Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending the Final Third - In Possession

SSG (10 mins)

SSG

9 vs 9 Small Sided Game

in Possession Team – Red

Set up in a (GK) 1-4-2-1-1 formation (representative of a 1-4-2-3-1)

 Out of Possession Team – Blues

Set up in a (GK)1-2-3-3 formation (representative of a 1-4-3-3)

- Pitch will tapered off (RED wingers & Blue FB’s not required).

Structure:

2 x 4 minute Blocks

- 8 minutes ball rolling

- 2 x 1-minute feedback / walkthrough / coaching process opportunities

Explanation:

The ball will start (and restart) with the attacking (Reds) GK after setting and applying the challenges, conditions and targets for both teams.

Conditions (Continue to coach the time spent on the ball with the defending (Red) team):

1. 7 seconds to score upon winning possession

*Role of Assistant Coach – Manage blues out of POSSESSION

Encourage to attack different areas of the pitch (wide & central) to create problem for Lead Coach coaching in POSSESSION

 Challenges  for blues:

1. Goal from combination play = 1 point

2. Goal from a cross = 2 points

3. Scoring from a cross or combination play after bounce pass with Blue number 9 = 3 goals

Problem 1 - Blue team trying to play football through the middle areas - central penetration.

Solution 1 – Blue to stay narrow when not in possession of the ball. the players to always show outside when ensure on position on the pitch.

New Roles & Responsibilities:

blue ST - Initiate the first press on red CB with the ball – Discuss angle of run & body position – aim to show one way, shadowing a ball into the deep lying Blue CM.

red #10 – Cover and protect – If ball is played into the deep lying blue CM, can you apply pressure / prevent turning on the ball.

CM’s – The twin midfielders to screen in front of the back four and close passing lanes into Blue #9. Ball side CM to support FB.

CB’s – Mark touchlines side on. If ball travels wide and circulates backwards, encourage to ‘steal a yard’, push defensive line up and apply pressure. If there is no pressure on the ball, drop off and protect space in behind to prevent any passes ‘through’ or ‘over’.

FB’s – Tuck in to protect the middle. When ball is on opposite side, narrow up and leave furthest player.

Problem 2 – Red team attack wide areas

blues Solution – KEY COACHING POINTS OUT OF POSSESSION & DEFENDING MECHANICS – REINFORCE…

FB’s –

Importance of body position - Can your chest be facing towards the touchline and look to force the attacking player around the outside?

If beaten 1vs1, quick recovery and desire to win ball back / block cross.

CB’s – Reference points…

Near sided CB, can you provide support to FB and cover space in behind. Between 18- and 6- yard box line as a guide.

Furthest CB – In line with near post. Desire to win aerial battle, put body on line, block shots. Take pride in stopping opposition scoring.

Opposite FB – Tuck in, centre of goal. Desire to win aerial battle, put body on line, block shots. Take pride in stopping opposition scoring.

GK – Command area, get angles right. Take charge of aerial ball. Shot stopping, body on the line.

CM’s – Track blue midfield runners, if drops to outside area, get out to the ball. Press aggressively and block shots.

Potential Interventions

- Concurrent

- Terminal

- Walk Through

- Coaching Process (Observe > Diagnose > Accurately Recreate > Provide Feedback > Player Rehearsal > Play Live)

Reinforce Out of Possession Principles

Reinforce Defending Mechanics