Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Midfield and defensive unit work

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Liam Roberts

Profile Summary

Name:	Liam Roberts
City:	Liverpool
Country:	United Kingdom
Membership:	Adult Member
Sport:	Football/Soccer

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Description

This session develops the midfield and defensive units through multi-ball passing patterns and small-sided possession. Players focus on team shape, supporting angles, and ball circulation in the midfield, then apply these skills in a 6v5 possession game where the defensive unit practices pressing, delaying, and covering, while midfielders control transitions and link play from defense to attack.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Technical passing practice

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Technical passing practice (20 mins)

Description - 30 yards x 40 yards
Split players into small groups using flat markers and mannequins.

Groups of at least three start with a ball at the top of the practice area.

Players pass in a set pattern, both directions, using both feet.

Central player receives the ball from the top, then passes to a wide player at the bottom.

The wide player passes to a player at the top on their side, who dribbles into the central starting position. Repeat the pattern.

Use 2–3 balls in play at the same time. Once the first pass reaches the bottom, the next ball can start with the mannequin player.

Coaching Points

Appropriate ball speed to ensure receiving player and can take first touch away from mannequins.

Receive back foot to break lines.

Players should receive driven passes with their body weight going forward and their knee over the ball to keep the ball on the ground.

Progression

Low, driven pass under knee height to the front of the mannequin.

Lofted pass to the chest behind the mannequin.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Directional Possession Game

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Directional Possession Game (20 mins)

Description

Play in a small pitch split into two halves with two mini-goals at each end.

Blue Team (5 players) defends, Yellow Team (6 players) attacks.

One player stays between the two mini-goals at one end to serve the ball to the attacking team at each restart.

Yellow Team always starts with the ball from the server and tries to play through or around Blue Team to reach the opposite half and score in either mini-goal.

Players cannot dribble into the opposite half; they must pass through to a teammate first.

Blue Team defends by restricting passes into their half. If they win the ball, they can attack the opposite mini-goals.

Coaching Points
Stay Compact: Defenders should stay close together to prevent the attackers from playing through the middle.

Read Pressure on the Ball: If the attacker has space/time, defenders should drop back to cover potential threats behind them. If the attacker is under pressure, defenders can press more aggressively to try to win the ball.

Counter Pressure: The team that loses possession should try to win the ball back within four passes.

Force Wide Play: Players near the ball should guide it toward the wings. Once wide, defenders should lock the play, restrict space, and try to regain possession.

Covering Defenders: If one defender presses higher, the other two should narrow and cover the central area to block through passes and force play wide.

Progression

Players can now dribble over midfield line.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): 7v7-11v11

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7v7-11v11 (30 mins)

7v7 - 11v11 depending on available numbers

This practice tests players’ learning from the previous two sessions in a match-like situation.

Each phase starts and restarts with the lead coach throwing in the ball to either team. A support coach on the side can also restart play.

After each block, players review with coaches for a few minutes, discussing what went well and what to improve.

Coaching Points

Stay Narrow & Compact: When the opposition is building in their defensive third, defenders stay close together to block passes through the middle and guide play wide.

Delay Play: If attackers break past midfield into the defensive half/third, defenders should slow the attack, forcing play wide and giving midfielders time to recover.

Block Shots: Midfielders must quickly pressure attackers near the box to block shooting opportunities.

Defend Space Behind: If attackers have time on the ball, defenders hold position or drop back to prevent balls over the top.

If attackers are under pressure, defenders can take a more aggressive stance, ready to intercept passes to forwards.

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