Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Three Zone Activity

Numbers Up Final 1/3

Set-Up:

- Pitch of 45yds x 25yds with a 5yd transition zone, play 3v3+2+GK's as shown above. If you don't have two keepers, play to mini-goals OR target players. Change up how neutrals are added. Does one join the attack? Does one play forward but the off neutral joins the attack?

*  Check the options below, not all of them are listed!  *

Activity Variations:

Part 1: GK starts with the ball. 2-players must keep away from 1-defenders and play neutrals in transition zone. Two neutrals + 1-attackers in attacking zone v defenders. IE, 3v2 to goal. If defending team wins the ball, neutrals return to transition zone.

Part 2: As above, but now 1-players from defending area can join in the attack once the ball is passed into the transition zone. IE 4v2. If defending team wins the ball, 1-players return to defending area and neutrals return ton transition zone.    

Part 3: As above, but if the defending team can win the ball and immediately play forward into attacking zone to their 1-players, opposing players cannot retreat to defend. Thus creating an immediate 1v1, plus neutrals can join to make it a 3v1 and 2-players from defending zone can join.

Part 4: Make the numbers even on transition moments AND/OR when the ball is played to the neutrals. IE. making this game 6v6+2+GK's if you have the numbers/space.

Part 5: When the attacking team unlocks the neutral to play forward, a defender can now trail the attack, forcing the attacking team to play quicker. 

Topic Ideas in this activity:

1)  Building out of the back.

   - Have a 3v2 with the keeper starting with the ball. Build out to the neutrals, and add a trigger/cue for players to play forward and join the attack.

2) Winning the ball, transitioning to the attack. 

   - When the defensive team wins the ball, can they attack going forward by breaking lines to the players in front of them. Completely taking out the                        defense as soon as possible. Quick counters.

3) Breaking lines

   - Similiar to #2, but being patient on the ball and finding passes that break lines. When the line is broken by a pass, that is a trigger that we are quicky                 going forward and should see a change of pace when attacking.

*This activitiy is a lot of playing but has different triggers for the players to learn. You will see the players adapt and change the game naturally, but let it happen and see what you can add/change to enhance their playing. This activitiy should be more playing for the players but giving them ideas to your topic of choice.*

Observe/Coaching Points:

1) Composure; Are players rushing to pass forward or only when it is on? Do they use the full space to spread out and manipulate defenders? Are there 1st touches on their front foot, looking to play forward?

2) Movement; Is there a willingness and desire to join the attack quickly? Are players predictable in their movement OFF the ball?

3) Creativity; Are players looking to play forward early? Do players play with freedom in the attacking area? Are there overloads created and recognized? Do they create good shooting / scoring opportunities?

Part 2 (Animated)

Set-Up:

- Pitch of 45yds x 25yds with a 5yd transition zone, play 3v3+2+GK's as shown above.

Part 1: GK starts with the ball. 2-players must keep away from 1-defenders and play neutrals in transition zone. Two neutrals + 1-attackers in attacking zone v defenders. IE, 3v2 to goal. If defending team wins the ball, neutrals return to transition zone.

Part 2: As above, but now 1-players from defending area can join in the attack once the ball is passed into the transition zone. IE 4v2. If defending team wins the ball, 1-players return to defending area and neutrals return ton transition zone.    

Part 3: As above, but if the defending team can win the ball and immediately play forward into attacking zone to their 1-players, opposing players cannot retreat to defend. Thus creating an immediate 1v1, plus neutrals can join to make it a 3v1 and 2-players from defending zone can join.

Part 4: Make the numbers even on transition moments AND/OR when the ball is played to the neutrals. IE. making this game 6v6+2+GK's if you have the numbers/space.

Observe/Coaching Points:

1) Composure; Are players rushing to pass forward or only when it is on? Do they use the full space to spread out and manipulate defenders? Are there 1st touches on their front foot, looking to play forward?

2) Movement; Is there a willingness and desire to join the attack quickly? Are players predictable in their movement OFF the ball?

3) Creativity; Are players looking to play forward early? Do players play with freedom in the attacking area? Are there overloads created and recognized? Do they create good shooting / scoring opportunities?