Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): OA3 - Breaking Lines - In Possesion v3

Specific

Pitch geography for Specific is as follows.

Pitch area is defined by a full size pitch appropriate for the age of the players. The specific area runs from the edge of the penalty area at each end. Using the width of the penalty area, there are cones limiting the space. At each end are two sets of flat markers creating equal size squares that sit along the width of the pitch.

Two full size goals are required, one at each end.

The red team are for the purposes of this practice the ‘defending team’ and will be managed only. The blue team are the attacking team and will be coached as individuals, units and a team.

Players

- Red defending team is GK, 2 x CB, 2 x holding MF, 1 X CAM and 1x CF. They are set up in a 4-2-3-1. They will operate with a midfield triangle. They will have 7 players for the whole practice. From the defending team we have removed the RB, LB, RW & LW.

- Blue attacking team is a GK, 2 x CB, 1 x CDM, 1 x RM, 1 x LM, 1 x CAM and1 x CF. They are set up as a 4-1-3-2. The midfield is set up to operate as a diamond. They will have 8 players for the Specific session. From the attacking team we have removed the LWB,RWB and the second CF

The restriction on width of the pitch and the removal of the wide players is designed to increase repetition and the focus on trying to break lines through and around. The player numbers have been designed to allow the Blue team a numerical advantage and promote better chances of success – giving the defensive team an increased challenge.

Targets/Conditions/Challenges

Balls are situated at each end by the goals and the practice will be started each time from this position.

Targets:

Aim of the game is for the blue team to try and break the lines of the red team to score. If they do by playing around or over, it's worth 1goal. If they score by playing through it's worth two goals. The red team have a goal to play towards should they take possession of the ball and keep it live on the pitch.

Conditions:

Play must reset after each possession unless the Reds win the ball back in active play at which point play continues. The Red team must reset to their start positions to create the right shapes.  

Offside rule to be played to ensure it is game realistic.

No throw ins. If the ball goes off the pitch either for a throw in or corner we reset.

In the Specific, both sets of CB must stay in the squared areas. No players, other than the opposition CF can enter the squared zones. The GK must, at first, play into the CBs to start the practice.

Coaching position

Best coaching position for the Specific is on the centre line side on so both the attacking lines can be seen on, around and away from the ball. Second coach to be utilised to ensure discipline in the reset of the defensive team and encourage certain patterns to aid creation of problems for the blue team

Principles of play

The core principle of breaking lines is the understanding of when and how to play through, around or over the opposition.

Problem 1 - High Press

Problem 1:  Red team press high up the pitch and put quick pressure on the ball.  Red CF leads the press putting pressure on LCB and the ball.

 

Solution:  CBs must receive the ball on the back foot.  The two wide MF players then must create width to a) offer the option of playing 'OVER' to beat the high press by creating space in behind the advancing defence b) to create space in the MF for the CAM s to find pockets on the half turn and play through. If the Reds see the CAMs coming to receive and can get quick pressure on the ball, the CAMs have the option of playing back to either the CBs or the GK to release the longer pass through the line or if they can turn, look to combine with the CF to release the wide players in behind to penetrate

Problem 3 - Protect the centre

Problem 3: Central protection by the Red defence 

 

Solution:  If the Red team defend narrow with a midfield diamond playing through is going to be very difficult.  There will be an option to break lines over, switching play with diagonals from right to left or viceversa.  However, the alternative is for the blues to use the CDM and CAM as interlinks to move the ball in and out of the central areas, despite the congestion.  This will retain the space out wide for the LM and RM to exploit.  it will require the right scanning and movement from the MF in order to receive and play forwards.

 

The Red CF will cut off the GK after the RCB receives the ball.   The RCB would naturally here play into the RM but the blue CAM is moving in order to find a pocket inside and receive with the ability to open his body and find the CDM who can get the LM into and advance area.  If the Red defence don't shuffle over the ball can go from the RCB to the RM and the CF will then need to play off the shoulder, either to find an early run inside and score, or to combine with the RM to create and overload.