Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Rondo #5- 4vs2 - ProActive Passing

Rondo #3 Playing out of the back

An area of 12x12 yds, with 8 players max divided into 2 equal teams. The players used in this 4vs2 are simulating the tactical scenario of playing out of the back and how to combine with each other against a team who presses with two forwards representing a 4-4-2. In this example the CB #5, LFB #3, RFB #2 and HMDF #6 are combining to keep possession of the ball.

The objective is to keep possession within a diamond shape outside/inside the square. This is much more difficult for players because depth perception is required against two players who are pressuring and supporting each other as a unit.

In this example the #5, starts with the ball and passes to the #3 who is closed down by #9, so the ball is played back to #5, who then plays the 3rd line/split pass to the #6. #6 recycles possession to the #2 who moved forward accordingly. (#7/11 are idle players who rotate in for #9/10 to defend)

Teams can rotate into the center to defend as a unit, when they intercept the ball and repossess it by running out of the box with it under control or pass it to a teammate waiting outside of the square (#7/11). (Transition is another element to decision making).

A time limit of 45 seconds within the middle defending and rotate the defenders

Coaching Points:

Dispersal - Use as much of the space available to make the defender run. Create length and width within the square based on the ability to receive and pass the ball quickly.

Angle of Support - always create and maintain a triangle shape.  Open body to see majority of the field (left and right) and receive the ball on your front foot to move.

Distance - make sure you position yourself where the defender can not mark two attackers

Passing - make safe side passes where only your teammate can receive the ball; pass to the foot away from the defender

First touch - is the ability to control the ball in your personal space in front of you

Touch Direction - is the ability to take their first touch away from pressure or eliminate the opponent to link to their next action

Tempo - the pace of the ball means to make the ball travel fast enough not to be intercepted but controllable

Timing - Players off the ball should be anticipating a move to support the player on the ball when the ball is travelling.

Good Position - is where you can receive the ball at your feet but it can not be intercepted

Rondo #3 With Transition

An area of 25x25 yds divided into 2 halves, with 8 players max divided into 2 equal teams. The players used in this 4vs2 are simulating the tactical scenario of playing through the midfield.The objective is to keep possession within a diamond shape inside the square. 

In this example the #6, starts with the ball and plays a 2nd line pass to #8 who plays it back and opens the space between the defenders allowing #5 to play a 3rd line/split pass to #9. Our #9 shows for the ball and plays to #10 and the rest of the players move accordingly.

Transition occurs when the Blue team wins possession by repossessing the ball and making a pass to their teammates waiting in the opposite half.

There is no time limit on the players defending. If the defenders are finding it difficult to repossess the ball then send a third defender in to support leaving only one defender in the opposite half to allow for transition.

The player who gives up possession must always be one of the two defenders to pressure the ball in the opposite half.

Coaching Points: (Along with the points from the previous 4vs2)

Patience - there is no need to always attempt to play the split pass. Play the simple pass

Support - Off the ball the player opposite of the ball carrier needs to show behind/between the two defenders. if the ball is passed to someone else then they create space for another player to show behind/between.