Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending Centrally, 7v7 in opponents half (mid-block)

Defending Centrally

Method:

• Shape 1-2-3-1 v 1-2-3-1
• Red team start with ball at GK feet, secure possession
• Blue team establish line of pressure for mid-block. Trying to stop Red playing out
• When Blue team win ball, TTA with quick passes, good decisions
• Success for Blues = disturbing Red build up and remaining compact centrally 

Coaching Points:

Explanation:

Tactics board to explain what area we are looking at and why

Orientation Phase: 

Red team moving the ball quickly. Quality of Passing - W, T, D, A, D

1) CH - Drop off when the other CH has the ball

2) 6 - Stay between both CHs and start the movements

3) CAMs - Start high, get between the lines and be hard to pickup

Learning Phase

• Establish line of pressure
• 9&10 swapping positions to maintain press
• Good defensive habits: screen, delay, cover - remember what we are defending
• CM's zonal marking - can you do 2 jobs
• Pressure on ball when central pass is played, no turns for cm's and force ball back
• Triggers to press - when to press, when to recover shape
• Team shifts with ball, no gaps between units
• Patience in defending

• Coach in the flow
• Leading questions
• Maintain shape of both team

Debrief

• Tactics board and show me