Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): YDP_ P6_ Conservation/possession

Animation 2 (15 mins)

Conservation/Possession 2

4 v. 2 in a 15 x 10 yard area playing 3 touch

Adapt size of pitch to the age of the group and its technical level

Possession players may move up and down their respective line, but not enter into the middle – count consecutive passes and reward for through passes. Defenders must play out over any line, thus 2 v. 1 to get out of the middle. Excellent positional training game – wide players play wide and central deep players in the top and bottom spots.

Coaching Points:

• Possession team must use the entire area and maintain their shape

• The ball should be played away from the defenders, using the deep player as needed

• Coach may restrict touches or using 1 foot

• Defenders maintain pressure/support and communicate

• They must deny the through ball

Animation 4 (15 mins)

Conservation/Possession 4

6 v. 3 + 1 in a 20 x 15 yard area playing two touch

Adapt size of pitch to the age of the group and its technical level

In a larger area with more players and more options of play and more pressure.

The outside players are in their playing positions. The Right middlefield and Right defender are positioned on one line and the left sided players on the opposite line. The target attacker and central defender along with the midfielder in the centre form the possession group. The middle 3 defenders play 3 v. 1 in the middle with limited touches

Coaching Points:

• With the additional players, more options become available

• Play can go along one line, in to the middle, up to the top or back

• Constantly change the point of attack

• The three defenders want to remain compact and focus on their shape of pressure, support and cover

• They should deny any through balls and force play that leads to turnovers