Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): U14 Session 8: Drill - Crossing using FB & WMF

Organisation (5 mins)

Organisation

Split players into two teams - 9 red and 6 blue.

Red team to play 2-2-3-1 - in effect, normal (4-2-3-1) set up but without CB's.

Set up on a half pitch with goals at each end. Create channels using cones on each side of the pitch and instruct players crosses must be made from within channels. Blue players cannot enter channels.

Play to start with red GK on each occasion.

Red team to be coached.

Blue team to be instructed to seek to score within 10 seconds of gaining possession.

Play always resumes as set up above, with blue attacker marking Red No.6, 2 x Blue MF and Blue CB's marking Red CF 9 and attacking MF No.10.

Aim

To utilise LB/RB in order to cross the ball to the Red 9 and Red No.10, with Red WMF assisting LB/RB as necessary.

Unopposed to begin, and then introduce the blue players after 2 mins play.

Coaching Points

Movement of lone striker, 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;

Effect LB/RB (5 mins)

Effect the LB/RB

High & Wide to begin.

Trigger - 'Go to Show' to create space to receive the ball - and to act as a trigger for GK to know you are looking to receive the ball.

Receive the ball on the front foot - opening body - being able to see as much of the pitch as possible.

Options - If the pitch ahead is clear, can the LB/RB attack the space?

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?

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

Can the LB/RB cross from the touchline?

What type of cross? lofted? driven?

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

What if the striker and CMF 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 compact.

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

Effect Opposite WMF (5 mins)

NOTE if the LMF supports the LB, and the LB seeks to cross the ball into the box, the MF will be unbalanced and vulnerable to a counter attack upon possession being lost. Therefore, after supporting the LB, the LB should return to a central position - otherwise, the RMF will have to provide cover instead of covering the back post area.

Interplay between FB & WMF (5 mins)

The Underlap

Instead of the FB attacking the wing, can the FB cut in?

If so, what should the No.11/7 do? Role switch - No.11/7 go wide and FB cuts inside.

This creates numerous options for the FB.