Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Team Training- Deny Phase - Defending the rotation

Screen 1 (25 mins)

TEAM TRAINING: 8v8 (No Goalkeepers)
Blues: 4-3-1-2 (No Center Backs)
Reds (Opposition): 4-4-2 (No Strikers)

Topic: Defensive Principles

Focus: Dealing with wide rotations and First Forward Barrier (FFB)

• Preventing the opposition from playing through by protecting central areas.

• Understanding when and how to stop the switch by forcing play in one direction and leaving the furthest players.

• Upon winning possession, counter quickly with a secure first pass or retain possession and build up with quality and patience.

Organization & Area Size:

• Pitch Size: 60m x 50m (adjustable based on age, ability, and physical demands).

• Game Setup: 8v8, no goalkeepers.

• Duration: 4 x 4-minute periods with 2-minute breaks.

Explanation:

• The opposition must play through, around, or over the defending team.

• If they move into a shaded area, the blues must use this area to prevent a switch of play.

• The reds will occupy two of the three zones to limit space and time for the blues.

• If the reds win possession, they must either counter-attack quickly (coach-managed countdown) or retain possession.

Scoring System:

• Blues' Objective: Score in any of the three goals by playing through, around, or over.

• Reds' Objective: Score from a counterattack within 5-8 seconds or run into the designated zone.

Challenges, Conditions & Targets:

• The red team (out of possession) must always fill 2 out of 3 zones when defending, leaving the furthest player(s) open.

• The red team (in possession) is challenged with scoring from a counterattack within 5-8 seconds.

Blocks & Problems to Solve:

BLOCK 1: Problem 1 - Dealing with Fullback deep or high.
BLOCK 2: Problem 2 - Dealing with Deep Lying (DL) as First Forward Barrier (FFB), Fullback high/Wide Midfielder inside.
BLOCK 3: Problem 3 - Defending against a switch over the top or a pass behind.
BLOCK 4: Random problems from the above three.

• What if: The fullback drives inside, or the center-back steps in with the ball?

Individual Targets:

• 9s/10s: Provide a counterattacking option with at least two players running behind the opposition’s backline.

Key Coaching Points:

Out of Possession:

• Force play wide.

• Defend narrow.

• Keep play predictable.

• Fill two of the three zones.

• Leave the furthest player(s).

• Limit switches of play at the source or after a switch occurs.

• Repair shape if lines are broken or if the ball isn’t won within four passes.

• Recognize when to emergency defend!

In Possession:

• Secure the first pass.

• Quality of runs and double movements.

• Forwards (CFs): Play between CB/FB.

• If opposition counter-presses well, secure possession and build.

Interventions & Coaching Methods:

Coaching Process:

• Concurrent Coaching: Live guidance.

• Walk-Through: Stopping play to explain.

• Terminal Feedback: Coaching at set breaks.

Opposition in Possession:

• Who can switch play?

• Ball speed and weight of pass.

• Exploiting space.

• Expanding the pitch.

• Movement to receive.

• Support