Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): defending the overloads uefa b

Specific session (20 mins)

Defending the overload session – Matchday -2

Pitch dimensions - 52.5x68=3570 /12=297.5m2 - Extensive Practice

RPE 4-6

The red team was set up as 1-4-2-3-1 with a holding midfielder, and the front line taken out.

The blue team set up as a 1-4-3-3 (with a 10) with the fullbacks and CB taken out.

Block timings;

4x4 minute blocks 

3x 1 minute rest blocks 

Equipment;

-13 players

-2 mini goals

-1 11 aside goal

-7 blue bibs

-5 red bibs

-1 green bib

-2 dome cones

-20 footballs

1. In this session, the ball will start with the unopposed centre-back, who will proceed to pass to a 6. At this point, the attacking team aims to score the big goal within their overload.

If the ball is won by the defending team, they aim to score within the 2 wide goals, or by passing back to the unopposed centre-back.

2. Within the first 10 minutes, the attacking team will look to play in wide zones from the central midfielders. At this point, the aim is to work on defending these wide areas, this can be done through the following;

main coach is focusing on defending the play from the wide area.

support coach focuses on defending down the central area.

- The defending team wants to stay compact and defend the box.

- Press on the first touch - Emphasis on running out to the player

- Force the offensive team wide by dictating the game with a closed body position

- How can the defensive line shift in relation to ball position

- Can our CM be ball side and goal side

Starting points

CBs playing the width of the posts.

Full backs at the width of the penalty area.

The 6 starts in line with the centre circle.

Cones on the side of the pitch as a reference of where the defensive line will start.

3. Within the second 10 minutes, the emphasis will be on Protecting the middle areas from being played through. This can be done through the following;

- Coming tighter into central areas - dictate where you may want players.

- Anticipating opposition runs into central areas - can we cover if and when players cover runs?

- Continue to think about body position

- Denying shots - first player out - central midfielders

What ifs:

The ball is played to the wing

the ball is played centrally

if the opposition is driving with the ball

Conditions/ challenges

When the ball is won, can you counter and score in 6 seconds

Players will get rest when going back to their position