Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): U14 Build-up Play - revised

Through the square (45 mins)

Through the square

Set-up:

Playing area that is 18yds x 18 yds with an 8x8 yd box centrally inside the area.

We have two adjacent areas being used to facilitate 16 players. on the other pitch use 3 defenders in Blue bibs and use Yellow bibs for the other team.

Equipment:

cones/flats, balls, 6 bibs of each colour & 2 different colours.

Description:

Red players have to pass through the middle area to score. The blue players have to intercept to score.

When defenders win the ball back they attempt to score in either of the goals.

BLOCK 1:

Blue players must stay in the middle area while Red players must stay in the outside area

BLOCK 2:

Red players can go into the middle area to receive the ball and then pass or dribble out to score.

BLOCK 3:

1 Blue player can come out the area to try and win the ball.

BLOCK 4:

Players are now free to go where they want. Red team still score by playing the ball through the middle area either by dribbling through, passing through, passing into someone in the area etc. Blue team now score by dribbling the ball out of the big area (must be in possession of the ball to score, can't just kick it out and chase it)

Progression: Asking the defenders to use different tactics (like high pressure, sit deep, 2 stay and 1 goes, etc.), add more defenders, make the middle area smaller, etc.

COACHING POINTS:

Play quickly

Give the player on the ball options (angles)

Minimal touches

Don't force the play

Keep the ball moving

--- After Block 3 ---

Blindside runs into middle area

Making the field big

Getting the ball back quickly if lost

TACTICAL POINTS:

• Be patient in build-up and quick when you get an opportunity. If the defenders get the ball there is a high chance they will score.
• While the attacking team is passing the ball around, they are not using much energy. The defending team will be using loads of energy chasing after the ball. They will then become tired which means a) they will be slower so players will have more time on the ball b) mistakes will be made and gaps left c) if they win the ball then they will be tired meaning they will have less chance of scoring.