack? Near post? Far post?

What if the strikers are closely marked? Can the WMF provide back up for a pull back and the WMF then get the cross in?

Effect the Defensive Unit

If RB is attacking - where should the LB position himself? Move across and keep defence balanced in the event of a counter attack - in line with the far post - but ready for a switch of play.

Defensive Unit should push up the pitch to close down gap between MF and Defence.

Effect No.9 & 10. (10 mins)

Effect Strikers

Movement - what is the trigger point? Defender making his run to touchline and just about to cross the ball.

Whereabouts should movement take place? Keeping on side and from edge of area. Not too wide - otherwise will take the LB/RB or WMF space - channel to attack should be width of the goal.

What movement? Can the Strikers swap positions to confuse the defence? One striker move towards near post, the other back off and make a run to the back post? How will know which movement to follow? Communication with each other - trigger words - 'Swap'; ;'You take front';

Where are the strikers looking to attack? Space behind the defence? Space around edge of 6 yard box.

Should entry be staggered? or in unison?

Strikers need good body shape and footwork to prepare for clean contact.