Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Principle Base Specific Practice: Playing out from the back in the build phase.

Setup (20 mins)

Session Plan: Playing Out from the Back – Switching Play in the Build Phase

Practice Type: Specific Practice – Principle-Based

Theme / Topic: In Possession – Build Phase

Matchday -3 (endurance)

3x5 mins (2 mins rest) 

Area:

•  Full width x 45m in length

• Zones:

  • 2 wide channels 

  • 3 mini goals evenly spaced across one end 

  • 1 large goal at the opposite end

Teams and Structure:

In Possession (8 Players):

• Goalkeeper

• Back Four 

• Midfield Three (6, 8, 10)

Out of Possession (6 Players):

• Front Three (9, 7, 11)

• Attacking Midfielder (10)

• Two Pivots (6, 8)

Practice:

• Play starts with the assistant coach feeding the ball into the in possession team.

• The in-possession team must complete one switch of play before attempting to score in any of the 3 mini goals.

• The out of possession team aims to win the ball and counter to the large goal.

• Encourage use of width and central overloads to create opportunities to break lines after the switch.

In Possession Coaching Focus:

Tactical:

• Use of goalkeeper and centre backs to circulate

• Positioning of the 6 and 8 on different lines to connect 

• Timing and movement of full backs to receive on the switch

• Recognition of when to switch vs when to break centrally

• Create and exploit space in wide areas 

Out of Possession Coaching Focus:

• Triggers to press

• Compactness around the ball when pressing

• Preventing central access during build

• Forcing play into a pressing trap to regain high

• Try to build against a high pressing team, attempting to force the ball wide and defend the switch. 
• In possession team have to perform at least one full switch before they can score in a mini goal. 
• Out of possession team must score within 8 seconds of winning the ball. 

• Coaching process
• Concurrent
• Individual
• Walkthroughs
• Individual