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Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending final 1/3 7v7

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FAW Coach Ed

Emile Therrien

Profile Summary

Emile Therrien
Name: Emile Therrien
City: St. Johns, FL
Country: United States of America
Membership: Adult Member
Sport: Football/Soccer
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Description

Organisation (Practice Layout & Transition)

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Specific Practice

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Specific Practice
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Specific Practice (10 mins)

Specific Practice (20 mins)

Theme: Defending the Final Third (7v7)

Working with: Blue Team

Duration: 20 minutes

Set-Up:

  • Use one third of a full-size pitch (defensive third only).

  • Full-size goal with GK at one end.

  • Use flat markers to divide pitch into vertical thirds: Left / Central / Right.

  • 7 outfield players + 1 GK 8 (total).

Red Team (Attacking):

  • 4 players: 1 CM (#8), 2 Wingers (#2, #3), 1 Striker (#9)

  • Aim: Break down compact defensive block and score in full-size goal.

Blue Team (Defending):

  • 4 players: GK, 2 CBs (#4, #5), 1 CM (#6)

  • Set up in a compact 2-1 block.

How It Works:

  • Red start with ball in central area just outside final third, with the 8

  • Red aim to penetrate and score in full-size goal.

  • Blue work on maintaining a tight defensive block, delaying attacks, and forcing play wide or backwards.

  • Red have 20 seconds per attack to keep tempo high and realistic.

Problems and solutions:

#1 - When Red plays with one #9, who is marking R9, and runs from R8.

 -One Blue CB B4 or 5 must mark single R9, B6 must cover R8.  Leaving other Blue CB to cover.

#2 - if  R7 come to the inside channel and R8 overlap.

 -B6 must track R8, while B5 presses R7.  B4 slides over to cover centrally.  

Key Conditions:

  • Blue cannot step outside the final third (marked by small cones on the touch line for reference)— encourages deep, compact defending.

  • Red can use width and central overloads to try and break down the block.

  • If Blue win the ball, they must pass into mini-goals on halfway line within 5 seconds to simulate a breakout.

Progressions:

  • Timed Arrival: Allow one Red CM to join from deep after a 3-second delay – Blue must react to the extra runner.

  • Red Switch: Red must play through at least two zones (e.g., Left to Central) before attempting a shot – Blue must shift laterally as a unit.

Coaching Points:

  • Compact Shape: Units must stay tight vertically and horizontally – deny central space.

  • First Pressure: Closest player must press with purpose – body shape to show play wide or backward.

  • Cover & Balance: Players behind the press must adjust shape and distances to protect gaps.

  • Clear Roles: CBs communicate with FBs and CMs to manage marking and second balls.

  • Mentality: Focus, bravery, and resilience to block shots, cut passing lanes, and clear danger.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Small Sided Game

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Small Sided Game
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Small Sided Game (10 mins)

Small Sided Game (15 mins)

Theme: Defending the Final Third

Working with: Blue Team

Duration: 15 minutes

Players: 8 total (4v4)

Set-Up:

  • Use half a full-size pitch.

  • Full-size goals and GKs at both ends.

  • Allow free play but focus is on defending when Blue are in their own third.

Red Team (Attacking):

  • 1 CMs, 2 Wingers, 1 Striker

  • Aim: Break down compact block and score using quick combinations and width.

Blue Team (Defending Focus):

  • GK, 2 CBs, 1 CMs, 1 Striker

  • Aim: Defend compactly in the final third and counter upon winning possession.

How It Works:

  • Normal 8v8 game rules apply.

  • When Blue are in their own defensive third, their priority is to maintain compact shape, delay attacks, and protect goal.

  • If Blue win possession, they counterattack with support from their striker.

Key Conditions:

  • Red can only shoot from inside the final third, encourages compact defending.

  • Blue must get a minimum of 3 passes to score in transition, promotes composure and decision making.

Progressions:

  • Overload Attack: Red allowed to send an additional CM forward (creates 8v7 in attack), tests Blue’s ability to stay disciplined and delay effectively.

  • Crossing Focus: Red must deliver a cross before finishing – forces Blue to defend the box and react to second phases.

Coaching Points:

  • Zonal Marking Discipline: Defend the space, not just the man, don’t get pulled out of shape.

  • Protect the Box: Prioritise central protection, especially between the posts.

  • Pressure on the Ball: Don’t allow free shots or crosses, pressure must be applied early.

  • Clear First Contact: CBs must be aggressive in attacking the ball, especially in crossing situations.

  • Mental Resilience: Encourage blocks, tackles, and second-ball recovery as key wins.

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