Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Passing/Receiving/Ball Cycling/Defensive Rotation in a 7v7, 321 formation

Screen 1 (15 mins)

This is an exercise adapted from a Pep Guardiola first-team Bayern preseason practice.

Set up three cones in a triangle as shown, approximately 10-15yds apart, and set up 6 players as shown (3 Attackers and 3 Defenders.)

Coach bosses balls, and begins by playing a ball into the center Attacking player (CM).

Upon receiving the ball, the D players shift according to the movements in Screen 2.

The ball is then cycled between the 3 attackers, and the defenders shift accordingly (as shown in the remaining screens).

Continue the sequence for 60 seconds, then A's assume the D's role, while 3 new A's come on. Continue this rotation until everyone has two shifts in each role.

The defending is all passive, as the exercise is used to stimulate the proper defensive rotation.

Coaching points:

-Pass to and receive across body on back foot

-Timely and committed defensive movement. Hard work! Get to your destination!

-"Sprint and surf" (close quickly, then slow into proper defensive stance)

NOTE:

THIS IS NOT A PRESSING EXERCISE. TACTICAL PRESSES MAY DEVIATE SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THESE BASIC MOVEMENT PATTERNS.

Screen 3

When ball shifts right, movement of D's is as shown to provide an arc of pressure, cover and balance.

Screen 5

Ball shifts left