Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): attaking final third ( in possession)

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Attacking final third                                                                         (

Area Setup

•  35 x 45 yards.

•Players: 14 total.

•1 Goalkeeper (GK).

•6 Red players (defending team).

•7 Blue players (attacking team).

•Goals:

•1 main goal for the attacking team to score.

•2 mini-goals for the defending 

Objective

The attacking team (Blue) aims to score a goal by building up play through the center. If the defending team (Red) wins possession, they aim to score quickly in the mini-goals.

Rules and Challenges

1.Time Constraint:

•The attacking team has 10 seconds to score once they gain possession.

2.Limited Touches for Player No. 10:

•The attacking team’s No. 10 (central attacking midfielder) is allowed only 2 touches to take a shot on goal.

Common Problem

•The play becomes too compact in the center, making it difficult to penetrate through the middle.

Solution

•Utilize the wingers to stretch the play:

•Switch the ball wide to create space.

•Deliver a cut-back pass to the No. 10 in the central area for a quick shot.

Progressions

1.Emphasize speed of play to exploit gaps before the defense organizes.

2.Encourage communication and quick decision-making from the attacking players.

3.Add defensive pressure by limiting the time the attackers have to make decisions.

Key Coaching Points

1.Offensive Structure:

•Ensure proper positioning to create passing lanes through the center and to the wingers.

2.Wide Play:

•Encourage wingers to stay wide initially, then cut inside or deliver crosses to the central areas.

3.Decision-Making:

•No. 10 must be aware of space and ready to take a quick shot from a cut-back.