Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Middle Third Library

Screen 2

Organization: Create a box bounded by the bottom of the center circle and the top of the 18 arc, width of the 18. Two teams of 4 or more. 1 GK (optional, recommended). Coach has all the soccer balls on side. 3v3 in starting play area.

Teach: Do a walk through on defensive positioning and priorities within the box. Objective is to direct ball outwards / away from goal.1) Pressure behind ball. 2) Cover behind pressure to deny a forward pass. Keep ball in front of you until they make a mistake - be patient. 

Play: Red organizes into their shape and starts with ball (pass from coach) and try to maintain possession for 5 passes, then pass to target forward (9) for 1 point. If Blue dispossess, they must complete a pass to their target forward to exit the box, then everyone is released from the box, but must stay within the width of the 18. Blue team forward is trapped inside arc until they receive a pass.

Optional: Add extract attackers & defenders, but always give the attackers a +1 advantage. If a defender does exist, then she must markup on 

Progressions: 2 or 3 touch limit for each team. Allow Blue to immediately counter-attack without passing to forward. Have Blue start with the ball.

Coaching Points: Red - transition / recover to defense quickly (press/cover). Block the passing lanes to the forward (center of field). Communicate. If there is a back-line, they shold also be looking to deny the pass to the forward.

4-4 vs 4-2

Setup: Half field, play to mini-goals. Play 4/3-4 vs. 2-2/3/4 depending on players. 2-touch limit.

Option 1: Ball is played into AM, AM plays back to MFs. What if MFs are blocked? Play out to WB.

Option 2: Ball is played into WM, Pivot to AM. What if AM is blocked? GnG with WB.

Key points: AM and WBs are critical to creating an overload in Middle Third. AM must move to strong side. WB must be ready to run into wide space. Basic patterns: Forward-Back. Inside-Outside. Switch or drop when no options forward.