Football/Soccer Session (Advanced): Attack - Incisive play in attacking 3rd

Rondo

Rondo:

Set up 2 x 10x10m area | Bibs | Balls | Cones

Play 4v2 / 5v2 possession

Defenders stay in if attacking players make:

- 15 consecutive passes 

- 3 x split passes

If attacker loses possession, that person and the person to their left become the new defenders.

Notes:

- support player on ball either side and in front with good movement 

- Weight of pass

- High level of communication

Position Game #1

Set Up

Half Pitch area | 2 x Full Size goals | Cones | 12 x Footballs | 16 x Bibs (4 colours)

- 3 teams of 4, bibbed accordingly

- 2 neutral players

How to Play

- 4+GK+Neutrals vs 4 in one half of the area

- Play starts with the coach passing to the attacking team

Attacking team (red)

- Team in possession make at least 3 passes before attempting to play an incisive pass between mannequins (no dribbling through)

- Only the attacker plus one team mates can finish the attack when ball is played through

- Attacking team can use their GK and wide players in the build-up (7v4)

- Once a goal is scored or the ball has gone out, play restarts with the other team attacking

Defending team (blue)

- Prevent opposition from playing through.

- Attempt to win possession in opposition half and quickly score!

- Defenders can not recover if ball is played through

Back 4 (black)

- Prevent the ball being played through

- Must stay in your zone 

- If you intercept, attack! Support counter attack - player with the ball can join the attack. 

Progression

- allow defenders to recover: 1 x def = 2 x att | 2 x def = 3 x att | 

- defenders can only recover once ball is played (no waiting in def half)

Details

Receive to play forwards on minimal touches

Timing & angle of incisive runs

Attackers within the width of the goal for crosses (at least three in box)

1st time finishing, low and corners

Timing / angle of incision run and pass

2nd ball and rebounds

GT - coaching points

Striker #9

• Stay high & stretch the defense – Pin the center-backs deeper to create space for midfielders.
• Vary movement – Mix short movements (dropping between the lines) with sharp runs in behind.
• Use blindside runs – Stay on the defender’s shoulder and time your runs to break the last line.
• Occupy gaps between defenders – Look for space between centre-backs or between a CB and fullback.
• Be a focal point – Shield the ball under pressure to allow teammates to join the attack.
• Quick layoffs – Play one-touch passes to midfielders or wide players to unbalance the block.

• Stay high and wide to stretch the defense.
• Mix inside runs and wide positioning to stay unpredictable.

• Attack with pace & intent—commit defenders.
• Use quick changes of speed & direction.
• Mix dribbling angles—cut inside or go wide.

• 1-2s & give-and-go’s with fullbacks/midfielders.
• Switch play quickly to attack weak areas.

• Use low-driven crosses & cutbacks—more effective than lofted balls.
• Be unpredictable—fake shots or delayed passes can open space.

• Make diagonal inside runs to disrupt defenders.
• Time late runs into the box for cutbacks

• Press / support press immediately after losing possession.

• Stay between lines to receive on the half-turn.
• Rotate & interchange with teammates to pull defenders out.
• Drop deeper at times to draw out pressers and create space ahead.

• Quick, sharp passing to shift the block.
• Use disguised passes (outside of foot, no-look) to break lines.

• Drive forward with the ball when space opens up.
• Look for through balls behind the defense.
• Make late runs into the box for cutbacks or rebounds.

• Bounce passes & wall passes with wingers/forwards to open gaps.
• 1-2s & layoffs to accelerate attacks.
• Overlaps or underlaps to create numerical overloads.