Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Breaking lines 2

Transfer rondo15 mins

Topic

• Breaking lines

Principle

• Movement to receive between lines of pressure

Time

• 4 x 3-minute blocks

Players

• 12

Space/equipment

• 28 yards x 28 yards; balls and flat markers

Description

• This is a transfer rondo that sees a group of 12 players divided into two teams of six and further positioned in groups of three. 
• The playing area is made up of four squares, each of which starts with a group of three players from the same team in them. The ball should start with one group of three in one square. 
• They must look to complete four passes in that square, in a 3v1 against a single defender from the other team, who has sprinted across from the adjacent square to press. 
• If the possession team completes the four passes, they can transfer the ball into the square with the three other players from that team, to earn a point. Now, a different defender from the adjacent square to the new possession square can activate to press. 
• Play continues like this for as long as the possession team has the ball. If a defender wins the ball at any time, they should play out of that square. The coach then feeds a new ball into the one of the squares for the team that was just defending, as they become the possession team. 
• The team that scores the most points in any given block wins.

Coaching points

• Quick combinations: Players should be challenged to use as few touches as possible in possession, to ensure the ball is moving quickly to prevent disruption from the pressing player. 
• Passing angles: Encourage all possession players to constantly look to create new passing angles to enhance switching opportunities. 
• Decision-making: Players should also recognise opportunities to dribble into space to create a chance to switch play, rather than playing a pass.

Directional small-sided game20 mins

Topic

• Breaking lines

Principle

• Movement to receive between lines of pressure

Time

• 2 x 8-minute blocks

Players

• 16, including two goalkeepers

Space/equipment

• 50 yards x 30 yards; balls, 2 goals and flat markers

Description

• This is a directional game played on a pitch with two wide zones defined using flat markers. 
• It is set up as a 6v6 (plus goalkeepers) in the main, central playing area, with one outside player in each wide zone, as shown. These are neutral players and will play for whichever team is in possession. 
• Both teams should attempt to build up and score in the opposition goal. Before scoring, teams must use at least one of the two wide players. 
• These wide players will only have three seconds on the ball before having to pass the ball back into the middle area. 
• The team that scores most goals in each block wins.

Progressions

• In the second block, progress to allow the wide neutral players the opportunity to dribble into the middle area to create an overload for the team in possession.

Coaching points

• Support play: As play is being switched from the wide channels, players should ensure they are creating angles to receive a pass. This can be beneath or beyond the ball. 
• Patience in possession: Players should be challenged to be patient in possession, and wait for opportunities to break lines or switch play. 
• Positivity in possession: At the same time, players should be encouraged to be positive in possession. Coaches should stress the importance of looking to pass or dribble forwards as much as possible when opportunities present themselves.