Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending with a back 3 and a twin screen

Function

Function

Organisation

Pitch size - Half pitch and width of 18 yard box

Full size goal at one end/two small mini goals at half way line

A blue server at half way line with footballs

Reds (coached) set up with 1-3-2 formation (GK, CB x3, CDM x2)

Blues (managed) set up with 1-2-2 formation (CDM, AMx2, STx2)

Ball always starts with blue CDM at HW line.

Conditions/Challenges/Targets

Managed Blues

Scenario 1) Blues encouraged to work ball and score through central areas initially for double points.

Red Team Coached

Reds to defend goal and limit shots and goal scoring opportunities.

Reds have 8s to score in mini goals at HW line to ensure they have more opportunities to defend and focus on session topic.

Key Defensive Points

- Apply pressure to the opposition - Who, When, Where, How

- Who, when and where is pressure, cover and balance applied

- Remain Compact and Narrow

- Show away from goal

- Communication

- Angles and Distances of support

- Tracking Runners

- Recovery Runs (fastest route to goal)

SSG

Organisation

3/4 pitch

Full size goal at each end of the pitch

Full width in blue atacking half but tapered in defending half from half way line

Red team are coached (3-4-1 + GK; AMs removed)

Blue team managed (2-4-2 + GK; Full back removed)

Extra footballs in each goal to facilitate quick restarts

No Corner kicks. Just goal kicks and throw ins (realism)

Offside rule is applied

Conditions/Challenges/Targets

Managed Blues

Scenario 1 - As with function blues are encouraged to score through central areas (into strikers feet) to earn double points.

Scenario 2 - Blues encouraged to play more directly into wide areas before scoring.

Scenario

1- Blue CM splits twin screen with a pass into striker feet in #10 position

2 - Blue CBs encouraged to play longer direct balls into the channel on the outsides of red CBs.

Coach Reds

- Emphasis is placed on coaching the back three and twin screen to work in unison in order to remain keep good defensive shape

- If reds win possession of the ball they have 8s to score.

Key defensive principles

- Tracking runners, Angles and distances of support, Communication, Pressure on ball (who, how, when,where), Compact and narrow shape, Decision making

Individual roles to start play

GK - Coming off their line when ball is in opposition third to defensive unit up the pitch and to act as a sweeper when necessary.

CB's - As with function, two CB's should being man marking two strikers leaving one CB spare. Remain compact by using six yard box as reference point.

WB's- When defending full backs should tuck in to make midfield compact (between edge of 18 yard box and touchline) but aware of opposition wingers and track winger if he runs inbehind. If the right WB presses the blue wide midfielder then left wing back tucks using the edge of the 18 yard box as a reference point.

CDM's - Closest CDM engages ball whilst the other provides support, cover, and balance.

ST - Striker to work in oppositions half closing down blue CBs at an angle to ensure they play forward at all times.

SSG - What if 2

Scenario 2 - Blue team encouraged to play direct passes into wide channels

Blue ST receives ball in wide channel from a ball over the top of back 3.

LCB (as pictured above) - As the ball is travelling, follow the run of the ST and keep them facing the touchline if possible. DELAY the ST from making any attacking actions whilst your team mates get better defensive positions.

LWB (as pictured above) - WB to track back and provide support to LCB to double up. Must be aware of any run made by their opposing winger.

CB - Provide cover and balance by positioning themselves in line with 6 yard box with an open body position. Can they ensure the other ST is in their eye line at all times. If ball is delivered into box can they get height and distance with their clearance.

RCB - Position themselves near the penalty spot. Needs an open body position to see both ball and the other ST or oncoming midfielders making runs into box.

RWB - Position themselves inside 18 yard box in line with the 6 yard box with an open body position to enable them to see their opposing winger.

CDMs - Both CDM's to track any runs into box made by opposing blue CM's. If a crossed ball is cleared into their path can they be composed and find a positive solution to keep possession.