Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): UEFA B 9) Switching Play - Session 2 4-4-2 Final

Large Sided Game - Switching Play

Organisation/Area Size

2/3rd Field - 75x60 yrds

Field split into 5 channels

229m² per player

Extensive  

Timings: 4x 6 minute blocks - 2 minute rests

Player Numbers: 16 Outfield + 2 Goalkeeper

Target Players: Red Team (attacking team)

Coached Team (Red) - GK, RFB, LFB, CDM, CAM, LM, RM, CF, ST

(Working back from 11vs11 1-4-4-2)

Opposition Team (Blues) - GK, Def 4, 1x Pivot CDM, LM,RM, ST

(Working back from 11vs11 1-4-4-2)

Session Organisation

This large sided game is played in 9vs9 format and continues the learning from the specific practice this allows the attacking team to build on their understanding of the channels they should be looking to occupy within the session. The session will build on the previous practice by adding in the additional threat of a striker for the blue team to play towards, the red centre backs have been added as they will support the pivot player and would be pushed high during matches towards half-way to create a high offside line.

Conditions, Challenges & Targets

• If the red team score and all blue players are in the 3 channels closest to the ball the goal is worth 1.
• If the red team score and blue players are in 4 or more channels the goal is worth 2.
• If blue players score within 6 seconds of winning the ball the goal will be worth 2.

Blocks

Block 1: Problem: The defensive block are staying tight andcompact in their shape and preventing us from playing centrally.

Solution:

• Occupy 4-5 channels as we attack
• Strikers stretching the height of the field - aim to draw defender deep

Block 2: Problem: The team has been forced wide and are playing high and unable to control the ball being delivered in the air.

Solution:

• Wide midfielders looking to expand the space and create the chance to deliver a cutback
• Recognising when to run and using the full width
• Recycle the ball and find the chance to deliver
• Create openings by stretching the defensive team.
• Goals scored while driving through red cones are double

Block 3: When we are delivering the ball from a cross we can't find the attackers due to inaccurate delivery and lack of attackers in the box.

• Looking at when to cross, open up space by occupying 5 channels
• Area of delivery based on openings created
• Movements into the box and increased numbers in key scoring zones.

Key points: 

In Possession (Coached)

Technical Points

• Open body shape to receive
• Looking to make firm passes, inside of the foot, centre of the ball
•  Playing the ball infront of runners
• Softer delivery into space allowing attacker to step onto the ball
• Firm passes, shifting the ball quickly
• Correct passing detail – weight, speed and direction of pass

Additional Points

• Expand the field
• Occupy as many of the channels as possible
• Quick Movement to support the attack
• Stretch play
• Pulling defender out of position to create gaps
• Movement to support
• Patient build up
• Play through, around or over the opposition

Out of Possession ( Not Coached)

Technical Points

• Force direction of play (use of body shape to dictate)
• Scanning for player movement
• Touch tight when pressing using our body to delay the player on the ball

Additional Points

• Protect 3 lanes
• Stay compact
• Gaps between lines no more than 10 yards
• Force players wide and backwards
• Awareness of space in behind and ability to track back
• Leave the furthest player
• Stop the switch